'If you're unwell, don't go': Sask. top doc urges caution ahead of concert that could attract more than 13,500
Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer suggests people planning on attending Saturday's Eric Church concert in Saskatoon should "do their own risk assessment."
"If you're immunocompromised, even if you are fully vaccinated, this may not be the time for you to go to an indoor setting," Dr. Saqib Shahab said during a COVID-19 teleconference on Friday.
"If you're unwell, don't go to that concert. Stay home, get tested," Shahab said.
The concert planned for Saturday is expected to draw more than 13,500 people to SaskTel Centre, according to the venue's executive director.
Proof of full vaccination or a fresh negative COVID-19 test result will be required to attend. Because the event is being held indoors, masks are also required under the current provincial mandate. Masks can be removed or lowered when eating or drinking.
"Do these three layers provide enough protection to prevent super-spreader events? We think it does," Shahab said.
"We have to learn how to use these tools in a safe manner."
On Thursday, Opposition NDP Leader Ryan Meili expressed concern about the event and said it should potentially be called off.
"I got a call a few days ago from someone whose surgery has been cancelled. And what she had to say about the upcoming concert was it blew her mind that we are cancelling people's surgeries, a surgery that for her is not elective is absolutely necessary, but we're still having these huge public gatherings," Meili said during a press conference in Saskatoon.
"Everybody wants to go enjoy concerts, everybody wants to have some fun, but it's not a lot of fun if you end up in the ICU as a result," Meili said.
In an interview with CTV News on Friday, SaskTel Centre executive director Scott Ford said work is underway to make the concert, the largest of its kind to be held since the onset of the pandemic in Saskatoon, as safe as possible.
“We're following all the public health orders. Eric Church is pro-vaccination, all of his personnel, his entire tour, they all have proof of vaccination," Ford said.
According to Ford, the venue has been selling more than 100 tickets a day.
"All of the staff that are working, concession staff, stagehand, security, ushers, ticket takers, all have their proof of vaccination."
Beginning Thursday afternoon, SaskTel Centre started pre-screening Church fans who are attending the concert.
Either proof of vaccination must or a negative PCR test result from a test taken after 6 p.m. Wednesday must be provided.
People who complete the pre-screening process are given a tamper-proof wristband. Ahead of the concert, SaskTel Centre is also offering testing on-site at cost ranging between $25 and $30.
Fans under 12 are exempt from the screening.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.