Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says COVID-19 numbers are trending in the right direction but said the current public health measures in the province will remain in place until at least March 19.
The measures were set to expire on Feb. 19.
Moe said the extension of the measures was made on the advice and recommendation of the province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab.
“There is reason for optimism, but it’s not reason for us to let our guard down,” Moe said Tuesday during a briefing.
“What we are doing in Saskatchewan is working and it continues to work, but we need to keep doing it to ensure this trend continues for the foreseeable future.”
Measures include mandatory masking in all public spaces and banning household visits.
The only exception is single individuals, who are allowed to meet with one household of less than five people provided it is always the same household.
“Everything we’re doing, including ramping up the immunization program, is first and foremost to reduce deaths and hospitalizations,” said Shahab, adding that it is just the second week of reduced new COVID-19 case numbers.
“(It’s) trending in the right direction, but we’ve seen how quickly they can reverse, not just in Saskatchewan, but in many other provinces.
“We really need to stay the course.”
Shahab said the current measures will be reassessed prior to March 19. He said that review will include the current state of daily COVID-19 cases and how well the vaccine program is running.
However, Moe said it’s possible some restrictions could be lifted before that date.
“I’ve spoken often to the opportunity to potentially expand our household gatherings, our household bubbles at some point. I don’t thinks we’re quite there yet,” he said.
“That may be one. If we can continue on that trend of reduced numbers, reduced hospitalizations, and ultimately reduced fatalities in the days ahead, that might be one Dr. Shahab may be able to look at previous to the four weeks.”
The province said enforcement of the measures will continue as more fines were announced.
Specklebelly’s Brew Pub in Saskatoon was fined $14,000 during the week of Feb. 8 for failing to abide by public health orders. Health officials did not release the nature of the violation.
Health officials said 18 locations in Regina and Saskatoon were inspected on Feb. 7 — Super Bowl Sunday — but saw no breaches that warranted enforcement.
Continuing public health measures
Co-parenting arrangements can continue and caregivers, support personnel and tradespeople are permitted in a residence.
Groups of 10 or less are allowed to briefly meet outside to exchange greetings if physical distancing between households can be maintained.
Seating at restaurants and licensed establishments is also limited to four at a table and alcohol sales are banned after 10 p.m. daily.
Visits to long-term care homes except for compassionate reasons remain suspended.
Casinos and bingo halls remain closed and personal care services must reduce customer occupancy by 50 per cent.
Retail services up to 20,000 square feet must reduce their capacity by 50 per cent, while those over 20,000 square feet must reduce their capacity by 25 per cent.
Places of worship are limited to no more than 30 people, including weddings, funerals and baptismal services. No food or drink may be present or served.
Indoor public banquets, conferences, wedding and funeral receptions in public venues are also limited to 30 people, with no food or beverages allowed.
Capacity is restricted to 30 people at all arenas, live theatres, movie theatres, performing arts venues and any other facilities. If food or beverage service is offered at any of the venues, it must be kept separate, with no food or drink allowed in the activity area.
All team and group sports and activities remain suspended, including amateur and recreational leagues for all age groups.
Athletes and dancers 18 years of age and under can continue to practice in groups of eight or fewer, with at least three metres of physical distancing between participants at all times and following masking protocol.