Sask. Health Authority introducing proof of vaccination policy to enter all facilities

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is implementing a proof of vaccination policy atall of its facilities.

The policy states thatessential family members, supports and visitors mustprovide proof of full COVID-19 vaccinationtoenter anySHAacute care facility orLong Term Care (LTC) homes including affiliates starting Nov. 8, according to a news release sent from SHA on Friday.

People who choose not to show proof of vaccination can providea negative PCRor rapid antigen testperformed in the past 72 hours by an approved provider. The SHA will not cover the cost of testing.

Patients will not be required to provide proof of full vaccination to receive care or service.

Scott Livingston, CEO of SHA, acknowledgedduring a COVID-19 technical briefing on Friday that there could be some challenges implementing the policy, but said it's in place to "ensure that we're keeping our staff and our patients safe as possible."

"We are still seeing cases in long term care [and]we do need to ensure that we're maximizing family presence," he said.

"We believe that with the implementation of a program like this, we're actually adding another layer of safety for both our staff, our patients and the people who visit them."

Livingstone said other measures like physical distancing and masking are still in place at all SHA facilities.

Proof of vaccination can be provided using one of the following options:

• QR Code on your mobile phone (screenshot from MySaskHealthRecordor SK Vax Wallet app).
• QR code printed from MySaskHealthRecord.
• COVID-19 vaccine certificate printed from MySaskHealthRecord.
• Wallet cards received at time of immunization (Saskatchewan Health Authority or Indigenous Services Canada).
• Proof (electronic or in writing) issued by another province, territory or government.

The Ministry of Health will be working withpersonal care homes to align with thepolicy, according to the release.

An exemption process is also being worked on,although details have not yet been finalized.

A proof of vaccination policy came into effect for SHA workers on Oct. 1, butstaff, physicians and other contract workers had until Oct. 15 to providea declaration of their vaccination status, their intention to be immunized or seek accommodation, or their intention to take part in a monitored testing program.