With Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 numbers reaching the highest they’ve been since the pandemic began, public health has issued more precautions to slow the spread of the virus.
Beginning on Nov. 6 provincewide, indoor gathering sizes within the household are limited to 10 people — reduced from the limit of 15 people announced on Oct. 17.
Gatherings larger than 10 have to be hosted in a public venue, continued the public health order, and abide by the safety restrictions placed on the venue.
Public health has also issued a mandatory masking order for the cities of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, after a spike in cases linked to public transmission in all three cities.
Also beginning on Friday, residents will be required to wear a non-medical face mask approved by the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s guidelines in all indoor public spaces in these cities. The public health order will remain in place for a minimum of 28 days, after which it will be reviewed by the chief medical health officer.
Premier Scott Moe and chief medical officer Dr. Saqib Shahab addressed the announcement during a live press conference on Nov. 3, encouraging residents across the province to wear masks when out in public.
Public health will have the right to enforce the order for non-compliance, but Shahab said the focus will be on education and encouraging individuals to take responsibility when out in public.
“The onus is not on the business owner or operator of the facility to enforce this,” said Moe. “The onus is on us as individuals. This is about compliance, it's not about enforcement.”
Public health also reminds that wearing a mask should be done while also observing all other safety precautions like physical distancing, hand hygiene and
“It has worked in other provinces, and we must remember that this is a layer of protection,” said Moe. “This is not the be-all and end-all and it does not cure COVID. It is a layer of protection for us, in addition to the physical distancing and everything else we're doing, to try and stop the spread in our communities.”
More information on COVID-19 in Saskatchewan is available at saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
