The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced today (fri) that as of next Friday, November 8th, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter all SHA acute care faciltiies and Long Term Care homes, including any affiliates. Patients do not have to provide proof of full vaccination to receive care.

The Ministry of Health will be directing personal care homes to align with the policy.

The SHA says this aligns with both the their Health Care Worker Proof of Vaccination policy and the provincial Proof of Vaccination as outlined in the Saskatchewan Public Health Order for non-essential businesses and events.

All essential family/supports and visitors are to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Without a proof of vaccination, these individuals can provide a negative PCR or a rapid antigen test, at their own cost. Tests must be performed in the last 72 hours by an approved third party provider.

Meanwhile, Prairie Spirit School Division is implementing proof of vaccination requirements for employees, trustees, practicum students, full time staff as well as casual and substitute employees.

Proof of vaccination needs to be submitted and if an individual is unable or unwilling to share that information then they will have to embark on COVID-19 self testing and submit the results.

COVID-19 antigen test kits will be supplied at no charge until December 31st. As of January 1st those who need to submit a test must pay for it themselves.

An employee who receives a preliminary positive results must inform their supervisor, call 8-1-1 and get a lab based PCR test and self isolate until the results of the lab based test are confirmed.