Premier Scott Moe ENDS Vaccine mandates

On Tuesday, Moe announced the province’s proof of vaccination policy will end at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 14, saying the benefits of this policy are no longer outweighing the costs. This means anyone — whether vaccinated or unvaccinated — will be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day by dining in at a restaurant or heading to a movie theatre.

The indoor mask mandate will lift March 1, after the existing public health order expires on Feb. 28. With the expiry of that final order, self-isolation will also no longer be mandatory for people who test positive for COVID-19. However, Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, still encouraged people to stay home if they are showing symptoms.

Since October, Saskatchewan residents have been required to show proof of receiving two shots to enter bars, restaurants, theatres and other businesses, or show a negative COVID-19 test.

Moe resisted introducing such a system in the fall, saying it would create “two classes” of citizens. He reversed policy in September and has credited the system with raising vaccine uptake.