Mandatory masks? Gone. Public gathering limits? Gone. Restrictions at places of business and recreation? Gone.
But even as Step 3 of the Re-Opening Saskatchewan roadmap officially takes hold on July 11 — marking the removal of all public health orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — health authorities are offering guidance and recommendations to help everyone through the end-stage of the pandemic.
Here’s a look at how things might and can look after this coming Sunday, and some of what the province has recommended.
Get Vaccinated
COVID-19 data from June offered the latest example that vaccines work and are not only saving lives, they’re also preventing reported cases.
A total of 2,032 cases were found in the province through the past month, with only 17.5 per cent per having had their first dose of the vaccine three weeks earlier. Even more impressive, only 36 cases -- 1.8 per cent -- were reported among those who had their second dose two weeks earlier.
Of the 102 hospitalizations, 31 had their first dose and only five their second dose.
The most dramatic proof came in ICU admissions and deaths. Of the 21 cases needing intensive care and 15 who died, none were individuals with a second dose.
Saskatchewan is currently at 71 per cent of those over 12 having received their first dose, with the 70 per cent threshold marking the final step for Stage 3 of Re-Opening. Fifty per cent of people in the province are fully immunized.
Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid-19-vaccine to find a clinic or pharmacy where you can receive your vaccine.
Masking
As COVID-19 continues to circulate, wearing masks will continue to be an option for all persons who wish to do so. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people, in particular, should still consider masking.
It is the choice of each business or facility to implement a masking policy. If you enter a facility that requires a mask, you must respect the decision of the business and comply, or choose not to visit the establishment.
Businesses, workplaces and schools
It is now believed there is a high chance of COVID-19 becoming endemic, or a regularly occurring disease like the flu or common cold. As a result, policies regarding safe businesses and workplaces should be determined by individual Occupational Health and Safety plans.
Prekindergarten to Grade 12 schools will return to regular operations for the 2021-22 school year and licensed child care facilities can return to regular pre-pandemic operations as of July 11.
Family visitation in long term, personal care homes and acute care settings
One of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic was the inability to visit friends and loved ones in long-term and personal care homes. That all ends on July 11, as those facilities can allow an unlimited number of visitors and family members for their residents.
Visitors and families will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and will be offered rapid antigen testing in SHA facilities. They are also strongly encouraged to continue to wear masks during visits and to maintain physical distance, especially if not fully vaccinated.
Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid-care-home-visitation-guide for more guidelines.
Acute care health facilities will still require masking and screening for all patients and visitors. This includes Saskatchewan Cancer Agency facilities, until further notice.
Children under 12 and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons
With no COVID-19 vaccine approved for those under 12, all residents 12-plus are encouraged to be fully vaccinated to offer the best protection possible to children.
Youngsters can still carry, transmit and become ill from COVID-19, but poor outcomes are far rarer in younger age groups.
As for those who are immunocompromised or otherwise can’t receive a vaccine, if you’re a close contact you should respect that person’s decision for any additional preventative measures.
Be aware
COVID-19 will continue to circulate despite the public health order being lifted, especially among the unvaccinated.
As a result, everyone should remain COVID-19 aware and continue to self-monitor for symptoms. Stay home if you’re sick and seek a COVID-19 test. Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-testing for more on symptoms and testing.
Public health agencies will respond to localized outbreaks of all diseases during the course of a year, including COVID-19. As a result, even as the pandemic reaches its end, COVID testing will be available, contact tracing will continue and cases and close contacts who aren’t fully immunized will be advised to isolate.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit www.saskatchewan.ca.
