Giving thanks for a safe long weekend
A message from Dr. Cory Neudorf - Interim Senior Medical Health Officer
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving weekend in the midst of the fourth wave of COVID-19 in the province, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Medical Health Officers (MHO) are reminding the public that there are steps you can take to stay safe while gathering with friends and family. Our efforts this weekend will be an important part of our work to break the chain of transmission and prevent any further pressures on an already strained healthcare system.
The most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to get a COVID vaccine. It is still our best weapon as we try to contain the spread of the virus. If you are not vaccinated we suggest that you avoid gathering with friends and family this weekend as you are putting them at risk.
It is especially important to be vigilant while celebrating Thanksgiving as currently, the primary source of transmission of COVID-19 in the province is happening through household gatherings. If you are meeting inside, be aware of the vaccination status of all of your guests and remember that children under the age of 12 are at a higher risk as they cannot be vaccinated at this time.
Other things you may want to consider include meeting and greeting outdoors as much as possible. While the risk of transmission is not zero, it is much lower than meeting inside. Remember that closed quarters and shared food service remains at a high risk for transmission. And if you are meeting in a public place like a restaurant or at a public facility please follow all masking and proof of vaccination rules.
Lastly, while our recommendations are speaking to the Thanksgiving Day weekend, it is important advice to follow everyday as we move forward in our battle with COVID-19.
