Public gatherings of more than 250 people within a single room will be banned by Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer starting Monday, March 16.
This does not include settings where people are distributed into multiple rooms or buildings, such as schools, universities or workplaces.
Retail locations and faith-based organizations are exempt, however, they should have measures (such as crowd size monitoring) that support safe social distancing and should seek guidance from the local medical health officer if necessary.
The chief medical officer has also banned events of over 50 people that have speakers or attendees who have travelled internationally in the last 14 days.
As well, people who have travelled outside the province in the previous 14 days or have acute repository or flu-like symptoms should avoid visiting long term care homes and hospitals.
The capacity of Healthline 811 has been more than doubled effective 9 a.m. this morning, with additional capacity being added going forward.
The Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority said they continue to work together to expand testing capacity for COVID-19, including the introduction of COVID-19 assessment sites over the coming days.
“While these are significant steps that will help limit transmission of COVID-19, most important is the responsibility we all have to ensure we reduce the risk to ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Scott Moe, the province’s premier.
“The best way we can do this is by practicing social distancing, washing our hands often, avoiding close personal contact like handshakes or hugs, and self-isolating if we feel any symptoms of illness.”
