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Sask. extends COVID-19 masking order, adds new restrictions effective later in December

The current public health orders will be extended until mid-January, in addition to a range of new measures to be introduced beginning Thursday
Moe Shahib CP press conference
Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer, right, speaks while Scott Moe, premier of Saskatchewan, looks on at a COVID-19 news update at the Legislative Building in Regina. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell)

Saskatchewan  Public Health announced today that the current pandemic restrictions will remain active until January, to be joined by new restrictions beginning later this week.

The decision comes following the continued rise of positive cases in the province, with a record number of 16 COVID-19 related deaths over the weekend.

Premier Scott Moe and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab shared the details during a live press conference on Dec. 14, stating that the purpose of the increased measures are to further reduce COVID-19 numbers in the province.

“Re-open Saskatchewan guidelines have been effective at reducing transmission in those settings where we have implemented measures like restaurants and retail settings,” said Shahab, in a press release. “It’s the in-between places, the social settings, where COVID-19 transmission is happening.  In our breakrooms and staff rooms, by inviting new people into our homes, we are letting our guard down.

The health measures that will be continuing include the mandatory mask order in all public spaces and the limit of 5 individuals in a private household gathering, which went into effect on Nov. 27 and were promised to be reviewed by Dec. 17. 

Public health has declared that these measures will be extended until Jan. 15, along with all upcoming measures coming later in December, when they will be reviewed by officials.

Residents are being urged to continue to limit their contact in public spaces, with public health strongly recommending only one member of the household do essential shopping for the entire home. Non-essential interprovincial travel is also strongly discouraged at this time.

Working from home is also still encouraged, but not mandated.

New restrictions will also be introduced throughout the month, said the province, beginning on Thursday.

Effective Dec. 17, private indoor gatherings will be limited to immediate household members only. Single individuals will be allowed to meet with one, consistent household of less than five members. 

Co-parenting arrangements may continue, as will caregivers and support services in the home.

Outdoor gatherings will be further limited to a maximum of ten people, with physical distancing enforced. The previous order was 30 people.

Beginning Dec. 19, public spaces will see more restrictions. Casinos and bingo halls will be mandated to close, while event venues, movie theatres and live performances will be limited to 30 guests who must remain seated at all times. 

Personal services such as salons, massage therapists and other esthetics services will be limited to 50 per cent capacity, including staff and clients.

Beginning Dec. 25, retail services must limit capacity to 50 per cent, with large retail locations limited to 25 per cent capacity.

As with all public health orders, non-compliance with any of these measures can be enforced by The Public Health Act with fines. 

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