The government of Saskatchewan announced a number of new public health orders on Monday, in addition to those in effect as of November 27.

All current and new guidelines will be reviewed on January 15.

Effective December 17:

Private, Indoor Gatherings

  • Private, indoor gatherings will be limited to immediate household members only.
  • Single individuals are permitted to meet with one, consistent household of less than five individuals for the duration of the order.
  • Co-parenting arrangements are permitted to continue.
  • Caregivers and support services in the home are permitted to continue.

Outdoor Gatherings

  • People may meet and greet outdoors with up to 10 people only, provided physical distancing between households can be maintained.

Effective December 19

Personal Services and Event Venues

  • Casinos and bingo halls must close.
  • Personal services may operate at 50 per cent capacity, including staff and clients. Personal services include hairdresser/barber, esthetics, massage therapy, acupuncture, tattooing, etc.
  • Event venues, conference facilities, arenas, arts venues, museums, movie and live theatres and banquet facilities may still have events up to 30 individuals. During events in these venues, all guests must be seated for the duration. Food and drink are not permitted unless explicitly stated in the order.
  • Note that the guidance for weddings and funeral ceremonies and places of worship is 30 individuals only. Concurrent services may not occur within multiple locations within one facility.

Effective December 25

Retail

  • Retail services must reduce their capacity to 50 per cent.
  • Large retail locations are required to limit their capacity to 25 per cent capacity. Large retail locations are defined as retailers with a square footage larger than 20,000 square feet. For details see Public Health Orders at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-health-orders

“Re-open Saskatchewan guidelines have been effective at reducing transmission in those settings where we have implemented measures like restaurants and retail settings,” Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.  “It’s the in-between places, the social settings, where COVID-19 transmission is happening.  In our breakrooms and staff rooms, by inviting new people into our homes, we are letting our guard down."

"We can still celebrate the holiday season.  After a difficult year, it’s more important than ever to connect with loved ones but it must be done at a safe distance or virtually.  Share time with friends and family but keep everyone safe.”