SASKATOON — The City will be requiring all residents to comply with the provincial government’s health protocols when accessing all of its public establishments like leisure centres. Starting Oct. 1, Individuals 12-and-over must show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative test of the virus.
The Saskatchewan provincial government listed the following as acceptable proof of full vaccination forms: wallet cards received at time of immunization, printed copy of one’s MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate (with or without the QR code) or a screenshot of your vaccine certificate (with or without QR coded saved on your device.
An earlier version of your MySaskHealthRecord COVID-19 vaccine certificate, a COVID-19 vaccine printout from the Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health, to come — A QR code or MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate uploaded to SK Vax Wallet app which will be available free from Google Play or Apple App stores, and official proof of vaccine documents from other provinces may be considered.
One must present proof of a negative COVID test if proof of vaccination is not available, in order to be allowed inside the city’s facilities. Getting inoculated is not mandatory in the province and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, with some obtaining affidavits to show proof that they are exempted from vaccination.
However, a legal affidavit is not one of the requirements and is not a guarantee or will not provide an exemption. They can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within the previous 72 hours if they can’t provide proof of vaccination. Pictures of negative COVID-19 test results are not valid.
In addition, a photo ID may be required from individuals 18-and-up while youth (12 to 17 years old) must also need to show an ID unless accompanied by an adult that possess a proof of vaccination. Youth aged 12 to 17, visiting a business without an adult, who do not have photo ID will be allowed to present other forms of government issued ID such as birth certificate or health services card.
The proof of vaccination or negative test are required in city-run fitness centres and gyms, fitness and weight rooms, and gymnasiums inside the following leisure centres: Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre.
As of Oct. 1, only those customers and visitors over the age of 12 who are accessing the fitness rooms, weight rooms and gymnasiums will need to provide their ID and proof of vaccination or negative test upon arrival at the facility each visit. Customers and visitors should plan for extra time during their visits to allow for this additional step.
Also, in keeping with the Sept. 22 Provincial Public Health Order, individuals 18 years of age and older and on-court officials do not require masks while participating in sports activities, for the duration of the sport or activity only, so long as they provide proof of vaccination or negative test. Individuals who are under the age of 18 years while participating in sports, for the duration of the sport only, are exempt from wearing masks.
The City of Saskatoon will be working directly with impacted rental and user groups to assist them in implementing applicable requirements for their athletes, coaches and officials, and spectators for ticketed events, while using Leisure Centres. Otherwise, the city reminds the public that masks are required in Leisure Centres regardless of vaccination or testing status.
Based on the current information available from the province, the indoor arenas (ACT, Archibald, Cosmo, Gordie Howe Kinsmen, Lions) do not require proof of vaccination or negative test to access the facility.
Masks are required at all times while visiting with exceptions. Individuals 18 years of age and older and on-ice officials do not require masks while participating in sports activities, for the duration of the sport or activity only, so long as they provide proof of vaccination or negative test. Individuals who are under the age of 18 years while participating in sports, for the duration of the sport only, are exempt from wearing masks.
The city will be working directly with impacted rental and user groups to assist them in implementing applicable requirements for their athletes, coaches and officials, and spectators for ticketed events, while using indoor arenas.
The city may not know all the details as of the Oct. 1 targeted start date and it may take some time to finalize the details based on the information available from the Province. They ask that everyone visiting these facilities be patient and kind with staff and other customers as everyone works through this new requirement.
