COVID-19: Saskatchewan government amends indoor gathering, worship sizes

This notice was published more than one year ago. Some information may no longer be current.
For more information, please visit Lloydminster.ca/COVID-19.

Lloydminster, AB/SK – With the province of Saskatchewan experiencing a decline in confirmed cases and hospitalizations concerning COVID-19, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, announced amendments to the public health order. On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, indoor gathering sizes may increase to 10 people. On Friday, March 19, 2021, the number of worship service attendees may increase.

Applicable to the City of Lloydminster in its entirety, the changes include:

Household ‘Bubble’ – Effective Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Households may create a ‘bubble’ up to a maximum of 10 individuals in a home at any one time. Those within the bubble should be from two to three consistent households, and the gathering cannot be more than 10.

• The ‘bubble’ must be consistent: the bubble of 10 is always the same individuals from the same households. Joining multiple bubbles is not permitted.
• Assess the overall risk of COVID-19 before joining.
  • Does this household have a senior at elevated risk?
  • Children attending school?
  • Adults working outside of the home in essential workplaces?
  • Is it easy to keep track of all the potential contacts if contact tracing must occur?
  • If the risk of potential transmission remains high, consider another household or remaining within your household.
  • If 50 years old or greater, consider keeping contacts within the home until receiving the vaccination.

Outdoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people. All existing public health measures are in effect.

Changes to Worship Services – Effective Friday, March 19, 2021

The public health measures for worship services will allow for up to 30 per cent of capacity or 150 attendees, whichever is the lesser. All existing public health guidance remains in effect.

• Attendees must maintain a two-metre physical distance unless they are part of the same household group.
• All masking protocols remain in place. All attendees and choirs/performers must be masked throughout the service. The clergy may remove their mask while officiating but must maintain three metres physical distance from all other attendees while the mask is removed.
• No food or drink may be served.
• These guidelines do not apply to receptions or non-ceremonial gatherings.

Health officials also remind those who are feeling unwell to stay home and avoid large gatherings.

Getting Vaccinated

During the COVID-19 provincial update on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Premier Scott Moe said the Province is launching a self-booking vaccination website. Until now, health authorities have been calling residents to book an appointment. The Premier says the new website is possible because of the significant increase in vaccine availability. More information is expected later this week.

Learn More

More information about the City of Lloydminster’s COVID-19 response, including frequently asked questions and a business toolkit, is available at Lloydminster.ca/COVID-19.

For complete information on the current provincial public health measures or to see the public health order, visit Saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.