Additional COVID-19 measures not necessary, Moe says

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his government’s intent is to keep life in the province as normal as possible as it extends existing COVID-19 measures to Feb. 19.

Speaking to Gormley guest host Drew Remenda on Wednesday, Moe reiterated his stance that the government needs to strike a balance between public health and the economy.

“The goal throughout all of it is, yes, to control the COVID spread but also to keep as much of our community, our economy, to keep as many of our jobs operating as possible,” Moe said.

“(We want to) keep our kids in classrooms if it’s at all possible and has been for the majority of the winter here. That’s always the goal, to keep things as normal as possible but control the spread of the virus.”

The premier said current regulations are working, pointing to the province’s active case count, which has fallen to 2,665 — the lowest it has been since Nov. 21. As well, since peaking at 321 in mid-January, Saskatchewan’s seven-day average of new cases is down to 254 per day.

On Tuesday, the province reported 232 new cases, 839 recoveries with 14 deaths, setting a new single-day high in deaths and recoveries. There are 208 people in hospital, including 33 in intensive care.

Saskatchewan is second among provinces and territories with 226 active cases per 100,000 people.

“We don’t need additional restrictions. What we need is everyone to adhere to these ones for a little while longer,” Moe said.

Three establishments in the province were also fined $14,000 each for breaking them. Crackers and the Crazy Cactus in Saskatoon were fined, as was Stats Cocktails and Dreams in Regina.

Moe said other investigations are underway to determine if more fines should be levied.

“There are a few bad actors that are not following the public health orders that are in place. The vast majority of businesses are. And they’re doing so very well,” Moe said.

“Not only are we going to try to keep them open but we are going to provide them, as we have, with supports.”