After 485 days of restrictions, the public health orders have ended.  But, the Premier and Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer remind everyone that this doesn’t mean COVID-19 is done.

Premier Scott Moe says the options to keep some control over the pandemic are no longer just the usual protocols that include physical distancing and masking.  Now it includes getting vaccinated, which is why the province can move forward.  He notes it was March 13th of last year when the first COVID-19 public health orders were announced limiting the size of gatherings and then later closing schools and businesses.  He says outside of war time, he doesn’t think a government has asked so much of its people but adds that it has gotten us to where we are at today.

Dr. Saqib Shahab stresses that there will still be new cases and new outbreaks.  He urges everyone who can get vaccinated to do so, noting that not everyone is able to, and getting your shot means protecting them.  There are no vaccines for children under 12 and some people can’t get their shots for medical reasons.

Shahab advises that it is still a good idea to wear a mask in a crowded place, and he reminds everyone that if you are unwell, you should get tested and self-isolate if you are unvaccinated.  If you are vaccinated, just monitor for symptoms.  Dr. Shahab expects contact tracing will be more complicated in the future, because more people will be interacting.