Vaccines Reported

An additional 5,758 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 427,739. 

The 5,758 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 225; Far North Central, 3; Far North East, 190; North West, 851; North Central, 651; North East, 471; Saskatoon, 1,576; Central West, 148; Central East, 193; Regina, 581; South West, 162; South Central, 115; and South East, 417.  There were 175 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty-one per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Sixty-one per cent of those 40+ have received their first dose.  Forty-one per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

Saskatchewan is scheduled to receive 9,300 doses of Janssen vaccine the week of May 3. This vaccine will primarily be offered in drive-thru vaccination clinics with details available in the coming days. 

Vaccination Booking System Now Open to Ages 40+ 

Effective today, eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program has expanded to age 40 and older, except for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it has expanded to age 30 and older.  

Remaining prioritized front-line workers are also now eligible. A list of those occupations is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vax-eligibility. This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in, pharmacies and mobile clinics.

Eligible priority groups under 40 years of age may visit a drive-thru or walk-in clinic, arrange an appointment with a participating pharmacy, or call 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829) to make an appointment through the SHA booking system.  The online booking system is only available to those 40+, and public health must ensure residents under 40 are not scheduled in a clinic providing AstraZeneca. 

Eligible residents under 40 years will be required to provide proof of employment at the time of immunization (a pay stub, letter from their employer, or a copy of a professional license).

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply.  There may be clinic options in communities outside the major urban centres and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization. Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Appointments can be made online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.  People who do not have a cell phone or email account, need assistance in booking, or are providing documentation for priority eligibility status must book by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.

Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines. 

Drive Thru and Walk In Vaccination Clinics Starting Saturday

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has scheduled drive thru and walk in clinics throughout the province starting Saturday, May 1 in support of Saskatchewan’s plan to vaccinate as many residents as possible, as quickly as possible.  For street addresses and hours of operation for these clinics, see www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.  All clinics are available to residents 40 years and older.  

Vaccines have been distributed to these locations to support a one-day clinic only; clinics may close early if supply is administered.  

If you have an appointment booked at a mass vaccination clinic but decide to attend a drive thru or walk in location, please go to https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking to cancel your booked appointment.  

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 264 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 30, bringing the provincial total to 41,098 cases. Ten Saskatchewan residents tested out-of-province have been added to the counts for the following zones: North West, 1; Regina, 5; Saskatoon, 3; and South Central, 1.

Four new deaths are reported today in the following groups: One in the 40-49 age group from the Regina zone; one in the 60-69 age group from the Far North East zone; one in the 70-79 age group from the South Central zone; and one in the 60-69 age group with residence pending.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 10; North West, 24; North Central, 15; North East, 5; Saskatoon, 63; Central West, 2; Central East, 11;  Regina, 79; South West, 11; South Central, 14; and South East, 25.  Five new cases are pending residence information.  Three cases pending residence have been assigned to the following zones: North Central, 1; North West, 1; and South East, 1. 

Recoveries total 38,181 and 2,426 cases are considered active.

There are 173 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-six people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East, 1; North West, 6; North Central, 4; Saskatoon, 54; Central East, 8; Regina, 52; South West, 1; South Central, 3; and South East, 7.  Thirty-seven people are in intensive care: North West, 1; North Central, 2; Saskatoon, 9; Central East, 2; and Regina, 23.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 241 (19.7 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 3,916 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 29, 2021.

To date, 769,787 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of April 28, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 645,615 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 824,233.

As of April 29, 6,794 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 121; Far North East, 3; North West, 203; North Central, 111; North East, 20; Saskatoon, 765; Central West, 81; Central East, 296; Regina, 3,717; South West, 184; South Central, 510; and South East, 700. There are 83 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are 130 new lineage results reported today.  Of the 2,522 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,491 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 22 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,653 (66 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Public Health Measures

Due to increased COVID-19 transmission risk throughout the province, the Chief Medical Health Officer has extended all current provincial public health orders until May 10, 2021.  The orders will be reviewed at that time.  Full details on current public health measures can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.  

All residents are urged to adhere to best personal protective measures:

• Wear your mask in all public places including all workplaces.
• Wash non-medical masks daily.
• Maintain physical distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Reduce activities outside of your home.  Order take-out or curbside pick-up.  Work from home if you are able to do so.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the province at this time.

If you have any symptoms, stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test.  If anyone in your home has symptoms, the entire household should remain home until the test results are known.  Testing information is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

Enforcing Public Health Measures 

Enforcement of public health orders is permitted under The Public Health Act, 1994.  Public health inspectors will be supported in their efforts to ticket violators quickly to ensure that businesses and events are brought into compliance as quickly as possible, in addition to the enforcement efforts that have been undertaken by police agencies throughout the province.

On April 21, Saskatchewan Health Authority public health inspectors issued a ticket for $2,800 to an individual in Regina for failure to comply with a public health order.  Note that under The Health Information Protection Act, the Ministry of Health cannot disclose the names of individuals who have received fines.

For more information on the current public health measures or to see the Public Health Order, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 6,218 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 421,981. 

The 6,218 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 130; Far North Central, 2; Far North East, 112; North West, 530; North Central, 487; North East, 238; Saskatoon, 1,605; Central West, 220; Central East, 411; Regina, 1,313; South West, 190; South Central, 70; and South East, 592.  There were 318 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Over eighty per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Sixty per cent of those 40+ have received their first dose.  Forty per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

This week’s shipment of Pfizer vaccine (31,590 doses) has now arrived in Saskatchewan and is being distributed in the North West, North Central, Saskatoon, Central East and Regina zones, as well as to select pharmacies participating in the Pharmacy Vaccination Pilot Project.

This week’s shipment of Moderna vaccine (18,800 doses) is expected to arrive in Saskatchewan today.

Vaccination Booking System Opening to Ages 40+ Tomorrow

Effective 8 a.m. tomorrow, eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program moves to age 40, except for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it remains age 30 and older.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in, pharmacies and mobile clinics.

Once COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been opened to all residents ages 40 and over, remaining prioritized front-line workers (including firefighters, educational staff working with students, correctional staff and border security officers and front-line health care workers with direct patient contact) will also become eligible.  Notice of eligibility is being provided to regulatory bodies and associations.  To confirm that you are included in this front-line worker category, call 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829) or email covid19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply.  Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Appointments can be made online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.  People who do not have a cell phone or email account, need assistance in booking, or are providing documentation for priority eligibility status must book by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.

Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines. 

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 205 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 29, bringing the provincial total to 40,824 cases.  Five Saskatchewan residents tested out-of-province have been added to the counts for the following zones: Far North East, 3; Central West, 1; and South West, 1.

One new death is reported today in the 80+ age group from the North West zone.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 16; Far North East, 1; North West, 11; North Central, 4; North East, 3; Saskatoon, 32; Central West, 2; Central East, 11;  Regina, 73; South West, 9; South Central, 13; and South East, 24.  Six new cases are pending residence information.  Six cases pending residence information have been assigned to the following zones: North Central, 1; Regina, 3; and South Central, 2.

Recoveries total 37,929 and 2,408 cases are considered active.

There are 186 people in hospital.  One hundred and forty-eight people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East, 1; North West, 6; North Central, 7; Saskatoon, 58; Central East, 7; Regina, 56; South West, 1; South Central, 3; and South East, 9.  Thirty-eight people are in intensive care: North West, 1; North Central, 2; Saskatoon, 10; Central East, 2; Regina, 22; and South Central, 1.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 239 (19.5 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 3,306 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 28, 2021.

To date, 765,871 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of April 27, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 642,810 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 820,235.

As of April 28, 6,572 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 96; Far North East, 3; North West, 185; North Central, 104; North East, 14; Saskatoon, 730; Central West, 81; Central East, 290; Regina, 3,632; South West, 178; South Central, 496; and South East, 682. There are 81 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are 87 new lineage results reported today.  Of the 2,392 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,362 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 21 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,607 (67 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Expanded Visitation to Eligible Long-Term and Personal Care Homes 

Effective today, visitor (family presence) restrictions will ease in some long-term and personal care homes.  This will only be allowed if 90 per cent of residents have been fully vaccinated, three weeks after second doses are completed and considering the local COVID-19 context (eg. community transmission, cases within a facility).  Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Health Officers will have discretion to maintain restrictions to protect homes from potential risks of exposure.  This is a gradual, cautious approach to help keep residents safe, and allow limited and much-needed social contact and support for care needs.

There will be no limit on the total number of designated family members/supports that residents can have, but only two may visit indoors at a time.  Four visitors at a time will be allowed outdoors.  If a fully-vaccinated resident goes on an outing, they will no longer be required to quarantine following their return.

Residents that are not vaccinated can have visits from fully vaccinated family members/supports.  If the designated family members/supports are not vaccinated, family presence will continue to be permitted for compassionate care reasons only.

There are many long-term and personal care homes throughout the province with small resident populations that may not be able to meet the visitor restriction threshold of 90 per cent of residents vaccinated if even one resident is unable to receive immunization.  As a result, there will be flexibility for long-term and personal care homes with fewer than 10 residents.

• In homes with 10 or fewer residents, all but one resident must be fully vaccinated (both doses).
• In all cases, before visitor restrictions can be amended, at least three weeks must have passed since the last second doses were received.

The list of SHA-operated long-term care homes currently eligible for family visitation is available at https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/service-alerts-emergency-events/Pages/service-alerts.aspx.  Restrictions will be reviewed weekly.

Personal care homes are expected to meet the same requirements.  Family of those residing in personal care homes will need to contact those homes to determine if they are currently able to safely support family visitation.  

Based on community transmission risk, long-term and personal care homes in the City of Regina, Emerald Park, Lumsden and Cupar will remain at Level 3 (two family members/supports can be present at the same time for end of life care only; one essential family member/support person can be designated to assist with care if needed).  If a home is currently in an outbreak or suspect outbreak, family presence will be restricted to Level 3.  Additional family presence can be supported for specific circumstances including critical care or intensive care units and maternal, postpartum or pediatric units.  In areas where there are concerns with community transmission, these homes may remain restricted to compassionate care family presence (two family members/supports can be designated to support end of life, and quality of life or care needs unmet).  For more details on levels of family presence in care settings, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures/guidance-for-health-care-facilities.

Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan Clarified for Graduations

Outdoor graduations are limited to 30 guests (assuming two guests per graduate for a total of 45 graduates and guests), with an additional maximum of five teachers/support staff.  Virtualgraduations are permitted with no more than 30 graduates attending in-person and all guests attending virtually.

All other public health measures must be followed, including maintaining a minimum of two metres of physical distancing between household groups.  No food or beverages are permitted.

The guidance for graduations for the month of June will be re-evaluated on May 17, 2021.  Guidance will be reviewed based on the COVID-19 situation in the province, including positive cases and the rates of immunization.  Planned events and activities must abide by the guidance in place at the time of the event/activity.

More details are available at: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/graduation-guidelines.

Public Health Measures

Due to increased COVID-19 transmission risk throughout the province, the Chief Medical Health Officer has extended all current provincial public health orders until May 10, 2021.  The orders will be reviewed at that time.  Full details on current public health measures can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.  

All residents are urged to adhere to best personal protective measures:

• Wear your mask in all public places including all workplaces.
• Wash non-medical masks daily.
• Maintain physical distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Reduce activities outside of your home.  Order take-out or curbside pick-up.  Work from home if you are able to do so.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the province at this time.

If you have any symptoms, stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test.  If anyone in your home has symptoms, the entire household should remain home until the test results are known.  Testing information is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

Weekly Reporting of Testing Numbers and Cases for Youth

The trends of COVID-19 cases in school-aged children are being monitored.  The weekly report of cases and testing numbers for children aged 0-19, including data by age and positivity rates, has been posted at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-Safe-Schools-Plan.

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 7,334 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 415,763. 

The 7,334 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 90; Far North Central, 3; Far North East, 39; North West, 829; North Central, 736; North East, 373; Saskatoon, 2,206; Central West, 110; Central East, 595; Regina, 1,278; South West, 230; South Central, 330; and South East, 137.  There were 378 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Forty per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

Vaccination Booking System Now Open to Ages 42+ 

Effective today, eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program has expanded to age 42 and older, except for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it has expanded to age 30 and older.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in, pharmacies and mobile.

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply.  Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Appointments can be made online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.  People who do not have a cell phone or email account, need assistance in booking, or are providing documentation for priority eligibility status must book by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.

Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines. 

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 213 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 28, bringing the provincial total to 40,614 cases.

There are four new deaths reported today. Three deaths in the Saskatoon zone from the following age groups: 40 to 49, 1; 50 to 59, 1; and 70 to 79, 1; and one death in the Regina zone from the 70 to 79 age group.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 12; North West, 8; North Central, 4; North East, 3; Saskatoon, 47; Central East, 8; Regina, 81; South West, 4; South Central, 12; and South East, 31.  Three new cases are pending residence information.  Two cases pending residence information have been assigned to the following zones: North West, 1; and Regina, 1.

Recoveries total 37,685 and 2,443 cases are considered active.

There are 184 people in hospital.  One hundred and forty-two people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West, 1; Far North East, 1; North West, 6; North Central, 6; Saskatoon, 52; Central West, 2; Central East, 7; Regina, 53; South Central, 4; and South East, 10.  Forty-two people are in intensive care: North West, 1; North Central, 2; Saskatoon, 11; Central East, 2; Regina, 25; and South Central, 1.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 245 (20.0 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 3,399 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 27, 2021.

To date, 762,565 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of April 26, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 639,926 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 817,371.

As of April 27, 6,444 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 92; Far North Central, 1; Far North East, 3; North West, 178; North Central, 103; North East, 13; Saskatoon, 711; Central West, 80; Central East, 282; Regina, 3,584; South West, 174; South Central, 486; and South East, 662. There are 75 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are zero new lineage results reported today.  Of the 2,305 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,277 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 19 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,581 (69 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Expanded Visitation to Eligible Long-Term and Personal Care Homes 

Effective Thursday, April 29, visitor (family presence) restrictions will ease in some long-term and personal care homes.  This will only be allowed if 90 per cent of residents have been fully vaccinated, three weeks after second doses are completed and considering the local COVID-19 context (eg. community transmission, cases within a facility).  Saskatchewan Health Authority Medical Health Officers will have discretion to maintain restrictions to protect homes from potential risks of exposure.  This is a gradual, cautious approach to help keep residents safe, and allow limited and much-needed social contact and support for care needs.

There will be no limit on the total number of designated family members/supports that residents can have, but only two may visit indoors at a time.  Four visitors at a time will be allowed outdoors.  If a fully-vaccinated resident goes on an outing, they will no longer be required to quarantine following their return.

Residents that are not vaccinated can have visits from fully vaccinated family members/supports.  If the designated family members/supports are not vaccinated, family presence will continue to be permitted for compassionate care reasons only.

There are many long-term and personal care homes throughout the province with small resident populations that may not be able to meet the visitor restriction threshold of 90 per cent of residents vaccinated if even one resident is unable to receive immunization.  As a result, there will be flexibility for long-term and personal care homes with fewer than 10 residents.

• In homes with 10 or fewer residents, all but one resident must be fully vaccinated (both doses).
• In all cases, before visitor restrictions can be amended, at least three weeks must have passed since the last second doses were received.

The list of SHA-operated long-term care homes currently eligible for family visitation is available at https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/service-alerts-emergency-events/Pages/service-alerts.aspx.  Restrictions will be reviewed weekly.

Personal care homes are expected to meet the same requirements.  Family of those residing in personal care homes will need to contact those homes to determine if they are currently able to safely support family visitation.  

Based on community transmission risk, long-term and personal care homes in the City of Regina, Emerald Park, Lumsden and Cupar will remain at Level 3 (two family members/supports can be present at the same time for end of life care only; one essential family member/support person can be designated to assist with care if needed).  If a home is currently in an outbreak or suspect outbreak, family presence will be restricted to Level 3.  Additional family presence can be supported for specific circumstances including critical care or intensive care units and maternal, postpartum or pediatric units.  In areas where there are concerns with community transmission, these homes may remain restricted to compassionate care family presence (two family members/supports can be designated to support end of life, and quality of life or care needs unmet).  For more details on levels of family presence in care settings, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures/guidance-for-health-care-facilities.

Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan Updated for Graduations, Sports and Performing Arts, Outdoor Seating Areas

While the guidance for graduations, sports and performing arts, and outdoor seating areas has been updated, note that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 remains high, with the risk variants of concern throughout the province.  The Ministry of Health will continue to review all guidance relative to this risk and may be updated at any point, as required.  Planned events and activities must abide by the guidance in place at the time of the event/activity.

Graduations:

• In-person graduations must be held outdoors and are limited to 30 guests (assuming two guests per graduate and a maximum of five teachers/support staff for a total of 45 participants).
• Virtual graduations are permitted with no more than 30 graduates attending in-person and all guests attending virtually.  

All other public health measures must be followed, including maintaining a minimum of two metres of physical distancing between household groups.  No food or beverages are permitted.

The guidance for graduations for the month of June will be re-evaluated on May 17, 2021.  Guidance will be reviewed based on the COVID-19 situation in the province, including positive cases and the rates of immunization.

More details are available at: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/graduation-guidelines.

Sports/Performing Arts:

• Effective April 29, 2021, the age distinction will be removed for group training and conditioning for both team and individually practiced sports both indoors and out.  This means individuals 19+ can follow the same format as 18 and under have been using for training and conditioning in groups, i.e.:
• In addition, dance has been moved from the sports guidelines to the performing arts guidelines.  The change to allow for participants 19+ will also apply to this group. 
• Groups of eight, plus a coach or two
• Non-contact only
• Three metres of physical distancing among all participants
• Masking as directed in the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan
• Training and conditioning only
• Competition remains prohibited for all ages in team sports

More details are available at: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/outdoor-sports-and-activities-guidelines.

Restaurants and Licensed Establishments:

• For indoor dining, seating must be arranged in a way that ensures at least two metres of physical distancing between patrons where physical barriers are present and three metres where physical barriers are absent.
• No physical barriers are required for outdoor seating (e.g. patio) areas, as long as patrons are spaced two metres apart.

For specific requirements on outdoor seating areas, please see: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/restaurants-and-licensed-establishments-guidelines.

All Public Health Measures Extended to May 10

Due to increased COVID-19 transmission risk throughout the province, the Chief Medical Health Officer has extended all current provincial public health orders until May 10, 2021.  The orders will be reviewed at that time.  Full details on current public health measures can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.  

All residents are urged to adhere to best personal protective measures:

• Wear your mask in all public places including all workplaces.
• Wash non-medical masks daily.
• Maintain physical distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Reduce activities outside of your home.  Order take-out or curbside pick-up.  Work from home if you are able to do so.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the province at this time.

If you have any symptoms, stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test.  If anyone in your home has symptoms, the entire household should remain home until the test results are known.  Testing information is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.