Saskatchewan changes rules around sick leave to provide unpaid leave for workers during COVID-19

The Saskatchewan government is changing labour laws to provide unpaid leave for workers during a public health emergency.

The government made the announcement as it confirmed its eighth positive COVID-19 test, one more than a day earlier.

Health officials say the new case is someone in their 50s who was tested in Regina after returning from a dental conference in Vancouver.

The labour law changes remove a requirement that someone must work at least 13 consecutive weeks at a job before qualifying for sick leave.

They also remove the provision that requires a doctor's note to qualify for sick leave.

Labour Minister Don Morgan saidno one should lose their job because they are doing what they are asked by health officials during a public health emergency.