SHA removing mask mandates at health-care facilities; SK Vax Wallet app ending

COVID-19 is still present in Saskatchewan, but the provincial government and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) have decided to return to some of their pre-pandemic practices.

In a media release Tuesday, the government said the SHA is “moving back to routine infection prevention and control protocols,” effective immediately. It noted the changes were supported by Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer.

As expected, the authority is removing masking requirements for patients, residents, staff members or visitors at health-care facilities, including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities.

“Personal protective equipment (PPE) that may include masks, gowns or gloves will still be required for staff and visitors during outbreaks or in specific high-risk clinical areas as per SHA infection control policies,” the release said.

“Masks will continue to be made available to health-care staff, patients/residents and visitors who wish to wear a mask.”

The government said all physical distancing measures also will come to an end, as will restrictions on food sharing and food donations.

According to the release, all privately run physicians’ offices, clinics and other non-SHA facilities will continue to make their own decisions about masking and other measures.

And with proof of vaccination a thing of the past in Saskatchewan, the government said eHealth Saskatchewan is decommissioning the SK Vax Wallet mobile device app.

Starting April 17, the app will no longer accept updates. Then, on April 30, the app won’t be available anymore in app stores.

The government said anyone who wants their COVID vaccination record will still be able to find it on their MySaskHealthRecord account, from which it can be printed and saved or viewed on a mobile device.

The release noted that COVID vaccinations are still available in the province for those who want to get them.