A new public health order concerning the proof of vaccination or negative testing for public access to businesses and retail outlets was announced Friday.  

Starting Monday, a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be needed at the point of entry in order to gain access to seated dining at all restaurants, including fast-food restaurants. As well, liquor manufacturers conducting retail sales will require proof of vaccination or a negative test, as will liquor stores with an integrated permit that also hold a restaurant or tavern permit.  

During a press conference Friday, it was clarified the proof of vaccination or negative test will also be required at points of entry when paying for, placing and picking up orders at liquor and cannabis stores that require it. 

The proof of vaccination or negative test won’t be required for food pick-up or delivery, at food courts or for entering a premises to use the washroom, according to the release from the provincial government. 

This public order replaces the one which came into effect on October 1st. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required to access a number of non-essential businesses. The public health order will still apply to: 

  • Restaurants, including restaurants in hotels or other lodgings;
  • Nightclubs, bars, taverns, and manufacturer hospitality suites, buses and other establishments and transportation licensed by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for the sale and service of alcohol;
  • Liquor stores that have been issued standalone retail store permits issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
  • and Cannabis stores that have been issued standalone retail store permits by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. 

Event and entertainment venues include: 

  • conference centres, meeting rooms and banquet facilities, except when being used for the purposes of a court or tribunal proceeding;
  • theatres; cinemas; bingo halls, casinos and other gaming establishments;
  • concerts; live-music venues; fitness centres and gyms;
  • and facilities hosting sporting events where tickets are required that have GST charged on the ticket. 

Businesses that are exempt from this order include: 

  • retail businesses including grocery stores; businesses holding an integrated liquor retail store permit that do not also hold a tavern or restaurant permit issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
  • businesses holding an integrated cannabis retail store permit issued by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
  • places of worship (including weddings/funerals/wakes);
  • personal services, health care services, professional services; public libraries;
  • hotels or lodging including self-serve food options located within the hotel or other lodging;
  • facilities hosting amateur sporting events, including youth athletics and recreational leagues;
  • private gatherings at public venues (weddings/funerals/wakes/meetings);
  • and private gatherings at private residences.