The demand for COVID-19 testing has risen in Saskatchewan, due to the fourth wave of the pandemic, and due to negative test results needed if proof of vaccination is not available to access many businesses and event. The SHA says in a news release, the high level of testing requests has led to significant demand on the Test and Assessment sites and the lab teams, so as of today (Fri), testing will only be provided for those who present with symptoms, for those who are in congregate living, if you have a positive rapid test, if you are a close contact of someone who tested positive or if you have been identified in an outbreak.

Here is the complete list:

• Persons with symptoms of COVID-19
• In community, those hospitalized and in congregate living
• Further priority orders include Medical Health Officer requests for STAT testing (surveillance in congregate living and high-risk settings).
• Those with a positive antigen test
• Close contacts to a positive COVID case
• Persons identified in an outbreak situation, as ordered by a Medical Health Officer with specific focus on healthcare workers, students and staff within educational institutions
• Anyone requiring a transfer or admission to congregate settings such as long term care, personal care home, social services, and acute care facilities
• Surveillance testing of immunocompromised patients including chemotherapy and hemodialysis

For those who need a test as proof they don’t have the virus, there are private fee-for-service companies within Saskatchewan.

Labs Offering Testing Services

The SHA also announced today that its vaccination policy for staff begins today (Fri) with a phased in approach. Despite efforts to make vaccination as easy as possible, one in five healthcare workers are not vaccinated. That statement is from a news release from the Saskatchewan Health Authority which is implementing its vaccination policy as of today (Fri) where all employees have to provide proof of full vaccination.

Dr. Kevin Wasko, Physician Executive, Integrated Rural Health, says the Delta variant is causing unprecedented stress on our health system.
Saskatchewan has seen more than a one-thousand per cent increase in COVID-19 cases since early July, and there is significant evidence that unvaccinated people are contributing to exposures, including in health care settings. SHA members will be required to submit a declaration form regarding their vaccination status, or their intention to enrol in a monitored testing program at their own cost, or the intention to seek accommodation by October 15th.