MLA Herb Cox is asking Battlefords residents to continue safety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic as the economy slowly reopens. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Stay the Course

Battlefords MLA echoes Premier’s cautious optimism

Apr 23, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Following Premier Scott Moe’s announcement of five phases to reopen the province, members of the Saskatchewan party are repeating the message of encouragement, partnered with caution.

The Battlefords MLA Herb Cox said it’s a relief to see progress being made towards getting the provincial economy running again since COVID-19 restrictions resulted in mass shut down. Having a slow process, with different sectors reopening over the next few months, is what he believes it the right approach, giving the government options.

“I think that’s going to give us time to assess what’s happening,” Cox said. “If everything is staying positive, we’ll continue.”

Delaying lifting restrictions should prove a gradual test of the Health Authority’s handle on the virus, while giving citizens a pathway back to what life was prior to the pandemic. Cox said each phase provides a check point to reverse course on moving forward if that’s needed to protect the public.

“There’s opportunities for an off ramp to roll it back if we need to,” he said. “Our number one priority is to keep people safe.”

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Getting other elements of health services back running, such as dentistry and optometry, was a key part of the plan. Cox said it’s also important to allow park and campgrounds to eventually open.

“That’s going to be a welcome outlet for people isolated in their home.”

As businesses adjust to reopening, with stringent health safety practices in place, Cox is focused on making sure residents understand the importance of continuing to follow the measures put in place by the province to help flatten the curve of pandemic. He said how effectively the plan progresses will depend on the collective effort of Saskatchewan.

“Every one of us must continue to be safe and go along with what we’ve been doing for the last several weeks.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports