The provincial government has established new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The announcement was made earlier today by Premier Scott Moe, along with Health Minister Jim Reiter and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.
The Chief Medical Health Officer has made the following order pursuant to Section 45 of The Public Health Act, effective Monday, March 16:
- No public gatherings of over 250 people in any one room may take place. This does not include settings where people are distributed into multiple rooms or buildings, such as schools, universities or workplaces.
- No events of over 50 people with speakers or attendees who have travelled internationally in the last 14 days take place.
Retail locations and faith-based organizations are exempt. It is recommended, however, that certain steps should be considered, such as crowd size monitoring.
As well, effective immediately, it is recommneded that anyone who has travelled outside the province in the previous 14 days or has acute repository or flu-like symptoms should avoid visiting long-term care homes and hospitals.
The Government of Saskatchewan has also imposed a number of policies on its employees. This includes prohibiting international travel — including to the U.S. — for government business. Any employees currently travelling for business or for personal reasons must self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Canada. Any government employees who experience symptoms will be required to stay home.
The provincial government recommends these measures be adopted by all employers and individuals across the province.
Budget day events on Wednesday, March 18, will proceed without the participation of invited guests.
All tours and public events at the Legislative Building are suspended and general public access to the building is also suspended.
Finally, the capacity of HealthLine 811 has been doubled as of 9 a.m. this morning. More capacity will be added going forward.
“While these are significant steps that will help limit transmission of COVID-19, most important is the responsibility we all have to ensure we reduce the risk to ourselves, our families and our communities,” Premier Moe said in a press release.
“The best way we can do this is by practicing social distancing, washing our hands often, avoiding close personal contact like handshakes or hugs, and self isolating if we feel any symptoms of illness.”
