Saskatchewan is out of COVID-19 vaccines, but more are on their way next week. Premier Scott Moe says over 12,000 doses in total from Pfizer and Moderna are expected. The 5,850 Pfizer doses will be distributed in Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Yorkton and Swift Current for long term care residents and staff and others over 70 years of age. The 6500 Moderna doses will go to the far northwest, the far northeast and the northeast to provide second shots and to the central west for their first shots.
As well, the provincial government has decided to continue with the stricter Public Health Orders for an additional three weeks until February 19th. Moe explains that because there was a bump in the transmission numbers after Christmas, it was decided that rather than continuing for another two weeks before making a decision, they would extend the restrictions for three weeks to take us over the Family Day long weekend and Valentines Day, which could be potential transmission risks.
The Premier also commented on the protest that was held outside of the Chief Medical Health Officer’s home on Saturday, saying the COVID-19 decisions come from the province under Dr. Saqib Shahab’s guidance, so their actions were misguided. Moe says if you want to protest the government, you can do it outside of the Legislature.
He considers this protest against a public servant disappointing, especially, he says, when you look at the effort, vigour and the honest way in which Dr. Shahab has approached Saskatchewan people week in and week out. He suggests we owe Dr. Shahab a debt of gratitude.
Moe didn’t come out and say the protest was racist, but commented that there were racist comments at a rally in front of the Legislature in December and he called out that racism at the time. He stands by those comments and his more recent comments from the protest on Saturday where he called them a group of idiots.
Moe says the investigation is ongoing as to whether any actions can be taken against the protesters.
In reaction to the support coming from the public, Dr. Shahab says, “The vast majority of the province was more eloquent than I can be.”
He added that it gives wind to his sails and that is what Saskatchewan and Canada are all about. He believes social media has many positive benefits but there is a dark side that fosters and perpetuates hate among a small minority of people.
