Premier Scott Moe tests positive for COVID-19

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has tested positive for COVID-19 after taking a rapid antigen test.

The Premier’s Office issued a media release Thursday morning, notifying everyone who attended Wednesday’s COVID-19 update news conference in person.

Moe isn’t experiencing any symptoms and routinely monitors his status through testing, according to the release. All close contacts have been notified.

I tested positive this morning for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test.

I’m feeling fine, but will be self-isolating and working from home for the next five days. pic.twitter.com/RCXIbzp5nj

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) January 13, 2022

Moe’s last negative test was on Sunday. His positive test was Thursday morning.

Moe will now self-isolate for five days and work from home until his isolation is over, as per current public health orders.

Everyone at the media conference is asked to self-monitor and take a rapid test. All close contacts within the past two days have been notified in accordance with public health guidance.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili issued a statement wishing Moe and all other COVID patients in the province a speedy recovery.

“The premier has his booster dose, which puts him in a good position to recover quickly,” Meili wrote. “We know Omicron is spreading rapidly through our communities — if you haven’t yet gotten your shot, book yours today.

“This is a good reminder to follow Dr. (Saqib) Shahab’s advice on wearing medical grade masks and to avoid unnecessary gatherings. The fight against COVID is far from over and we cannot let our guard down.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau followed shortly after with some good wishes of his own.

“Sorry to hear that, Scott,” Trudeau said on Twitter. “Glad you’re feeling fine.”

Shahab reacts to Moe’s positive result

Shahab — the province’s chief medical health officer — was at Wednesday’s media conference with Moe.

Shahab kept his mask on throughout the event, even when he was answering questions. Moe removed his mask to reply to questions.

During a media conference Thursday, Shahab said he had been notified he was a close contact.

“Although I’m confident that I was wearing a mask which would give me good protection but not 100 per cent, I plan to do an antigen test on Day 3, 5 and then 7 (from the time of his possible exposure),” Shahab said.

Saskatchewan’s top doctor said he always tries to used the best mask for the situation. He used to wear cloth masks and then moved to a medical mask during the Delta wave.

He noted many of the people in the room for Wednesday’s media conference had upgraded to a medical or respirator mask. After the event was over, there was a discussion about helping to improve the fit of the masks.

“It has to make a tight seal,” Shahab said Thursday. “When you breathe in and out, you should see it moving in front of you, not leaking from the side. And also, if you’re using a medical mask, (it’s important to learn) how to sometimes twist the loops so that it’s a better fit.”

Shahab said respirator masks can be used for up to 40 hours, so rotating two or three masks means they can last for several weeks.

He noted his family does antigen testing regularly, with those who are in school doing it more often. Shahab added many people in the province will be exposed to COVID, but they won’t know it unless they’re doing regular testing.

He reiterated getting vaccinated and then getting a booster when eligible is key to minimizing the effects of COVID.