Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer says there is no simple answer for when pandemic restrictions could be lifted. Dr. Saqib Shahab says there are a lot of variables including whether or not we can extinguish the outbreak. He notes that we appear to be making progress in this province, but they still have to protect against importation from other areas and possible cluster outbreaks and that’s why increased testing and contact tracing will be part of the solution. Shahab says they are evaluating what types of businesses would be able to come back first, keeping in mind strong testing and safety protocols in place.

During his daily update, Dr. Shahab also commented on a drive-in church service that was cancelled over the weekend in Nipawin. Public Health was alerted about the event, so an investigator talked with organizers. He recommended it not go ahead because there was no plan in place for what would happen if people started getting out of their cars. His advice for people wanting to gather and visit while in their vehicles is that if people decide to get out, even while practicing social distancing, if more than one person touches the same surface there is a greater risk of transmission.

The CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Scott Livingstone, understands that it’s increasingly difficult, but asks that everyone continue to follow the guidelines, which gives the health care system time to prepare for what may yet come. He thanks Saskatchewan residents for helping to flatten the curve of COVID-19.