Date: September 17, 2021
As the COVID infection rate rises in Saskatchewan, yesterday the Government announced new public health orders. You can find all of these details on the government website at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures
The details affecting places of worship are as follows:
Mandatory mask order
Effective today, Friday, September 17, masks must be worn in every indoor public space. This means that places of worship will need to ensure that all attending are wearing masks.
Masking exemptions can be found on the Public Health Order. The following would apply in places of worship:
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- 4(c)(i) Individuals aged two and under;
- 4(c)(ii) Individuals aged three to twelve who are not reasonably able to wear a face covering;
- 4(c)(iii) Subject to subsection (g), individuals who, in the determination of a health professional, are unable to wear a face covering due to a particular medical condition and have received written confirmation of same in accordance with subsection (f);
- 4(c)(iv) Individuals who, due to cognitive impairment, an intellectual disability, or a severe mental health condition, are unable to understand the requirement;
- 4(c)(vi) Individuals who are leading a service, ceremony, or other public event while speaking from a podium, lectern, platform, stage, desk or other standing or seating area dedicated to speaking, but only when the individual can maintain a distance of three metres from other individuals;
- 4(c)(vii) Individuals playing a woodwind, brass, or other instrument operated by breath, but only if they can maintain a distance of three metres from other individuals, as measured from the mouth or opening/bell end of the instrument, whichever is closest, to another individual while playing;
Individuals may remove their mask briefly in order to consume the eucharist.
Proof of vaccination:
Places of worship are exempt from the proof of vaccination policy.
In summary:
Please continue to be cautious and prudent. Encourage regular hand sanitizing. Physical distancing is not required but is encouraged. Physical touching (shaking hands, hugging, etc…) is discouraged. There are no indications yet whether there will be limits on serving food or beverages in places of worship.