Saskatchewan’s current public health orders will be extended to February 28. That means masking in all indoor places will remain mandatory including schools. Mandatory self-isolation is required for all COVID-19 cases and non, or partially vaccinated close contacts who are symptom free. Proof of vaccination or a negative test remains in place in order for the public to access certain establishments, businesses and event venues. Municipalities, businesses, workplaces and event organizers may also require proof of vaccination or negative testing beyond those places that are described in the public health order. Anyone requiring a proof of negative COVID-19 test must acquire their results through a private provider offering testing services, not through the provincially run lab. The public health orders will be reassessed at the end of February.
Premier Scott Moe says although the number of cases is rising, and hospitalizations have risen slightly, ICU cases have gone down. He suggests more restrictions or a lockdown could be harmful, both economically and emotionally, and he believes they are an infringement on the rights of Canadians. Instead, the Premier says there are things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe and to help keep hospitalization numbers down so the health system isn’t overwhelmed. That includes masking, getting your vaccinations and your booster shots and use your rapid tests.
Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, says Omicron is five times more transmissible than other COVID-19 variants, but about 20 times less severe, but still can result in the same degree of hospitalizations. However, he adds that data from elsewhere in the world shows there may be more acute care, but shorter stays in the hospital and less reliance on oxygen.
Shahab says following the public health orders will help to keep Omicron hitting a peak everywhere in the province all at once. Along with potentially increased hospitalizations, there will be a number of people self-isolating, which will effect many businesses and services. Shahab urges everyone to keep their gathering sizes small and stick to work, school and home only, as much as possible.
Tomorrow (Thurs) the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre will release the health care surge plans for the Omicron variant.
Premier Scott Moe emphasized there will be no vaccination tax. Quebec’s Premier is looking into being able to tax adults who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID. When the Premier was asked if that would be a consideration in this province, he quickly answered no, and then added that there would be legal concerns constitutionally and through the Canada Health Act with provincial jurisdiction in delivering health care. He used the opportunity to reiterate what he says all the provinces have looked for from the federal government, and that is more Health Care funding.
The Government of Saskatchewan says every zone in the province is seeing transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and officials say vaccination remains the best tool to prevent the most serious COVID-19 illnesses and complications. All Saskatchewan residents five years and older are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
The government says if you are experiencing mild cold-like symptoms including cough, sore throat, sneezing without fever, it is recommended that you stay home, use rapid antigen testing and self-isolate based on those results. If you are experiencing significant or worsening cold or flu-like symptoms including fever or are considered at-risk due to chronic/underlying health conditions you’re advised to contact HealthLine 811 who will advise if you should receive a PCR test.
