Beginning Friday, October 1, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test will be required around Saskatchewan for access to a wide range of business, event venues and for all government ministry, crown and agency employees.
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations under The Public Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations come into force on October 1, where public employers will require their employees to make a choice to show proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result at least every seven days. A negative test result is also required for partially vaccinated individuals.
Employers outside the public service can voluntarily opt in should they wish to implement a proof of vaccination or negative test policy for employees. More information on The Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations can be found >>> here.
The cost for all proof of negative test results for asymptomatic testing will be the responsibility of the individual.
Vaccinations are not mandatory in Saskatchewan and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, therefore legal affidavits are not required and will not provide an exemption. If a proof of vaccination is not provided, proof of a negative COVID 19 test must be presented to access a designated business. The only acceptable forms of proof of vaccination areas follows;
• Wallet cards received at time of immunization
• A printed copy of your MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code)
• A screenshot of your MSHR vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code) saved to your device
• An earlier version of your MSHR COVID-19 vaccine certificate
• A COVID-19 vaccine printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health
• To come – A QR code/MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate uploaded to SK Vax Wallet
Businesses requiring proof of vaccination will also require ID from anyone 18 and older. Youth aged 12-17 will also need to show ID unless accompanied by an adult with proof of vaccination and ID. Children aged 12 to 17, visiting a business without an adult, who do not have photo identification will be allowed to present other forms of government issued identification such as birth certificate or health services card.
For those not vaccinated, many locations will also accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The result most be from the previous 72 hours.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says a self-administered take-home rapid test will not be accepted.
The SHA says it will also not be providing testing to asymptomatic people, instead giving priority to those presenting symptoms.
An asymptomatic person will only be tested if they’ve been identified as a close contact, have had a positive rapid test, have been identified as part of an outbreak situation or requiring admission or transfer from a long-term care, primary care, social services or intensive care unit.
A list of locations and labs offering tests that will be accepted at locations can be seen >>> here.
The Province of Saskatchewan continues to say the best form of protection is to receive a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine.
