The Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding residents who live in the South East or South West regions of the province that COVID-19 cases are rising and to book their vaccine appointments when eligible.
The reminder comes after the SHA issued a warning on Saturday about increasing COVID-19 variant cases in Moose Jaw, which is located in the South Central zone.
Residents in Moose Jaw and area are “strongly encouraged” to only gather with their immediate household indoors and limit travel and shopping to essential trips only.
The Leader of the Opposition, Ryan Meili, called on Premier Scott Moe and the government of Saskatchewan to expand public health restrictions to Moose Jaw on Sunday.
Meili told Global News the NDP was glad to see restrictions be put in place in Regina last week, but said more needs to be done.
“They forgot about Moose Jaw where the cases are rising very quickly and we’re also seeing that 90 per cent of the cases, the new cases in that city are the variants as well that we know spread more quickly, make people sicker so it just makes perfect sense to expand those public health restrictions into the city of Moose Jaw.”
He added his party has been hearing stories of people going from Regina to Moose Jaw for haircuts or meals, which he said is dangerous.
Meili, whose parents live in Moose Jaw, said that the city has an older population and with rising cases in the area, the province needs to keep an eye on the situation there.
He said restrictions need to come in place immediately.
“Why wait? We saw what happened in Regina, we’re going to have over 100 cases there again today, our hospitals and ICUs in Regina filled up, why wait and do the same thing in Moose Jaw? Get ahead of it before things get bad,” Meili said.
The SHA says people aged 62 and over, including those living in border communities and those without a Saskatchewan card such as new immigrants, are eligible to book an appointment.
The online booking system can be accessed at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine or residents can call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829)
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A family physician in Humboldt encouraged residents to get vaccinated when it’s their turn.
“Let me speak plainly as someone who had dedicated their life to education, medicine and the health and well-being of others: COVID is real. Vaccines are safe and they work. Please, for your own safety and the safety of your family and community and the collective good follow the necessary precautions, get tested, and get vaccinated,” Dr. Tanner Schatz said.
Another family physician in Swift Current added that vaccinations are only part of our defence against COVID-19.
“Ensuring that we continue to follow public health guidelines, properly wear a mask and avoid non-essential travel are just as important,” Dr. Jason Gatzke said.
Residents who are feeling well, have travelled out of the province, or believe that they may have come into contact with someone who has tested positive or is symptomatic are asked to get tested.
Referrals to community testing can be provided by family physicians, nurse practitioners, or by calling HealthLine 811.
“With the recent rise in variants of concern (VOC) in Saskatchewan, it is important that we do not let our guard down,” said Gatzke. “Getting tested will help ensure you protect yourself, and those around you as well.”
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