The Government of Saskatchewan is shifting the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The province said in a release that the outbreak and case management protocols that were effective in previous waves of the pandemic are no longer as effective with the speed of Omicron's transmissibility. As well, at-home rapid testing has allowed people in the province to self-manage, and safely navigate day-to-day activities.  

PCR testing at Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities will be reserved for priority groups, and walk-in testing will no longer be available as of Monday. 

The priority populations at elevated risk for severe outcomes include:

  • Hospitalized patients, those admitted or transferred between acute, long-term care, or personal care homes.
  • High-risk populations as ordered by the medical health officer: residents in long-term care, personal care homes and congregate living facilities; and international or travellers from areas of concern.
  • Priority symptomatic persons: health care workers or essential workers who have a negative rapid antigen test but remain symptomatic; those with chronic illness.
  • Symptomatic people living or working in First Nation and Métis communities.
  • Surgical patients with symptoms or a positive rapid antigen test if scheduled or expecting to receive surgery within the next 90 days.
  • Pregnant patients who are symptomatic and more than 30 weeks gestation.
  • Symptomatic immunocompromised individuals including all transplant donors and recipients prior to and post-transplant; all oncology patients prior to, receiving or post-chemotherapy.
  • Newborns born to COVID-19-positive parents, prior to discharge.

“We should all know our risk and you know, continue to observe caution and you're out and about,” Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “The best mask for this growth, you know even a respirator type mask with a tight fit and have a plan written out that we and our friends and household members know how to quickly access therapeutics as required.” 

Also beginning next week, COVID-19 data will be released weekly, as opposed to every day. This brings it into line with how other communicable diseases are treated.

“I’ve mostly been using those weekly reports when I speak to the epidemiology. As I said, it’s always important to look at the past seven days, the seven-day average, and so that approach will continue to inform not just the health system and public health but the public also,” Shahab said.

The current public health orders such as mandatory masking in all public indoor places, and proof of vaccination or negative test requirements will remain in place at this time but are subject to review.