Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and the province's chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab provided an update on the province's COVID-19 ongoing response on Thursday.

Moe announced an expansion of the testing criteria throughout the province as more businesses start to reopen, saying this will lead to an increase in overall testing numbers as a result.

Shahab said the broadened criteria will pay careful attention to those who are caregivers to people with compromised immune systems, the homeless and vulnerable populations.

Testing will also focus on patients restarting paused treatments like cancer care and expectant mothers.

More businesses in Saskatchewan will be able to reopen on Friday under phase 1 of the province's reopening plan, including golf courses and driving theatres. Outfitters operating in areas not impacted by current travel restrictions will be also permitted to begin their operations.

Next Tuesday will be the beginning of phase 2 of the reopening plan, Moe said, adding that many retail businesses will be able to begin operation, such as shopping malls and select personal services including hair stylists and barbers, massage therapists and other services.

Saskatchewan reported five new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, four in the far north and one in Regina.

The total number of cases in the province stands at 582 as of Thursday.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/6945060/coronavirus-saskatchewan-update-may-14/

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