SHA expands mask mandate at long-term care homes

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is expanding its medical masking mandate at the long-term care homes it operates in the province.

In a media release Monday, the SHA said the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the province prompted the decision.

Families and visitors to long-term care homes will have to wear medical masks at all times, not just outside of residents’ rooms as was previously required. The policy applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated people and to single- and multi-resident rooms.

Masks are to be provided by the long-term care homes at screening stations located at the homes’ entrances.

“Long-term care residents are not required to mask in their own rooms, as this is their home, but are encouraged to mask when outside their room and in common indoor areas,” the SHA’s release said.

A requirement for families and visitors to wear masks within SHA acute-care facilities remains in place.

People who refuse to comply with the SHA’s masking requirements may be asked to leave the facility.