The Saskatchewan Government’s proof of vaccination or negative test policy goes into effect tomorrow, and the province is detailing where and when it applies.
The province previously announced that on October 1st the requirement for someone to show a proof of vaccine or negative test confirmed 72 hours before a visit would come into place across the province.
Where a proof is needed
The province says the proof-policy will apply to several non-essential businesses such as restaurants, including eateries in hotels or other lodgings that are not fast food restaurants.
Along with that, it applies to nightclubs, bars, taverns, party buses and other establishments that serve alcohol under the authority of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act.
Entertainment venues and other locations also making the list of places needing a negative test or vaccine record include:
- theatres or cinemas
- bingo halls, casinos and other gaming establishments
- concerts
- live-music venues
- fitness centres and gyms
- standalone liquor and cannabis retail sales locations
- facilities hosting sporting events where tickets are required that have GST charged on the ticket.
Which businesses are exempt from the policy
In addition to announcing which businesses will be effected by the proof-policy, the province says some others will be exempt from the program.
These include:
- retail businesses, including grocery stores
- off-sale liquor stores and liquor stores located in other retail stores
- places of worship, including for weddings, funerals or wakes
- personal, health care, and professional services
- public libraries
- hotels or lodging, and self-serve food options therein
- facilities hosting amateur sporting events, including youth athletics and recreational leagues
- private gatherings at public venues
- private gatherings at private residences
Province reiterates what constitutes proof in either scenario
If someone is already double vaccinated under the medical standard, there are multiple options for proofs.
These include the A QR code MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate, either printed or on the patron’s mobile device, a printed hard copy of MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate, Wallet cards issued at the time of vaccinations or a COVID-19 vaccination printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health.
When it comes to someone remaining unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, they have the option of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from within the previous 72 hours.
A self-administered take-home rapid antigen test will not be accepted as valid proof of negative COVID-19 results, and the cost of a getting an asymptomatic test will fall on the individual.
The SHA will not be providing these asymptomatic tests, as health officials move their resources to symptomatic, close contact or outbreak testing. Organizations providing these tests will be listed on the Saskatchewan website, the government says.
As of right now, the masking mandate for indoor public venues remains in place.
