The first step of Phase 1 in the Vaccine Delivery Plan is expected to begin next week where 1,950 health care workers in Saskatoon ICUs, Emergency Departments, COVID Units, testing and assessment centres will receive their first dose of the vaccine.

They will then receive their second dose three to four weeks later.

The first phase of the Vaccine Delivery Plan will also focus on immunizing priority populations that are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus as well as those more at risk of serious illness. This includes health care workers, staff and residents of long-term care facilities, those in the 80 plus range, residents over 50 in northern and remote areas, and as the supply of vaccine allows those 70 to 79 years of age.

Since Tuesday 250 people have received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (11 on December 15 and 239 on December 16). There are 301 people booked to receive the vaccine Thursday.

Health Canada's approval of the Moderna vaccine is expected soon, which could mean a shipment to Saskatchewan later this month.

Widespread vaccination access to the general population will be made available as part of Phase 2 of the delivery plan which is scheduled to begin in April 2021.

SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said while there is reason to be optimistic, we can't let our guard down. 

"The fact that general immunization won't start until sometime during April 2021 underlines the need for us to continue to take precautions seriously. We must all continue to follow public health orders while the vaccination program is being delivered. It's also critical for our public to know that our health system is still severely strained. We will still need help from the people of this province."

The government of Saskatchewan also changed the length of time one might self-isolate for if they test positive. 

The isolation period for COVID-19 positive individuals is being reduced from 14 to 10 days effective immediately.  Individuals who are already currently in self-isolation should still continue to wait for a call from public health to confirm they are recovered.

Individuals who are self-isolating as a result of being a close contact must continue to self-isolate for 14 days as it can take several days for symptoms to appear.  Once symptoms appear individuals must self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.  Immunocompromised persons should follow the isolation period recommendations of public health and follow up with their physician or oncologist.