Type of Intervention: Guidance, New Tool / Service / Body
Sectors Involved: Health, Private Sector and Businesses, Travel
Intervention Categories: International travel measures; Planning and strategy; Creation of or release of plans
Level of Jurisdiction: Saskatchewan
Lead People/Agency: Chief Medical Health Officer: Dr. Saqib Shahab
Ministry of Health
Overview: Saskatchewan is undertaking preparation and planning efforts for COVID-19. This includes heightening surveillance and expanding testing criteria. In addition, The Ministry of Health’s pandemic preparedness plan, which exists for Influenza, will be tailored to address COVID-19. This encompasses actions such as updated guidance for healthcare providers on procedures regarding case definition and testing. Workplaces are also advised to have up-to-date business continuity plans in case the province experiences an increase in cases. Travel guidance is also provided, where individuals returning from Hubei and Iran are asked to contact public health officials and to self-isolate for 14 days. Individuals returning from countries where COVID-19 is circulating are asked to self-monitor for fever and cough symptoms.
Full details here: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/march/05/planning-for-covid-19
Type of Justification: Perception of an increased threat
Evidence/Justification: In the article, Dr. Saqib Shahab (Chief Medical Health Officer) described that as COVID-19 transmission was occurring in many countries, testing and surveillance efforts would be increased in Saskatchewan.