New public health measures that begin on Thursday in Saskatchewan include mandatory masks at all indoor public spaces across the province and visitation being suspended at all long-term care facilities and personal care homes, with the exception of compassionate reasons. There were 240 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday and more than 2,000 cases are active in the province.

Entertainment transportation such as party buses, group limousines, and recreational vehicles are no longer permitted. Indoor private gathering sizes are being reduced from ten to five, and that includes any buildings on private property, whether a home, a garage, or a shed. If your immediate family is larger than five people, you cannot have any additional visitors.

Support personnel like therapists and nursing staff can come into the home as can trades-persons like housekeepers are plumbers, but they should practice physical distancing and be masked. Any private gathering of more than five people must happen in a public venue. Outdoor private gatherings remain at a maximum of 30 people. These measures will be in effect until December 17th and will then be subject to review.

The province is also highly recommending that if you can work from home, you should and if you already are, continue to do so. The Ministry of Health is consulting with the hospitality industry to continue to mitigate the risk of transmission in restaurants, bars and casinos as well as consulting with athletic organizations and gyms to determine how their guidelines can be enhanced. Ministry officials are also consulting with faith leaders to improve the current guidelines for worship services.