Saskatchewan Lotteries is extending the time people can claim their prizes on winning tickets due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Winners whose tickets would expire between March 17 and Sept. 17 will have an additional six months to claim their prize.
Lottery officials said they made the extensions as efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 are affecting the ability of players to claim prizes.
Saskatchewan Lotteries said it supports choices players are making to practise appropriate physical distancing to keep communities safe in accordance with public health advisories.
The extension applies to all lottery games, including Lotto Max, Lotto 6-49, Sport Select games and instant scratch tickets.
Typically, winners have one year from the date of draw-based games to claim their prize. Instant scratch tickets have an expiry dated printed on the back of the ticket.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers across Canada are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. In Saskatchewan, international travellers are already required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to the province.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.