Calling it getting back to basics the Government of Saskatchewan is introducing mandatory masking in any community with a population of 5,000 or greater. This includes the neighbouring communities or municipalities situated around Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert due to their proximity to the urban centres and high rate of interaction for shopping and work. This will cover more than 65% of the province’s population. Regulations go into effect on Monday and are in place until December 4th.
All bars and licensed establishments just stop selling alcohol by 10 p.m. and consumption must stop by 11 p.m. Hookuh and water pipe services are not allowed. Fitness classes must now restrict access to ensure clients remain 3 metres apart and there are further regulations around gyms. Individual aerobic activities like the treadmill, stationary bike, or lane swimming are permitted if all required equipment is properly distanced according to the Re-Open Saskatchewan guidelines.
The government is recommending school divisions move to level three in their back to school plans for high schools with 600 students or more. Under level three of the Safe School Plan in-class learning is reduced.
Saskatchewan is at an average of 123 cases per day and test positive rate is at 6%. Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab says the reasons why we take precautions is exemplified by the four deaths that occurred in the last week.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Shaw, understands that people are experiencing COVID fatigue and that’s why people are becoming more relaxed about the guidelines, but she says health care workers are tired too. She says, “Our physicians and staff are also tired and yet we come to work to make sure the system is there for you when you need it”.
She asks those who don’t want to wear masks to trade places with her and all the other doctors who have to tell family members of someone in the hospital that their loved one is going to die. She hopes then it won’t seem like such a chore.
Health Minister Paul Merriman says no one wants to go back to another lockdown. No one wants to close businesses and put people out of work, but we need to slow down the spread of this virus. He believes a slow down is how the province can avoid another lockdown.
Also added to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan are Arena Facility Guidelines, and updates to the Sports and Activity, Performing Arts, and Transportation guidelines. That information can be found here
The following communities will be required to wear non-medical masks in all indoor public spaces, effective Monday, November 26.
Aberdeen
Albertville
Allan
Asquith
Balgonie
Battleford
Beaver Creek
Belle Plaine
Bradwell
Cedar Villa Estates
Clavet
Colonsay
RM of Corman Park No. 344
Craven
Dalmeny
Davin
Delisle
Dundurn
Edenwold
Estevan
Furdale
Grand Coulee
Gray
Humboldt
Kindersley
Kronau
Langham
Lloydminster
Lumsden
Lumsden Beach
MacDowall
Martinsville
Meacham
Meadow Lake
Meath Park
Melfort
Melville
Moose Jaw
Neuhorst
Nipawin
North Battleford
Pense
Pilot Butte
Prince Albert
Regina
Regina Beach
Riceton
Saskatoon
Shields
St. Louis
Swift Current
Thode
Vanscoy
Warman
Weirdale
Weyburn
Whitecap
White City
Yorkton
