Self-Isolation

Self-isolation is an important way of preventing COVID-19 from spreading in Saskatchewan. It means staying at home and avoiding situations where there is a potential to spread the infection to others.

If you need to attend an urgent medical/dental appointment, wear a mask while you are out and let the clinic know you are on self-isolation prior to arrival. Attend the appointment and return home with no stops in between.

Self-Monitoring vs. Self-Isolation

What You Need to Know About Self-Monitoring and Self-Isolation

Ce que vous devez savoir sur l’autosurveillance et l’auto-isolement

Effective December 17, 2020, the mandatory self-isolation period for COVID-positive individuals has changed to at least 10 days (from 14 days previously).

The 10-day isolation period applies to COVID-positive people only.

People who are a close contact to a positive case must isolate for 14 days from the day of the last exposure to the case (in a household setting, last contact is the day the case is released from isolation).

Please note that all travellers returning from international destinations – including the United States – are subject to a mandatory 14 day self-isolation order. Violation of the order may result in a $2,000 fine.

Anyone identified by a MHO as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 shall go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from the date of having been exposed.

In addition, any visitors who have travelled outside of Saskatchewan in the previous 14 days or have acute respiratory or flu-like symptoms should self-isolate.

If you experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or high fever, immediately call HealthLine 811 for assessment and direction.

For people who HAVE contracted COVID-19
Self-isolation means the patient is considered well enough to not require admission to hospital and can remain in their home. Individuals should not attend work; school; daycare; university; social, sporting or cultural events; or religious gatherings.

The patient should have the ability to care for their symptoms including being able to drink enough liquids.

They should not have visitors to their home and should avoid contact with others that may be living in the same home.

For people who HAVE NOT contracted COVID-19
Self-isolation is a precautionary approach used to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 from people that have been in an area of high disease spread or in close contact with a person with COVID-19. These individuals should stay home. Do not attend work; school; daycare; university; social, sporting or cultural events; or religious gatherings. These individuals may not have any symptoms or they may have mild symptoms that can be managed at home. If symptoms develop or worsen, call HealthLine 811 for assessment and direction.

For people who have COMPLETED their 14 days of isolation
Based on the latest science on COVID-19, the time from exposure to developing symptoms can take up to 14 days. If the person has not developed symptoms over this time, the risk of their having COVID-19 is low and they can return to work or school. However, if the person has had another exposure during the initial 14-day period (for example from a family member that became ill), the self-isolation must extend for 14 days from the last exposure.

If the person has developed symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) during the period of self-isolation, they should contact HealthLine 811 for guidance.

1. Stay at home and avoid contact with others (self-isolate).
2. Call HealthLine 811 to receive advice about self-isolating if you have not already received advice from to your local Public Health office.
3. Remain in self-isolation for 14 days after travel or your last contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19.
4. Call HealthLine 811 if you develop symptoms.

Learn more about Coping in Self-Isolation.

There are several different ways someone can be considered a close contact of a patient with COVID-19.

Close contact can include someone who:

• provided care for someone with COVID-19 or who had other similar close physical contact without appropriate personal protection equipment;
• lived with or had close prolonged contact (within two metres) with someone with COVID-19 while the individual was symptomatic and not self-isolating;
• had direct contact with the body fluids of a someone with COVID-19 (for example, was coughed or sneezed on);
• who shared personal items, such as drinking cups or utensils, with someone while they were symptomatic; and
• was an airplane passenger seated within two metres of a symptomatic case or crew member serving the symptomatic case.

You would not be considered a close contact if you cared for someone with COVID-19 or had close physical contact, while using appropriate personal protective equipment, and the individual was self-isolating. You would also not be considered a close contact if you lived with someone with COVID-19, but were not within two metres of that person and they are self-isolating.

Transient interactions, such as walking by someone with COVID-19 or being briefly in the same room while maintaining a social distance, are not considered contact.

People who meet the criteria of being considered a close contact should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of exposure.

They also should self-monitor for the appearance of symptoms. More information on self-monitoring can be found on saskatchewan.ca/self-monitoring.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, call HealthLine 811 for directions for testing.

What if I was near someone, but do not meet the criteria of close contact?
Self-isolation is not required. Non-close contacts must self-monitor for symptoms as outlined above. Individuals considered not a contact do not have any restrictions. As individuals, we are responsible for ensuring our actions do not put others at risk. We encourage people to remember that there are people in our society who may be immune compromised and would be at significant risk if they are exposed to serious illness. Everyone should take preventative measures.

We know this is hard, but for the health of your family, friends and community, you are required under the Public Health Order to self-isolate.

Self-isolation means:

• DO NOT go to work or school.
• DO NOT go to public areas, including places of worship, stores, shopping malls and restaurants.
• DO NOT have visitors in your home.
• CANCEL or reschedule non-urgent appointments; let them know you are on self-isolation. Where possible, arrange virtual appointments.
• DO NOT take buses, taxis or ride-sharing where you would be in contact with others.
  
• ASK family/friends to drop off food or USE delivery services.
  • When your items are dropped off, they should be left outside your door for you to avoid contact with that individual.

You must self-isolate at home and separate from others in the household, if you have symptoms of fever and cough, even if they are mild.

• If you are sharing your home with others, stay and sleep in a room with good airflow that is away from others.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.

It is OK to be outside on your own property, including your backyard or balcony, as long as you are not physically interacting or near other people.

• Do not leave your private property.
• Do not go for walks.
• Do not have contact with others in your home.

Household members should stay in another home or place of residence if possible, especially if they have a compromised immune system or chronic health conditions. If you are sharing your home, stay and sleep in a room with good airflow that is away from others. Use a separate bathroom if you can.

Self-isolation in situations of shared living (eg. university dorms, apartments, etc.)
If a person with symptoms is self-isolating in shared living accommodations such as a dorm room at a university, they should be temporarily accommodated elsewhere or have roommates and family members temporarily relocate. In cases where there may be several people with symptoms awaiting test results, they may co-locate until results are confirmed. Refer to the Infection Control Tips document for more information.

If an ill person is sharing accommodations with someone who might be vulnerable to infection – those with suppressed immune systems or chronic illness, pregnant women, infants and adults over 65 – relocation is advised to reduce the risk of severe illness for the vulnerable person.

Ensure the home is supplied with basic needs including food, medications (such as prescriptions), personal hygiene products, etc. to support a stay at home of up to 14 days. It is recommended that your sleeping area is separate from other members of the household.

If you live alone or your household is self-isolating, ensure you have a someone who is able to check in on you and can provide an additional support or supplies you will require. Request that person to take all needed precautions to avoid infection.

For financial supports, learn more about provincial programs for workers and federal programs for individuals and families. 

Living through the COVID-19 pandemic can cause anxiety and worry in all of us. Whether you're coping with the loneliness of self-isolation, concerned about the health of your loved ones or worried about what the future may hold, there are mental health supports available to help you through this difficult time. 

I saw pictures on Facebook of someone who just got back from Mexico and went out in public. Shouldn't they be self-isolating?

We are unable to speak to rumours posted to social media. We can only speak to the advice we are providing all residents now to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

All residents are being asked to self-isolate when they return from international travel.

Are you tracking people who should be staying home?

Public health does not have a mechanism of tracking residents who, based on best advice for all Canadians, should be self-isolating.

If you have received medical advice from HealthLine 811, your physician or a public health official to self-isolate, please follow their directions.

As individuals, we are responsible for ensuring our actions do not put others at risk.

We encourage people to remember that there are people in our society who may be immune compromised and would be at significant risk if they are exposed to serious illness.

Is self-isolation mandatory?

The emergency order includes mandatory self-isolation as of March 20, 2020. This is enforceable by peace officers, if necessary.

However, we would hope that people recognize the risk and take preventative measures to stop the spread of any illness.

As individuals, we are responsible for ensuring our actions do not put others at risk.

We encourage people to remember that there are people in our society who may be immune compromised and would be at significant risk if they are exposed to serious illness.

What are the penalties if someone doesn't follow the emergency order?

People who contravene the order may face fines of up to $2,000 in the case of an individual and not more than $10,000 in the case of a corporation, under The Emergency Planning Act.

Pay attention to your health and how you are feeling. You can call HealthLine 811 anytime to talk to a nurse at and get advice about how you are feeling and what to do next.

• If you require urgent medical care because it becomes harder to breathe, you cannot drink anything or you feel very unwell, go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department. Call ahead if needing medical attention and notify reception once you enter a clinic or a hospital that you are self-isolating because of COVID-19. If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, get tested, even if symptoms are mild. Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath and generally feeling unwell. Call HealthLine 811 for directions for testing.
• Call ahead before you get medical care. If leaving your home for medical care, call ahead and tell the clinic you are coming in and that you are self-isolating due to risk of COVID-19. By calling ahead, you help the clinic, hospital, lab, urgent care or doctor's office prepare for your visit and stop the spread of germs.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands right away after you sneeze, cough or touch used tissues or masks. Throw used tissues into a lined trash can in your room and tie up that trash bag before adding it with other household waste.
• Wash your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is best to dry your hands with a paper towel and throw away after use. If you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Flush the toilet with the lid down. COVID-19 virus may also be present in poop (stool or feces). Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
• Clean and disinfect common areas once a day. Clean surfaces in the room(s) that you are staying in with regular cleaning products. Then, disinfect (kill germs) by mixing one part bleach with 50 parts water (for example, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) bleach into 1 cup (250 mL) water) and applying it to areas that are touched often such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables. It is especially important to use bleach to disinfect if you are sharing any common areas (such as a bathroom) with others or if other will be entering the room(s) where you are staying.
• Avoid crowded public spaces and places where rapid self-isolation upon onset of symptoms may not be feasible. Examples of these settings include mass gatherings such as concerts or sporting events.
• Avoid contact with vulnerable people. COVID-19 is more serious among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Avoid contact with these individuals while self-monitoring.

Modified Self-Isolation:

Applies to partially vaccinated people providing essential services. It allows them to continue working at approved locations and times with additional mitigations in place. These individuals must continue to self-isolate when they are not at work.

Fully Vaccinated Exemption from Self-Isolation:

With a few exceptions, anyone who is 14 days past their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at time of exposure and is asymptomatic no longer has to isolate when named as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person. 

The release from self-isolation does not apply to anyone with symptoms. Even if someone has relatively mild symptoms they should immediately self-isolate and be tested. Anyone who is unvaccinated or has received only one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine must still self-isolate as directed by Public Health if they are named as close contacts. 

Public Health has the discretion to require fully vaccinated close contacts to isolate if they are considered at higher risk of serious illness or for increased transmission, or they live in settings at risk of outbreaks. Self-isolation of fully vaccinated close contacts may also be required in any health care setting, including long-term and personal care homes and congregate living settings like group homes and corrections facilities. There is still a requirement for health care workers and employees/residents at facilities including long-term and personal care homes, corrections facilities and other congregate living settings to be tested, if they are deemed close contacts of someone who is COVID-19 positive.

The requirement to self-isolate for 14 days following international travel is currently a federal quarantine order that is subject to change. 

Download Fact Sheet

What does it mean if I’m now fully vaccinated/immunized and I’m exposed to COVID-19/named as a close contact?

• Those who are 14 days past their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at time of exposure and are asymptomatic may be exempted from self-isolation by public health if they are deemed a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person.
• NOTE: There are important exceptions and detailed guidelines below.

How do you define fully vaccinated?

• Fully vaccinated is someone who, at the time of exposure, has passed the 14-day mark of receiving the second of a two-dose series such
  as Pfizer, Moderna or Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines, or one dose of a single dose series such as Johnson and Johnson (likely in another country, since Johnson and Johnson is not available in Canada.)

This is for people without symptoms – what if I have symptoms?

• The release from self-isolation does not apply to anyone with symptoms.
• Even if you have only relatively mild symptoms, you must immediately self-isolate and get a COVID-19 test. 
• The exemption from the self-isolation applies only to asymptomatic people who are fully vaccinated.
  

What if I’ve received only one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

• Anyone who has received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine must still self-isolate as directed by Public Health if they are named as close contacts.
  
  

What if I have chosen not to or am unable to receive the vaccine?

• Those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine must still self-isolate as directed by Public Health if they are named as close contacts.

Does this mean I don’t have to quarantine/self-isolate after international travel?

• At this time, people must continue to self-isolate for 14 days following international travel, as per the federal quarantine order.

What about the requirement to get tested?

• If a fully vaccinated person is exposed to COVID-19 and remains asymptomatic, there is no requirement for COVID-19 testing.
• However, there is still a requirement for health care workers or employees/residents at facilities including long-term and personal care homes, corrections facilities and congregate living facilities like group homes, to be tested if they are deemed a close contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive.
• Any person who is symptomatic, regardless of vaccine status, must isolate and be tested.

Is this a nationwide policy?

• No. Similar to Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, Saskatchewan has adopted a provincial approach for managing fully immunized, asymptomatic close contacts to COVID-19 positive individuals.