A state of emergency has been declared in Saskatchewan this afternoon over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following measures have been announced today by the province:
Public gatherings larger than 50 people are prohibited.
All restaurants, bars and event venues must limit their seating to 50 percent of capacity or up to a maximum of 50 people, whichever is less. All must be able to ensure social distance of one to two metres.
All gyms, fitness centres, casinos, and bingo halls are ordered to close until furthr notice.
Residents are advised to limit any non-essential travel outside of Saskatchewan, with the exception of people who live in border communities and are commuting to work.
Any licensed restaurants and taverns in Saskatchewan will be permitted to sell alcohol as an offsale according to SLGA regulations indefinitely.
All crown utilities will implement bill deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deerral for up to six months for Saskatchewan residentts whose ability to make bill payments may be imnpacted by COVID-19.
All Government of Saskatchewan ministries, agencies, and Crown corporations will implement a phased-in work from home policy effective March 23, applicable to employees deemed non-essential. That means that any employees able to work from home should do so immediately, while providing managers a period to plan for work-force continuity.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will be discontinuing all non-urgent or elective surgeries, procedures and diagnostics as of March 23. This will allow SHA to redeploy nurses and other staff and ensure medical supplies and personal protective equipment are available when needed, and reduce the risk of further exposure to care providers.
SHA will continue to provide services to patients who requuire emergent and urgent care. Cancer, urgent and emergent surgeries will continue as planned. Patients will be contacted regarding their scheduled service.
Starting today, for the latest information residents can go to www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19. If unsure of your symptoms go to that site and use the self-assessment tool to determine if youn should contact HealthLine 811. Public inquiries may be directed to [email protected].
