The Leader of the Official Opposition is on board with the provincial government’s decision to broaden the eligibility for getting COVID-19 booster shots to 18 and over as of Monday. Ryan Meili calls it a good thing, and says getting a third dose is essential with the new Omicron variant a reality, showing two shots are less effective than three.

However, there are a few other things on Meili’s list that he would like to see to slow down the virus so we don’t face a potentially very serious fifth wave. He would like clear, simple guidance from the Sask Party government about Christmas gatherings on whether large gatherings should be considered or keeping to household bubbles.

He suggests the modelling which takes into consideration the new variant should also be publicized, to answer what it could mean for the weeks ahead, and the potential impact on the health care system.

The NDP’s final ask is to see what the plans are, and at what point decisions are made. Meili gives the example of possible restrictions in the future. He wants to know if it would happen when a certain number of cases is reached or the number of people in the hospital. Meili says in the past, including with Thursday’s announcement, it comes as a surprise so there is no ability to plan ahead.