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Provincial mask order coming into effect Sept. 17, proof of vaccination required in October

Premier Scott Moe has announced several new public health measures
face-mask - Getty Images
Face mask. (via Getty Images)

With COVID-19 numbers raising in the province, the Government of Saskatchewan has enacted new public health measures.

This includes a provincial mandatory masking order, which will be effective as of Friday, Sept. 17.

This interim public health order will require the use of non-medical masks in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan. The order is targeted to be lifted in late October.

Exempt from the masking order will be indoor youth athletics for those under the age of 18 while they are actively engaged in athletic activity. Masking in venues hosting youth athletics will remain required for general entry and exit into the facility, for athletes and spectators. 

More information on masks is available at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/masks

Proof of vaccination or negative test requirements

Effective Oct. 1, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test will be implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues that bring groups of people together, including:

  • Indoor dining at restaurants;
  • Nightclubs, bars, taverns and other licensed establishments;
  • Event and entertainment venues, including conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, live-music venues, museums, and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events;
  • Indoor fitness centres, and gyms.

Proof of vaccination will not be required for the following:

  • Retail businesses, including grocery stores;
  • Places of worship;
  • Fast food restaurants offering takeout and delivery;
  • Health care services, professional services, or personal services;
  • Hotels or other lodging;
  • Facilities hosting non-ticketed amateur sporting events, including youth athletics and recreational leagues;
  • Business meetings and places of business closed to the general public, unless otherwise directed by the business or employer;
  • Private gatherings held at an indoor public residence.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement.

To facilitate verifiable proof of vaccination, Saskatchewan's verifiable vaccination record will be launched on the week of Sept. 20. Implementation of the proof of vaccination requirement on Oct. 1 will enable residents and facilities required to obtain proof of vaccination to download and become familiar with the provincial proof of vaccination verification platform. Details including instructional materials on how to download and utilize the platform will be shared by the Ministry of Health prior to the launch of the verifiable vaccination record.

Protocols regarding proof of negative test requirements are currently under development for those residents opting to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and will include the provision of documentation demonstrating proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test provided by a certified healthcare provider, including private providers of COVID-19 tests.

As of Oct. 1, a proof of vaccination or negative test requirement will be implemented for all Government of Saskatchewan ministry, crown and agency employees. Employees of all Government of Saskatchewan ministries, crowns and agencies will be required to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine by October 1. 

Employees that do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to provide proof of a negative test result on a consistent basis. In conjunction with the Public Service Commission and Crown Investments Corporation, the Government of Saskatchewan will communicate the associated protocols to employees in the coming days. 

The provincial government is also encouraging other employers, including school divisions, to implement a similar proof of vaccination or negative-test requirement for employees in the workplace.

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