In conjunction with proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result as of Friday, regulations under The Public Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations also come into effect on October 1st.
The negative tests will be required at least every seven days. The new Occupational Health and Safety Regulations will also require a negative test result for partially vaccinated individuals and the cost for all proof of negative test results for asymptomatic testing will be the responsibility of the individuals.
Proof of vaccination for all Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) employees will also begin on October 1st, with a phased approach. The government says health care workers who do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to participate in a monitored testing program at their cost, unless they have received an approved accommodation based on the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
The Province says some individuals are obtaining affidavits indicating they are exempt from vaccination. Vaccinations are not mandatory in Saskatchewan and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, therefore legal affidavits are not required and will not provide an exemption. If a proof of vaccination is not provided, proof of a negative COVID 19 test must be presented to access a designated business.
The only acceptable forms of proof of vaccination are: Wallet cards received at time of immunization; a printed copy of your MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code); a screenshot of your MSHR vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code) saved to your device; an earlier version of your MSHR COVID-19 vaccine certificate; a COVID-19 vaccine printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health and in the future it will be possible to upload a QR code/MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate to SK Vax Wallet.
Businesses requiring proof of vaccination will also require ID from anyone 18 and older. Youth aged 12-17 will also need to show ID unless accompanied by an adult with proof of vaccination and ID. Youth aged 12 to 17, visiting a business without an adult, who do not have photo identification will be allowed to present other forms of government issued identification such as birth certificate or health services card.
Effective immediately the SHA will not be providing testing for asymptomatic individuals giving priority to those presenting with symptoms unless identified as a close contact, have had a positive rapid antigen test, identified as part of an outbreak situation or requiring transfer or admission to long-term care, primary care, social services or intensive care units.
A self-administered take-home rapid antigen test will not be accepted as valid proof of negative COVID-19 results. Individuals requiring a negative test result have several private options on the market that will provide a rapid antigen test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for a fee.
Government of Saskatchewan Outlines the Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations:
The health and safety of employees, and of all citizens is important. As the number of COVID cases and
hospitalizations has increased in the province, measures are needed to help reduce the risk of the
spread of the COVID-19 virus. Given this, the Government of Saskatchewan is introducing new
regulations to provide employers with the ability to choose to require evidence of vaccination or a
negative COVID-19 test result from employees before they enter the workplace.
To whom the regulations apply:
• The Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations apply to all provincially-regulated employers in
the province with the exception of the public sector.
• Public employers include:
o the Government of Saskatchewan;
o a Crown corporation;
o any agency, board or commission of the Government of Saskatchewan, including
appointed and elected members and directors;
o the Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan;
o an Officer of the Legislative Assembly; and
o a constituency office of a member of the Legislative Assembly.
• Employers are not required to follow the regulation, but it is an option available to them.
Requirements of employers:
• On and after October 1, 2021, an employer may implement a policy to require workers to either
show evidence of being fully vaccinated or provide evidence of a valid negative COVID-19 test at
least every seven days before being allowed in the workplace.
• The employer shall provide reasonable notice of the requirements to every worker by:
o personally giving it to the worker;
o posting it in the workplace;
o posting it online on a secure website to which the worker has access; or
o providing it in any other manner that informs the worker of the requirements.
• Employers may use a self-declaration process and are not required to collect or retain personal
health information. However, employers are required to establish a verification process for
reviewing the evidence of vaccination or COVID-19 negative tests provided by their employees,
and keep this information confidential.
• The Saskatchewan Employment Act provides a legal defense to employers where they are
exercising a power in good faith that is provided for in the Act or by regulation. This would apply
to businesses who choose to follow The Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations.
saskatchewan.caa
Requirements of employees:
• Employees will be required to provide evidence of being fully vaccinated or proof of a negative
COVID-19 test to their employer before being allowed in the workplace.
• For employees who choose to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, they must take the
test during non-work hours and are responsible for any costs associated with testing, unless
otherwise agreed to by the employer.
Vaccination and COVID-19 testing:
• Fully vaccinated individuals are those who have received the required number of doses of a
COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada and that 14 days or more have passed since the
individual received the recommended dose.
• Partially vaccinated individuals would be required to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test
before entering the workplace.
• Individuals with medical conditions that prohibit them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine would
be required to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test every seven days.
• A negative COVID test is good for seven days from the date of the test.
• An employee can choose any of the following COVID-19 tests administered at a testing site
approved by the minister of Health:
o a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2;
o a point-of-care antigen test for SARS-CoV-2;
o any other test for SARS-CoV-2 approved by the minister of Health
