Beginning Nov. 8, visitors to any Saskatchewan Health Authority acute care facility and long-term care homes must supply a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. 

The SHA says that the policy aligns with its health care worker proof of vaccination policy and the provincial proof of vaccination policy. 

Patients and care home residents will not require a proof of vaccination in order to receive care or services. 

“This policy will help protect the vulnerable patients and residents in our healthcare facilities by reducing the risk of transmission in these high-risk settings,” said Marlo Pritchard, president of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, during a Provincial Emergency Operations Centre briefing.  

“The SHA will be communicating additional details in the lead-up to the implementation date to ensure visitors to these facilities are fully informed of these new requirements.” 

Those who are not vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test that was taken within 72 hours of visiting the facility. 

Scott Livingstone, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said this policy is for everyone’s safety. 

“Since the implementation of the boosters, particularly for those residents of long-term care and those individuals who are vaccinated first, where we see some waning immunity, the booster doses in long term care, personal care homes have been a major game-changer. We saw the numbers creep up a little bit before the booster program, and now they're back down again,” he said. 

Exemption processes are being created and the SHA will provide more information once details are finalized.