Mask requirement lifted by SHA

Private clinics can set their own rules

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Saskatchewan Health Authority is returning to routine infection prevention and control protocols effective April 4.

According to a provincial news release, masking is no longer required for patients or residents, staff or visitors and will be optional in all SHA facilities including administrative offices, hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. The province states these changes are supported by Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer.

Masks will still be available to those who wish to wear them, and province states personal protective equipment such masks, gowns or gloves will still be required for staff and visitors during outbreaks or in specific high-risk clinical areas. As well, physical distancing measures will also end, and there will no longer be restrictions on food sharing and food donations.

These only apply to SHA facilities; privatelyrun physician’s offices, clinics and other non-SHA facilities will set their own policies.

The other major news of the day was that eHealth Saskatchewan is decommissioning the SK Vax Wallet mobile device application. According to the news release from the province it will no longer accept updates as of April 17, and as of April 30 the app will no longer be available in the App Store. However, COVID-19 vaccination records are still available on peoples’ MySaskHealthRecord account and can be printed or saved and viewed on mobile devices. The QR code will still be available on vaccination records through MySaskHealthRecord.