what you need to know about proof of vaccination in sask.
here's where you do and do not need to produce proof of covid-19 vaccination or a negative test, and what documentation will suffice.
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saskatchewan’s proof of covid-19 vaccination requirement began friday for a host of businesses and venues.
why has this system been implemented?
premier scott moe’s saskatchewan party government reversed course in the middle of last month and announced the vaccine passport system to try to limit rising covid-19 rates. saskatchewan continues to suffer from the highest rate of new cases and deaths in canada as the system comes into effect.
where will people have to produce proof of vaccination for entry?
the order applies mostly to businesses deemed non-essential, but all government employees must also now produce proof of vaccination.
this system will apply at restaurants, including those inside hotels, but not fast-food restaurants. bars are also required to screen customers, along with any establishments that serve liquor.
retail liquor and cannabis outlets are also included, although they only found that out this week, so many customers may be unaware of the requirement.
gyms and other fitness facilities are included, as well as venues hosting sporting events that sell tickets with gst charged on the price.
proof will be required to enter most entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, casinos, bingo halls and places that host concerts.
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what venues/activities remain exempt from the requirement?
retail businesses are mostly exempted, including grocery stores, along with off-sale liquor stores and liquor stores located in other retail stores.
businesses that provide personal services and health services are also not included, so you don’t need to provide proof to get your hair cut, get a message, have your teeth cleaned or visit your accountant. however, businesses may decide to implement such a requirement on their own.
hotels or other businesses offering lodging are also exempt, including self-serve food located inside the hotel.
places of worship will not be required to demand proof for entry, and neither will public libraries or facilities where amateur sporting events take place, like youth sports or recreational leagues.
weddings, funerals and wakes are exempted, as are all private gatherings in public venues and private gatherings in homes.
what proof of vaccination is accepted?
people can produce a vaccine certificate in the form of a qr code from mysaskhealthrecord either printed out or on a mobile device (as a screenshot or in the sk vax wallet app).
a printed version of the mysaskhealthrecord certificate with or without a qr code or a covid-19 vaccination printout obtained from saskatchewan health authority public health can also be used.
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people can also present the cards they were given when they received their vaccine doses.
what proof of a negative test is accepted?
people who are unable to provide proof of vaccination must produce evidence they have received a negative test result within 72 hours prior to entering a venue.
people will have to pay for their own tests, which must be performed by a health professional. rapid antigen tests performed at home will not suffice, and the saskatchewan health authority is no longer backing testing for people without symptoms at sha testing sites.
the province has provided a list of private testing options on its website. these tests can cost $100 each.
the province strongly urges all eligible people to be vaccinated, with several options available.
what are some concerns?
business leaders have expressed several concerns, ranging from the potential for loss of customers to the possibility of abuse by those who fail to produce vaccination proof.
independent cannabis retailers, in particular, have pointed out that the late notice they received of their inclusion in the system may mean customers are not prepared.
how will it be enforced?
moe said thursday he believes there will be several weeks of “transition” and that he expects most people will comply. he warned enforcement in the form of fines under the public health act may be necessary in some instances.
