Shahab warning about COVID spread at work

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Saskatchewan, the province’s top doctor is reminding people to be careful at work.

During the Tuesday COVID-19 update, Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, said workplaces are one of two main sites of COVID-19 transmission in the province.

A presentation given to doctors last week says workplaces, by far, account for the largest number of outbreaks — 114 out of approximately 185 outbreaks. Congregate living settings like long-term care homes and group homes are the second-highest at 26.

Shahab reminded people on Tuesday that, if they can work from home, they should.

“It remains critical that all of us talk to our employers and our co-workers and see what work can be done safely from home (and) for what work do you have to to go a site, either an office or other site,” said Shahab.

For those who can’t work from home, Shahab said they and their employers should go over their protocols to see what’s working and what can be improved.

Shahab talked about things like wearing your best masks and, in situations where distance can’t be maintained, that a face shield be used as well. He also said if people have to work within two metres of each other, then they should be working in cohorts.

Shahab also mentioned being especially careful around break times.

For everyone, people working at home and not, Shahab reminded everyone to stay home and get tested if they have symptoms.