New SHA rules for acute-care facilities, care homes take effect Monday

Starting Monday, everyone visiting Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities will need to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative test.

The SHA said the regulations will apply to all family and support people as well as visitors at all SHA-operated acute-care facilities and long-term care homes, including affiliates. Patients won’t have to provide proof of vaccination to get care.

However, there are exceptions to the new rules. Proof of full vaccination or a negative test result will not be required:

• In urgent/emergent situations, including emergency ground transport. One unvaccinated family/support person is permitted.
• For labouring mothers and partners as they are considered urgent care situations. One unvaccinated family/support person is allowed.
• In cases when children/dependents need care. One parent/support person will be allowed to accompany the child regardless of vaccination status or negative test.
• For long-term care, planned care appointments, admissions and surgery. If there is no option for a vaccinated/tested negative family or support, one designated family member/support person is permitted without proof of vaccination or negative test (in discussion with the care team). Additional precautions may be required.
• For end of life situations.

Additional precautions may be required.

Proof of vaccination can be shown via a QR Code on a mobile phone or printed from a person’s MySaskHealthRecord, a COVID-19 vaccine certificate printed from MySaskHealthRecord, wallet cards received at the time of immunization, and proof (electronic or in writing) issued by another province, territory or government.

For those who don’t show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR or rapid antigen test performed in the previous 72 hours by an approved third-party provider must be shown.