The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has announced that proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter all of its facilities, starting in November.
According to a news release, the SHA said the policy will come into effect on November 8 for anyone entering acute care facilities and long term care homes, including affiliates. This policy aligns with both the SHA health care worker proof of vaccination policy and the provincial proof of vaccination contained in the Saskatchewan Public Health Order for non-essential businesses and events.
Patients will not be required to provide proof of full vaccination to receive care or service.
“Many safety enhancements have been put in place during the pandemic to promote and sustain safe family presence including masking, screening and point of care testing,” The SHA said in the news release. “All essential family/supports and visitors are to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.”
Without proof of vaccination, visitors to long term care homes (including affiliates) and personal care homes may provide a negative PCR or a rapid antigen test, provided the test is performed in the last 72 hours by an approved third party provider. These services are user pay and a list of providers is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website.
The Ministry of Health will be directing personal care homes to align with this policy.
The SHA recognizes that family presence is essential to safe patient and resident care. An exemption process is being created and more information will be provided once the details are finalized.