Released on April 4, 2023
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is moving back to routine infection prevention and control protocols effective today and masking will no longer be required for patients/residents, staff or visitors. Masking will be optional in all SHA facilities including administrative offices, hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. These changes are supported by Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) that may include masks, gowns or gloves, will still be required for staff and visitors during outbreaks or in specific high-risk clinical areas as per SHA infection control policies.
Masks will continue to be made available to health care staff, patients/residents and visitors who wish to wear a mask.
Physical distancing measures will also end. There will no longer be restrictions on food sharing and food donations.
Privately-run physician's offices, clinics and other non-SHA facilities set their own policies regarding infection prevention and control, including policies requiring masking onsite.
Public health orders requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for access to businesses, workplaces and other venues ended on February 14, 2022. Many jurisdictions around the world, including Canada, have ended proof of vaccination entry requirements for international travellers.
As the need for proof of vaccination has declined considerably, eHealth Saskatchewan is decommissioning the SK Vax Wallet mobile device application. Beginning April 17, 2023, the app will no longer accept updates. Effective April 30, the app will no longer be available in app stores.
COVID-19 vaccination records are still available on your MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) account and can be printed or saved and viewed on your mobile device. The QR code is also still available on vaccination records through MSHR.
COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available including a second bivalent booster for residents 18 years of age and older in long-term care facilities, personal care homes and assisted living facilities; persons over 80 years of age; persons 65-79 years of age who have not had COVID; and those who are 18 years of age and older who are immune suppressed.
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For more information, contact:
Health MediaHealth
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca