Saskatchewan gov’t says mask measure could be lifted by July 11

Saskatchewan residents could be unmasked by July 11.

On Tuesday, the provincial government set out vaccination targets required to prompt the removal of public health measures such as mandatory masking and limits on gathering sizes.

“When we released the Re-Opening Roadmap on May 4, Step Three was not quite fully developed,” Premier Scott Moe said during a media conference Tuesday.

“We said that most remaining restrictions would be lifted in Step Three, but event and gathering size limits as well as the indoor masking order would remain in place until further guidance was finalized. Today, we are able to provide that further guidance.”

The province said measures like mandatory masking and limits on the size of gatherings will be removed three weeks after 70 per cent of everyone in the province aged 12 and over has received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine — provided at least three weeks have passed since the beginning of Step Two.

Step Two is set to start June 20. Given that 62 per cent of Saskatchewan residents aged 12 and over have received their first shots, all measures currently in place could be lifted as early as July 11 if the vaccination threshold is reached by June 20.

“It’s really up to us, the people of Saskatchewan, and how many of us make the choice to protect ourselves, protect those around us, take the time to go out and get vaccinated,” Moe said. “That is really what this is all about.

“The goal isn’t to just meet some target number that has been provided. The goal is to protect Saskatchewan people and families so that we can reopen our communities and our opportunities safely.”

The province started Step One on Sunday and already has hit the vaccination threshold necessary for Step Two. Moe said Step Three also could begin July 11 if all targets are met by June 20.

He noted about 75,000 more residents need to get a first dose for the province to get to the 70 per cent threshold, so he urged everyone who has got their first shot to talk to people who haven’t and explain why they should be vaccinated.

Step Three says most public health measures will be lifted — including those on restaurants, sports and recreation — once (a) 70 per cent of those 18 and over have received their first dose of vaccine and (b) three weeks have elapsed since the beginning of Step Two.

As of Tuesday, 66 per cent of people over the age of 18 had received their first dose.

“Our path back to normal continues to be through our vaccinations and I want to thank all the residents of Saskatchewan who have chosen to keep themselves and their friends, families and communities safe,” Moe said in a media release.

“And to everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time. Let’s get this done, Saskatchewan. We have had public health orders in place now for 445 days. They could all be removed in a little over a month from now, if enough of us get vaccinated.”

Even though the public health measure calling for mandatory mask use could be lifted, the government said some workplaces could still require the wearing of masks. As well, some people may still choose to wear masks based on their risk assessment and comfort level.

“Even once the mask order is removed, everyone should still feel comfortable if they choose to wear a mask in certain situations if they see fit,” Moe said during the media conference.

“If you want to keep wearing your mask until you receive your second shot, that’s fine, or when you’re in the store or when you’re at work, that’s all perfectly fine. Everyone should do precisely what they feel comfortable doing.”

As for gatherings, the government said although physical distancing won’t be required anymore, organizers should consider separating those in attendance. Washrooms and commonly touched surfaces should still be cleaned and disinfected.