Sask. government attempts to clear up COVID-19 quarantine confusion
As Saskatchewan’s western neighbour moves to eliminate COVID-19 quarantine rules, the provincial government is attempting to clear confusion around its self-isolation requirements.
On Aug. 16, Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be mandated to quarantine, though it will still be recommended by the province.
In Saskatchewan, the government changed isolation requirements for COVID-positive residents on July 11, when the province dropped all public health restrictions.
Previously, the province said anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 “must self-isolate.” However, it was changed to say they “may be required to self-isolate” when Saskatchewan fully reopened.
On Thursday, Minister of Health Paul Merriman said contact tracers and public health officials will still direct residents who have contracted COVID-19 to self-isolate immediately.
“This direction has been and continues to be provided by public health officials to all individuals who test positive for COVID-19,” said Merriman in a statement.
Merriman said if people who have been told to self-isolate don’t follow the direction of public health officials, a medical health officer could order isolation under the Public Health Act. The individual could receive a $2,800 fine if they continue to disobey.
According to the NDP, the message remains muddy.
“The Minister of Health set a very unclear message when it comes to people who test positive with COVID-19, leaving a lot of questions on how they should behave,” said NDP leader Ryan Meili.
“I just want to make it clear. If you test positive COVID-19, stay home. Stay out of contact with people. It is still a very dangerous illness. You can make other people sick.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.