Legislative Report
February 3, 2022

Learning to Live With COVID-19

There have been many discussions lately on how we, as a community and as a province, learn to live with COVID-19. While this view might seem radical to some, it is important to remember that the Public Health Measures the government put in place two years ago to slow the spread of COVID-19 were never meant to be permanent restrictions.

We understand that eradicating COVID-19 is not a realistic goal and that achieving zero COVID-19 in our communities will not happen. This does not mean we stop the precautions that have become so natural, like washing our hands, using a rapid antigen test from time to time, staying home if you are sick, or getting vaccinated. These are the steps that will allow us to normalize the reality of living with COVID-19.

The perpetual state of crisis is having harmful impacts on everyone. People who did everything right and took precautions feel guilty for getting the Omicron variant. To be clear, if you get COVID-19, you did nothing wrong; it is impossible to eliminate all risks. Thankfully, those who are vaccinated are not getting very sick. It is possible we may see COVID-19 morph into different variants and forms in the coming months and years.

Over the past two years, we have come to understand COVID-19 better; we can now assess our personal risks and move to a more normal way of life. In Saskatchewan, there is widespread access to vaccinations and booster doses, as well as free, at-home rapid testing. Vaccinations, including the third/booster dose, have dramatically decreased the risk of severe outcomes for most residents.  At-home rapid testing has enabled individuals to self-manage, given the frequency of asymptomatic or mild illness for the majority of those who contract Omicron. The province of Saskatchewan has requested more than four million rapid antigen tests from the federal government for each of February and March to ensure a secure supply.

Residents now have reasonable self-management tools to navigate day-to-day activities safely. 

In the coming days and weeks, the Government of Saskatchewan will take steps to manage COVID-19 in the same manner as other communicable diseases or seasonal viruses we deal with every year.

Based on information from all jurisdictions, public health will be working to realign resources to manage the current variant while providing other essential public health programs and services and support throughout of the health care system. 

This transition is necessary as Saskatchewan prepares to manage COVID-19 in the long-term.  Necessary COVID-19 surveillance and public health planning will continue, particularly as potential new variants may emerge.

The current Public Health Orders remain in place for now but are subject to review. This includes mandatory masking in all indoor public spaces, including schools; mandatory self-isolation for all confirmed cases; and proof of vaccination or negative test requirements for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues.

I want to thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made over these past two years. I know the people of Saskatchewan are ready for these next steps, and you will be hearing more in the days ahead.