Here's what you need to know ahead of Friday's proof of vaccination requirement
Starting Friday proof of vaccination or a negative test result will be required in Saskatchewan for public access to businesses and events.
This will also include all provincial government ministry, crown and agency employees.
On Oct. 1, the public will have to provide proof of vaccination for indoor dining at restaurants; indoor fitness centres and gyms; nightclubs, bars, taverns and other licensed establishments; event venues such as conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, museums and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events.
Businesses requiring proof of vaccination will also require ID from anyone 18 and older. Youth aged 12 to 17 will also need to show ID unless accompanied by an adult with proof of vaccination and ID.
Youth aged 12 to 17 visiting a business without an adult who do not have photo identification will be allowed to present other forms of government issued identification, such as a birth certificate or health services card.
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test must be presented to access a designated business if proof of vaccination is not provided.
SHOWING PROOF OF VACCINATION
The province has a list of acceptable forms of proof of vaccination:
- Wallet cards received at time of immunization
- A printed copy of your MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code)
- A screenshot of your MSHR vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code) saved to your device
- An earlier version of your MSHR COVID-19 vaccine certificate
- A COVID-19 vaccine printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health
In the future, a QR code/MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate uploaded to SK Vax Wallet will be accepted.
QR CODES
The QR codes in the vaccine records obtained from MSHR were temporarily removed on Sept. 24 due to potential privacy concerns where some residents were receiving another individual’s health information upon scanning of the code.
This issue has been resolved and the QR codes are once again available in MSHR.
Any codes that were printed, saved or captured before Sept. 28 should be deleted or destroyed and new QR codes must be retrieved from an individuals MSHR account.
PROOF OF A NEGATIVE TEST
Individuals who do not have proof of vaccination have the option of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within the previous 72 hours.
The SHA will no longer be providing testing for asymptomatic individuals, effective immediately, giving priority to those with symptoms unless identified as a close contact, have had a positive rapid antigen test, identified as part of an outbreak situation or requiring transfer or admission to long-term care, primary care, social services or intensive care units.
A self-administered take-home rapid antigen test will not be accepted as valid proof of negative COVID-19 results.
Individuals requiring a negative test result have several private options that will provide a rapid antigen test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for a fee.
A current list of locations and labs offering testing services is available on the government’s website.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS
Regulations under The Public Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations comes into force on Oct. 1, where public employers will require their employees to make a choice to show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide evidence of a negative test result at least every seven days.
A negative test result will also be required for partially vaccinated individuals.
The cost for all proof of negative test results for asymptomatic testing will be the responsibility of the individual.
Employers outside of the public service can opt in these regulations should they wish to implement proof of vaccination or negative test with their employees.
Proof of vaccination for all SHA employees will begin with a phased approach on Friday.
“The need for this policy is a result of the significant risks mounting from the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant and a necessary step to protect health care team, patients and residents, and to preserve health care services,” said the release.
Health care workers who do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to participate in a monitored testing program at their cost, unless they have received an approved accommodation based on the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
The province warns some individuals are obtaining affidavits indicating they are exempt from vaccination.
“Vaccinations are not mandatory in Saskatchewan and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, therefore legal affidavits are not required and will not provide an exemption,” said the province.
The province said vaccinations remain the best defense to prevent serious illness and hospitalization. The SHA and pharmacies will continue to provide vaccination clinics.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
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.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
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.
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.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.