'The time for patience is now over': Sask. premier announces masking order, vaccination rules
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has announced an indoor masking mandate will come into effect on Friday followed by a proof-of-vaccination policy.
In a video posted to Facebook Thursday morning, Moe said the fourth wave is "being driven almost entirely" by unvaccinated people.
"The choice to not get vaccinated is creating consequences for others and I would say very soon, it is going to create consequences for those who have made the decision to remain unvaccinated," Moe said.
VACCINATION PROOF
Moe said a proof-of-vaccination policy will be implemented beginning Oct. 1 with the "interim" indoor masking measure likely lifted later in the month
"The government of Saskatchewan has been very patient, possibly we have been too patient and that time for patience is now over," Moe said during a news conference in Saskatoon Thursday afternoon.
"To not get vaccinated is creating consequences … for others and now it, unfortunately, is going to create consequences for you."
In a press release sent ahead of the media availability, the Saskatchewan government said that proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required at establishments including restaurants, casinos, movie theatres and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events.
The same requirements will be put in place for all provincial and Crown employees.
Moe said the negative tests that can be used in lieu of proof of vaccination will not by paid for with public money.
"You will be providing (the test) on your own, through one of the private operators that operate here in the province and you'll be paying for it as well," Moe said.
Under the plan, proof of vaccination will not be required at retailers, grocery stores, places of worship and fast food restaurants offering takeout and delivery.
Non-ticketed amateur sporting events, business meetings and places of business closed to the public will also be exempt.
The rule will not apply to indoor private gatherings. The masking order will require non-medical masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces.
Youth athletics will be exempted from the masking rules, with those under the age of 18 not required to wear masks while engaged in athletic activity.
PROTECTING OTHERS
Speaking at the news conference, Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said higher vaccination uptake would help protect children under 12 who don't have the option.
"It is astounding to see that 98 per cent of children who test positive are in households who are unvaccinated, about 330 cases so far," Shahab said.
Shahab also took aim at those refusing the jab because they are "mired in conspiracy theories."
"It is surprising to meet young people who work frontline in restaurants and retail who are fully vaccinated and they say their parents or grandparents are not because they've seen something on social media," Shahab said.
"I think anyone who is deep into misinformation needs to course-correct themselves."
Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone said even with the new measures in place, the health authority is bracing for an expected surge in people needing treatment due to the number of COVID-19 cases already present in the community.
"We will be tested as an organization like we have never been tested before over the upcoming weeks," Livingstone said.
MORE TESTING
The Saskatchewan government also said it is "working to immediately expand widespread access" to home rapid-antigen COVID-19 screening tests.
Residents will be able to obtain the tests from locations operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and other agencies.
The province emphasizes the home tests are intended to be a self-screening tool, with SHA testing still needed to confirm cases with certainty.
Moe said that tests required
MOE'S PREVIOUS STANCE
Moe last held a news conference less than a week ago where he announced a reinstated self-isolation order for COVID-19 positive residents and the reduction of some health care services to ease the stress on the system.
During the Sept. 10 news conference, Moe said he firmly believes being vaccinated is a choice and that he was resistant to the idea of creating "two classes of citizens" based on vaccination saying would be a "very difficult and very divisive path" for the government.
Moe has resisted calls to reinstitute public health measures such an indoor masking mandate, describing such steps as "stopgap measure."
“They were always intended to be temporary, and they were to get us to a point where vaccines are largely available and accessible and they are today,” Moe said during the Sept. 10 news conference.
After a promising initial uptake, COVID-19 vaccination rates have lagged in Saskatchewan, which, along with Alberta, ranks lowest among provinces according to federal data.
Responding to a reporter's question, Moe shrugged off the notion that the timing of his government's announcement was related to Alberta premier Jason Kenney's rollout of public health measures Wednesday evening.
Moe instead framed the new measures as a continuation of last Friday's announcement.
OPPOSITION RESPONSE
In his response to the announced measures, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili pounced on the proximity of Moe's announcement to Kenney's, calling the measures "long overdo."
"Copying Jason Kenney’s 'too-little, too-late' plan is not leadership," Meili said in a press release.
The opposition leader said Moe "ignored the increasingly desperate voices" of those who have been calling for a change in the province's approach to managing the pandemic.
--Edited by Miriam Valdes-Carletti with files from Janelle Blakley.
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.