After a summer with no public health measures, masks are returning to public indoor spaces in Saskatchewan, and soon there will be a number of businesses, establishments and event venues that will require proof of vaccination. The announcement was made by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe ahead of a press conference this afternoon. 

“For the past several months, you have heard me repeat a very simple message over and over – get vaccinated,” said Moe in the statement released on social media. “The vast majority of Saskatchewan people have done their part. Unfortunately, today, we are faced with a fourth wave resulting in increased case numbers and a significant capacity pressure on our health care system which is close to exceeding what we have faced before.” 

Moe then called out those who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 are a driving force behind these concerns. 

“New cases are overwhelmingly in unvaccinated people. Hospitalizations are overwhelmingly unvaccinated people,” Moe added. “The evidence from the data that we have seen is quite clear. As a province and as a government we have been very patient, possibly too patient. The time for patience is now over.” 

Starting on Friday, an interim order re-instituting a masking mandate for public indoor spaces will again be implemented in Saskatchewan. The order is targeted to be lifted by the end of October. By then, a proof of vaccination policy will have been in effect for a few weeks. 

The proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test, takes effect October 1st. The list of businesses that it applies to will be released today. 

In addition to the masking and vaccination policies, all Government of Saskatchewan employees, as well as employees of provincial Crown corporations and agencies, will be required to be vaccinated, with proof required by October 1st. Those who are unable to provide proof of vaccination will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.  

More to come