Mayors Ryan Bater and Ames Leslie haven't changed from a cautious tone in addressing residents ahead of the province's second Reopen phase. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Message of caution

Battlefords mayors stress caution ahead of May long

May 15, 2020 | 1:12 PM

Battlefords residents buzzing to get out of the house this long weekend are being cautioned by the mayors.

Mayor Ryan Bater of North Battleford said he’s excited for this weekend, which will see golfers back out on the fairways and boating enthusiasts out on the water. The May long weekend falls just ahead of the second phase of the province’s reopen plan to slowly reverse the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. However, he stressed this is a critical point for residents to continue safe practices.

It’s “a big test of personal responsibility,” he said.

The province has not put dates in place for enacting phase three at this time because it will depend on the success of the first two phases. Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said residents need to be patient and abide by the procedures in place.

“The more we can be compliant, the faster we can hopefully see phase three become a reality,” he said.

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Specifically with golf courses opening today, Bater said everyone should avoid going to tee off if they feel any potential symptoms.

“Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re potentially spreading the virus to somebody else,” he said. “It’s up to each individual player to ensure that they’re not putting others at risk.”

Both boating and golf had some restrictions eased last week. For boating activities, members of two different households are permitted to mingle.

Bater said while social interactions are now permitted, there’s a limit.

“You should be able to write down on a piece of paper who you and those around you have come into contact with over the last two weeks,” he said.

An extensive list of shops will open next week, including personal services like hair stylists and massage therapists. Retail stores including flower shops and shoe stores will be available to the public.

“Our small businesses [need] phase two to go smoothly,” Leslie said. “The economy is fragile, but we need to balance reopening with the same level of precautions and social distancing,”

A way to keep safe is to reach out to stores before venturing out to see if they’re open. Bater said to use the things-that-are-open website.

“So businesses can communicate to the public whether they are open or not,” he said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports