The Government of Saskatchewan is announcing new measures to address health care capacity pressures caused by rising case rates, primarily driven by the unvaccinated population.
Mandatory Masking Indoor Public Spaces
Effective Friday, September 17, 2021 an interim province-wide mandatory masking order will be implemented for all indoor public spaces, including schools.
Indoor public spaces are any enclosed space other than a private home or dwelling. This may include but is not exclusive to workplaces, retail locations, recreational venues, eating and dining establishments and professional buildings. “Indoor public spaces” includes those areas of a business or venue that are restricted to staff only (areas where there is no access for the public).
Proof of Vaccination
Effective October 1, 2021 a proof of vaccination or negative test policy 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 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.
The Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging other employers, including school divisions, to implement a similar proof of vaccination or negative-test policy for employees in the workplace.
Effective October 1, 2021 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. Information on applicable businesses as well as questions and answers about the proof of vaccination requirements are available.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement
Mandatory Self-Isolation
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for 10 days after receiving a positive test result.
Close contacts of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 will also be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their last exposure if they are not fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated individuals identified as a close-contact of a positive case will not be required to self-isolate, but will be required to self-monitor and seek testing at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms.
Fines
There can be very serious consequences for not following Public Health Orders, including fines in cases where negligence or misconduct have been found. Fines may be $2,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations, plus a victim surcharge (40%).