Type of Intervention: Guidance, New Tool / Service / Body, Regulation
Sectors Involved: Health, Local Government, Travel, General Public
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Gatherings, businesses, and services
Level of Jurisdiction: Saskatchewan
Lead People/Agency: Chief Medical Health Officer: Dr. Saqib Shahab
Health Minister: Jim Reiter
Ministry of Health
The Government of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Overview: Saskatchewan is implementing new prevention measures to limit the transmission of COVID-19. These were announced by Premier Scott Moe, Health Minister Jim Reiter and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab and include:
– An order has been made by the Chief Medical Health Officer of Saskatchewan in accordance with Section 45 of The Public Health Act. The order states that there be no public gatherings of more than 250 individuals in any one room (this is not inclusive of places where individuals are dispersed into several rooms/buildings). The order also states there be no events of more than 50 individuals with speakers or attendees who have travelled internationally in the last 14 days. Exemptions exist for faith-based organizations and retail locations, but they are expected to have measures upholding safe social distancing. In addition, individuals who have travelled outside of the province in the last 14 days, or who are experiencing flu-like or acute respiratory symptoms, should not visit hospitals or long-term care homes.
-The Government of Saskatchewan, as an employer, has implemented policies surrounding the travel of government employees and procedures for self-isolation and self-monitoring. These measures are being implemented in the Government of Saskatchewan ministries, crowns and agencies. The Chief Medical Health Officer strongly advises the uptake of these measures by employers and individuals throughout the province.
– The capacity of Healthline 811 has been increased by more than twofold and will have further increases moving forward.
– Efforts to increase COVID-19 testing capacity are being undertaken collaboratively by the Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority, with COVID-19 assessment sites being introduced in the upcoming days.
Full details here: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/march/13/further-measures-for-covid-19
Type of Justification: No justification given