Proof of vaccination or negative test to be required at some Regina concerts, venues
The Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test from concert goers as it reopens.
In an update posted to Facebook on Friday, the venue said it will require a printed copy or screenshot of a vaccination record from patrons or a negative COVID-19 test dated within 72 hours of the time the doors to the event open.
The move by The Exchange comes a day after City and Colour announced its upcoming tour will require proof of vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours, which includes a November show at the Conexus Arts Centre.
"The policy is being initiated by our clients, so we're enforcing them on their behalf," said Conexus Arts Centre CEO Neil Donnelly. "It'll be checked at the door by our staff as they arrive, just as you would for a normal security check or your ticket taking check, it's just one more step being added in that process."
Online pages for purchasing concert tickets at the Conexus Arts Centre will also make note of any COVID-19 related entry requirements for patrons.
"We obviously want these shows to happen and we want these shows to continue happening and we want people to feel safe while they're here, and the artists and the staff that travel with them," Donnelly said. "If this is what it takes to get shows and get our people back to work and our venue back operating, then that's what we're prepared to do."
Dr. Cory Neudorf, a professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, said that while these types of restrictions are not foolproof, they do offer a higher probability of safety.
"What you’re looking for is creating a situation where the vast majority of people have a really low risk of being an active case or be actively transmitting," Neudorf said.
To date, the Saskatchewan government has not implemented any province-wide entry requirements for concerts and other large events, instead leaving the choice up to venues and operators.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.