Sask. residents react to government’s decision to lift COVID health measures

As the Saskatchewan government prepares to put an end to all COVID-19 public health measures in the province, people are sharing their thoughts.

Premier Scott Moe made the announcement on Tuesday morning, much to the dismay of some people.

One woman who declined to give her name believes the decision to drop the public health measures reflects poorly on the provincial government.

“I’m upset about it, I am still going to wear my mask when I am at the grocery store,” she said. “Moe is not making a decision that is good for the majority of people’s health.

“I will continue to be cautious, and so will my family moving forward.”

Another woman believes it’s too soon for the government to be making these decisions.

“I don’t agree with it,” she said. “There are too many people out there that still need protection as far as I am concerned.”

Proof-of-vaccine program in Saskatchewan ending February 14/22 @ 12:01AM. Wow.

Some will be VERY happy.

But for HCWs, the medically vulnerable, families w/ kids <5, the elderly & frail?

This "rush" to normalcy is a MASSIVE kick in the gut.https://t.co/DkyNxThu5M

— Dr. Alexander Wong (@awong37) February 8, 2022

Some people like Michael Dyck are happy with the government’s decision, but can’t help but feel a little bit nervous.

“All I can say is that I hope things don’t go back to the way they were and that all of this was for nothing,” he said. “I do hope for everything to be normal.

“I am glad we are taking the time to do this properly.”

Tuesday’s announcement was cause for celebration for lots of people.

One of many people who spoke with 980 CJME believed the government should have dropped restrictions a long time ago.

“I think it’s about time,” she said. “I think the vast majority of people understand that we need to take a personal responsibility to do what is right for ourselves and our children.

“We never had conversations before COVID about personal health choices, so I am hoping it all comes to an end with all of this. I think everything has run its course.”

Saskatchewan Premier lifts proof of vaccination at midnight this Sunday..YES…thank you sir…your comments and briefing just now is outstanding!

— Marty (@martysrealworld) February 8, 2022

Meanwhile, in a joint statement, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Yorkton Tribal Council, Prince Albert Grand Council, Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and Meadow Lake Tribal Council called on the province to reconsider its decision.

The organizations said eliminating the public health measures “puts First Nations communities at greater risk” and “will only increase outbreaks and emergencies in our communities.”

“It is premature for the province to end all restrictions as our First Nations vaccination rates are much lower than the provincial rates and an end to all restrictions will create added pressure to the community frontline workers and community resources,” YTC Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup said in the statement.

“It’s inevitable that there will be a surge in positive COVID-19 cases in our communities and it is unfortunate that the province is straying from the course to mitigate the impact of the highly contagious COVID variants.

“Our First Nations communities and organizations will continue to be diligent and implement our strategies for risk management and mitigation of this virus.”