Precautions in place for SaskTel Centre concert should be enough, says Shahab

The layers of protection in place for the Eric Church concert Saturday night in Saskatoon should be enough to keep it from becoming a COVID-19 “superspreader” event, according to chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.

Up to 15,000 people are expected at SaskTel Centre for the first large-scale event of its kind since the pandemic began.

He says the Saskatchewan Health Authority will be keeping a close eye on what happens.

“These are the types of venues we will have to look at very closely … Now we have to assess very carefully with 76 per cent (of eligible residents) two-dose (vaccinated) and 85 per cent one-dose vaccinated. And with the mandatory test if you’re not vaccinated to enter, does that provide enough protection?” asked Shahab.

In his opinion, proof of full COVID vaccination or proof of negative test and masking indoors will likely make the event safer.

“We think it does,” he said. “Other jurisdictions have similar levels (of protection). But we have to be cautious that we have overall high case levels in the province, but they’re not high in one particular area.”

He says other precautions like staying home if you are feeling unwell are also important. Ultimately, everyone going to the concert has to do their own risk assessment.

“If you are immune-compromised, even if you are fully vaccinated, this may not be the time for you to go to an indoor setting — even with all those three layers of protection,” he cautioned.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili on Thursday said considering the high number of COVID cases right now, some thought should be given to cancelling the concert.