Sask. to offer vaccine passport, booster shots for eligible populations
The Saskatchewan government will roll out a proof of COVID-19 vaccination document and begin delivering booster shots as the pandemic's fourth wave tightens its grip on the province.
On Monday, Saskatchewan reported three deaths and 199 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the active case count in the province to 2,068.
A printable proof of vaccination document is now available through residents' MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) account at eHealth Saskatchewan for use at businesses, venues or events where it is required.
A QR code version is also in the works, the province said in a news release announcing the move.
Frontline health-care workers will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing. The details of the plan are still under development, the province said.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced on Monday that proof of vaccination will be required at all home games starting Sept. 17.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan have also announced proof-of-vaccination policies in recent weeks.
During a virtual news conference, when asked why his government stopped short of mandating proof-of-vaccination rules such as those announced in Manitoba and British Columbia, Premier Scott Moe said he wanted to take a "collaborative" approach rather than applying "the heavy hand of government."
Moe also cited potential "operational" hurdles businesses might face — particularly retailers — if the proof of vaccination was required.
BOOSTER SHOTS START SEPT. 7
While the province says two standard vaccine doses provide "optimal protection" from COVID-19, the province will begin offering booster shots for eligible populations.
"Real-world evidence indicates that there are factors that may contribute to the waning of effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including the age of the recipients and if the individual is immunocompromised due to a medical condition or medication," the news release said.
The eligible groups include residents of long-term care and personal care homes, transplant recipients, people undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.