Here's what residents should know as Sask. heads into 2nd pandemic Thanksgiving
Saskatchewan residents are heading into their second pandemic Thanksgiving and the government has offered some recommendations for weekend gatherings.
At this time, formal gathering restrictions are have not been put in place.
The province said household gatherings are the primary source of COVID-19 transmission in Saskatchewan and asked residents to take precautions.
“Particularly for those thanksgiving diners, be mindful of gathering sizes,” said Dr. Lanre Medu, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
Outdoor gatherings are encouraged as much as possible. The province said if you are holding indoor gatherings, be aware of your guests’ vaccination status. Children 12 and under are at elevated risk of COVID-19 transmission since they are not eligible for vaccination at this time.
“Don’t discount any symptoms. Don’t attend that Thanksgiving diner (if you are sick) and get tested,” said Medu.
The government added a specific warning for unvaccinated residents.
“If you are unvaccinated, you should not gather with family and friends this long weekend, as you are putting them at risk,” the province said in a news release.
Gatherings in close quarters and shared food service create a high risk for COVID-19 transmission, according to the government.
In 2020, indoor and outdoor gatherings for Thanksgiving were capped at 30 people, but the COVID-19 situation in the province is much different than it was last year.
On Oct. 5, 2020, the province had 143 active COVID-19 cases.
As of Tuesday, the Saskatchewan has 4,385 COVID-19 cases currently considered active. Case counts rose steadily through August and September, but have stabilized after a record high of 4,864 was reported on Sept. 26.
In an emailed statement, the province said it “will not be making an order to limit gathering sizes."
"The vast majority of new cases and hospitalizations are unvaccinated residents and those who are not vaccinated should get vaccinated,” the province said in the statement.
While there are no gathering restrictions in place in the province as of Tuesday, Saskatchewan’s top doctor offered a warning for residents last week.
Speaking on Sept. 29, chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said COVID-19 would have an impact on the 2021 holiday season, based on the current trajectory of cases.
“We will not only not have Thanksgiving at this rate, we will likely not have Christmas and New Years at this rate,” Dr. Shahab said Wednesday.
In 2020, the province implemented strict gathering restrictions days before Christmas. Private gatherings were limited to immediate households.
When those measures went into effect on Dec. 17, the seven-day average of new cases was half of what was recorded Wednesday and there were 126 COVID-19 patients in hospital – compared to the pandemic-high 311 recorded Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan NDP is asking the government to do more to prevent another spike after Thanksgiving, this year.
“Bring in the appropriate overall gathering size restrictions, according to the modelling, share that modelling, and give people clear instructions on thanksgiving,” said Ryan Meili, leader of the NDP.
Meili said he couldn’t speculate on what gathering restrictions would be needed, as he said this needs to come from the COVID-19 modelling date, which the government is no longer releasing.
With files from CTV Regina's Janelle Blakley
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.