YORKTON -
The end of proof of vaccination requirements in Saskatchewan has been announced for Feb. 14.
The province announced the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or negative tests in Saskatchewan businesses, workplaces and other public venues will end Monday.
eHealth Saskatchewan will continue to make proof of vaccination records and QR codes available to Saskatchewan residents for use where needed including for travel or in other jurisdictions.
The remaining public health orders requiring masking in indoor public spaces will remain in effect until the end of February.
Premier Scott Moe said it's time to take the next step in living with COVID-19 and getting our lives back to normal.
"Proof of vaccination has been an effective policy, but its effectiveness has run its course," Moe said. "The benefits no longer outweigh the costs. It's time to heal the divisions over vaccination in our families, in our communities and in our province. It's time for proof of vaccination requirements to end."
Moe said vaccines and rapid test kits will continue to be widely accessible throughout the province.
"As we shift to living with COVID-19, there is a continuing need for personal responsibility for self-monitoring, self-testing and self-management," Moe said. "It will be important for individuals to assess their own risk and comfort levels, and to take appropriate action if they are unwell."
Local reaction
Locally, The Board of Directors of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce sent out a release Monday stating it applauded the Government of Saskatchewan’s decision to remove the proof of vaccination or negative tests in Saskatchewan businesses, workplaces and other public venues.
“Under these imposed mandates, businesses have incurred costs relating to verifying proof of vaccinations/negative tests; not to mention the loss of revenue from those uncomfortable with, or not allowed to enter establishments,” stated President Marty Sveinbjornson in the release. “The Chamber is encouraged that the lifting of these mandates will be a positive step towards the recovery of our business community. Businesses bore these costs alone with no assistance from any order of government.”
Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley said he sees the move as appropriate at this time.
“I think it’s great news. It’s time . . . We have to look to the future,” he told Yorkton This Week, adding there are “consequences if we’re not moving forward. It’s time to move on.”
But, Hippsley cautioned it might not have the dramatic effect in terms of added business, or people attending events some may envision.
“Quite honestly I don’t think it will,” he said, adding the benefit of the move is likely to be more psychological than real, with people simply feeling they are freer.
As far as people flocking back to events and businesses “I doubt that,” offered Hippsley.
With the mandates now lifted, Sveinbjornson encourages residents to respect all points of view.
“Business owners understand the needs of their employees and customers. The success of their business hinges on being responsive to the needs and expectations of the people connected to the business,” he said.
Hippsley said people should remember they can continue to wear masks even after that mandate ends too, if they feel safer doing so.
“I will at times for events,” he said.
Other reaction
Dr. Eben Strydom president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association offered a cautionary note in a piece sent to media Monday.
“Like you, physicians look forward to a day when public health measures can be lifted, but caution this should only happen when it is safe to do so,” he wrote. “We need to see steady declines in COVID cases and wastewater transmission data. Hospitalizations should drop into the low double digits, and ICUs have fewer than 10 COVID-19 patients. We are all tired of the pandemic. However, our individual and collective responsibilities remain – whether it is beating COVID or living with it. We must all do our part.”
Strydom said he understands a desire to return to more normal conditions, but the impact of the pandemic is not over yet.
“I understand the yearning of our politicians and citizens alike who want to put the pandemic behind us and leave what feels like an unending state of crisis after crisis. I do worry, however, that this reframing might diminish the harsh reality that many Saskatchewan residents continue to get gravely sick, and several others will pass away from what is in essence a preventable disease,” he wrote.
“Living with COVID may also mean that for many people in this province, the health care system may not be there for them when they need it. Physicians are eyewitnesses to a health care system that has been stretched and strained to its limits by the Omicron variant. COVID-related hospitalizations have reached record highs. Some health workers have simply left the field and many of those who remain are tired and weary. There are situations where too few staff are caring for too many patients due to the pandemic.
“Physicians are mindful of these impacts, which will likely take years to overcome. We are also concerned about COVID’s long-term effects on our patients and the health care system. Patients who are waiting for necessary treatments and procedures are suffering. Physicians worry whether there will be sufficient resources in place to deliver the care patients need over the long term.”
The article stated that managing the impact of Omicron cannot be lost as we learn to live with COVID.
“Thankfully, we have vaccines. They work. As our medical experts tell us, vaccines (especially third doses) are the most important intervention we have as we return to normalcy. If we have one ask of Saskatchewan residents, it is to get vaccinated, whether that is your first, second, or booster dose,” wrote Strydom. “We ask that you protect your children by getting them vaccinated. Living with COVID will, at least for the foreseeable future, mean continuing to wear your best mask, limiting your contacts, and when sick, testing yourself and stay home.”
Residents are encouraged to continue to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including wearing your best mask, taking advantage of free rapid testing, regular handwashing, staying home when ill and getting vaccinated, including your third/booster dose as soon as you are eligible.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) was more direct in condemning the province’s decision to lift proof of vaccination requirements.
“Moe has stripped away the paltry protections that were in place in our schools. It is completely unacceptable and shows this government’s total lack of regard for students and staff,” said Rob Westfield, chair of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers Steering Committee and a facility operator with Saskatoon Public Schools in a release. “Many of our members work in close physical proximity with students – providing hands on support and guidance for students with complex needs. The mental toll of not knowing if you have been exposed to COVID is immeasurable. We all have loved ones who are at higher risk – whether it is small children who are not yet vaccinated, seniors or immunocompromised. We are drowning, and the government is leaving us adrift.”
According to the latest announcement by the Government of Saskatchewan, parents and caregivers are no longer required to notify schools about positive test results for the purposes of close contact notification.
“Given the current record-high infection rates during this Omicron variant wave of COVID-19 and high numbers of people in hospital, it is reckless for the Sask. Party government to relax safety measures in schools,” said Judy Henley, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Our members in the education, health care and childcare sectors are exhausted and overwhelmed trying to protect our community and deliver public services.”
“This announcement is highly irresponsible. It removes incentives for unvaccinated people to get vaccinated. This will create more stress and anxiety for students and parents if they don’t know if other students are infected with COVID. We can’t turn a corner on the fifth wave of the pandemic, when the government is ending positive test reporting in schools and contact tracing. It puts politics over public health and the safety of students and staff,” concluded Westfield.
