Mask mandate ends in Saskatchewan Monday
CBC
For the second time in Saskatchewan's COVID-19 history the province is dropping its COVID-19 health restrictions, including the requirement to wear a mask.
All remaining COVID-19 public health orders will be removed on Monday morning at 12:01 a.m.
The last time Saskatchewan was hoping to say good-bye to mandatory indoor masking was on July 11, 2021, when the province entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan.
That day Moe and Shahab sealed the final regularly scheduled COVID-19 update with a handshake ahead of lifting all previous COVID-19 health restrictions.
Back then the Saskatchewan Health Authority reminded residents in a news release that the pandemic was not over.
When the fourth wave hit Saskatchewan, the provincial government decided to reinstall its mask policy on Sept. 17, 2021.
Starting Monday, people may still continue to wear masks if they want, but it won't be mandatory for residents, said the province on Thursday.
"All are asked to be respectful of the decisions individuals make," the Ministry of Health said in a news release.
"Public health continues to encourage residents to take the preventative measures that have proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19."
These recommended measures include:
The province also recommends that people who test positive for COVID-19 self-isolate either for five days following the test date, or for 24 hours since any fever has cleared up without the help of medication and all other symptoms have been improving for at least two days, whichever is later.
Residents are also encouraged to continue informing their contacts so they can self-monitor or test, the province said.
People who test negative but still have symptoms should stay at home until they feel better for at least 48 hours, the Ministry of Health recommends in its news release.
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