In a press release and live stream earlier today, the Saskatchewan Government laid out a timeline for the end of proof of vaccine restrictions.

That would go into effect Monday, February 14 with a similar dropping of the masking mandate to come at the end of the month.

The proof of vaccination restriction being gotten rid of would mean that any facilities that had previously needed to check for vaccination status would no longer be compelled to do so.

Mayor Roy Ludwig says that the change is much appreciated here in Estevan.

"We were happy to hear the premier come out with that today. I think it's a breath of fresh air, and it will give us an opportunity to start to turn the page on COVID and get back to living our lives."

Vaccination restrictions in locales like Affinity Place will be lifted next week, though Ludwig gave a reminder that maks are still needed.

"Basically, starting Monday, the mandates will all be lifted, all provincial mandates to my understanding will be lifted. Now, you will be expected to bring a mask until the end of this month."

Ludwig says he thinks people are ready to move past the pandemic and hasn't seen any opposition to the changes.

"I think after over two years of COVID everyone is ready to look at the lifting of these mandates and get our lives back. From my understanding, I haven't talked to anyone that's against doing this, I look at this as a positive."

"Getting our lives back - no mandates, no masks, being able to visit with your friends and families at gatherings without limits on the sides of the gatherings," said Ludwig, "Being able to go to restaurants without stopping and showing you've been immunized - It'll give us a lot more freedom."