Saskatchewan ends all COVID-19 health measures
Saskatchewan has become the first province in Canada to lift all COVID-19 restrictions as its transitions to treating the virus like a common respiratory illness.
The Saskatchewan Party government on Monday removed its two remaining pandemic health orders, which included mandatory masking in indoor public places and a requirement to self-isolate for five days if positive for the infection.
The province scrapped its vaccine passports on Feb. 14.
“Booster shots are extremely protective against hospitalizations,” Shahab said. “The best thing we can do for ourselves, and reduce pressure in the health-care system, is to get boosted.”
About half of Saskatchewan adults have received their booster shot.
While health orders have lifted, the virus remains in communities throughout the province despite the wave fuelled by the Omicron variant peaking one to two weeks ago, said Shahab.
He estimates that about 20 per cent of the population was exposed to COVID-19 during the Omicron wave — about one out of every four households.
He estimates another 30 to 50 per cent of the population could be exposed over the next few weeks and months.
Results from PCR tests done in labs indicate about five to seven per cent of people have been positive for the subvariant, he said, but added it’s not a level of concern at this time.
The province prefers to protect people through vaccinations and treatment with antiviral drugs instead of broad public health measures that affect mental health and the economy, he said.
“At least for the short term, (we’re) not relying so much on mandatory measures, but more on getting boosted, staying home if ill, self-testing if you have concerns or are gathering with those who are at high-risk,” Shahab said.
“Those things are going to be more important for the next few weeks and months.”
