Chief medical health officer explains fall COVID guidelines

There’s a lot going on in the fall, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Halloween or Remembrance Day.

Staying healthy during get-togethers is a matter of following the same principles that got Saskatchewan through the summer, says the province’s chief medical health officer.

That includes keeping a small social circle, practising hand hygiene, social distancing and wearing masks when physical distancing isn’t possible.

“We’ve had a great summer. We’ve done really well in Saskatchewan, keeping the case numbers low as we enter the fall,” Dr. Saqib Shahab said during an appearance on Gormley on Monday.

“Just (pay) attention to these easy-to-do routines, routines that are familiar to all of us. (It) will ensure that we have an enjoyable fall and be able to participate as we choose in specific fall events.”

Last week, the province announced its fall COVID-19 guidelines which will allow trick-or-treating with some precautions.

Those include minimizing the number of people handing out candy and using tongs to do so. Revellers are also advised to either sanitize packaging or let the candy sit for a few days.

“Enjoy the day. If you enjoy your kids wearing costumes, enjoy the day. See and be seen but do it in a safe manner,” Shahab said.

Shahab told guest host Mike Couros that masks would be a good idea if people find themselves in situations where they can’t maintain two metres of distance.

They would also be advisable at haunted houses, pumpkin patches or wherever proper distance can’t be kept.

When people attend fall dinners, the province is recommending they avoid potlucks and buffet service to avoid crowding, sharing platters and handling the same utensils.

Ideally, Shahab said only one person would be serving food, reducing the routes of transmission.

Also, people should not be afraid of cancelling if they don’t feel well.

“There shouldn’t be any hesitation in doing that. And we should all understand that,” he said.

Shahab said people should participate in ways where they feel comfortable.

Older residents may want to opt to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony virtually, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

For those who wish to attend in person, Shahab reminded them to maintain physical distance and practise hand hygiene. As well, he pointed out that gatherings are capped at 150 people.