Sask. top doc says no more than 2-3 households should mix
Even without a provincial mandate, Saskatchewan's top doctor is urging people to keep private gatherings small and to limit mixing between households.
"I would certainly strongly recommend that this is the time when we think of all private gatherings in the home," Dr. Saqib Shahab said during a media teleconference on Monday.
Shahab is the province's chief medical health officer.
In the face of a sustained onslaught of fresh COVID-19 cases, the Saskatchewan government implemented a mandatory masking policy in September and a vaccine requirement that came into effect on Oct. 1.
However, limits on gathering sizes, like those recently requested by Saskatoon's elected officials, have so far been off the table.
Shahab said that even without a public health order, people should keep gatherings small and consistent, involving a maximum of two or three households and including only those who are fully vaccinated.
"Same goes for private events, whether it's a marriage or a funeral, keep it small, keep it safe, (wear maks) in indoor places," Shahab said.
"Only remove masks while you're eating and I recommend proof of vaccination, or negative test, even where it's not required by an order."
Shahab said that people in the province need to "remain extremely vigilant" as the weather cools off and social life again moves indoors.
There were 279 new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday with four additional deaths. Of the new reported cases, 77 per cent were identified in unvaccinated people..
As of Monday's update 335 patients were in hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19 including a record total of 85 patients in intensive care.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.