Decision about vaccine policy for fans is up to the teams: province

The Saskatchewan government said it’s up to the CFL team’s to make their own choice when it comes to vaccine requirements.

“If the (Saskatchewan Roughriders) want to make a choice, that’s up to them. I know some other CFL teams have made their choice and we hope that the Riders will make a choice in the near future,” health minister Paul Merriman said on Wednesday.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks are the only two teams in the CFL that have not voiced support or implemented a policy requiring fans entering their stadiums to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or produce a recent negative test.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji is reporting that the Elks and Riders could both could be set to meet with stakeholders in the near future to discuss bringing in a policy like this.

Same situation with #Riders. Things appear headed in this direction. A lot of stakeholder discussions now taking place. As numbers evolve, all teams are having to adjust. Doesn’t sound like it will be long before all 9 @cfl teams will have full vax policies for fans @TSN_Sports https://t.co/lZO3cSz66e

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) August 25, 2021

Merriman pointed out that many CFL teams made that decision already without government intervention.

“I know in Ontario, (the province) didn’t mandate it but there are three CFL teams in Ontario who decided to do this on their own,” Merriman said. “What I would say is we are in constant talks with the Riders so they can make an informed decision.”

The Riders have previously stated they will continue to follow the guidance and expertise provided by provincial health experts.

The Riders are on a bye week but will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 5th in the sold-out Labour Day Classic.