Saskatoon is making masks mandatory at all civic facilities and may soon require vaccination to attend events..After more than four hours of debate and questions on Monday, Saskatoon city council made non-medical grade masks mandatory in city facilities starting September 1..The requirement applies to employees and patrons alike, though children under two and anyone who can’t wear a mask for medical reasons are exempt..Ward 10 Councillor Zach Jeffries moved that administration pursue a testing regimen for staff, with the option of a different regimen for fully vaccinated staff. A second motion from Jeffries asked administration to report back on how to implement vaccine requirements for staff. Jeffries’ motions passed despite opposing votes from councillors Darren Hill (Ward 3), Troy Davies (Ward 4), and Randy Donauer (Ward 5)..Council also passed a motion from Hilary Gough (Ward 2) that asked administration to report back on tools for proof of vaccination and how they may be used at certain civic events..A report presented to city council said active COVID cases increased 785% in Saskatoon since restrictions were lifted across the province on July 11..Saskatoon medical health officer Dr. Jasmine Hasselback told council the Bridge City had more than 200 new cases the previous 48 hours. She added she and other medical health officers in the city supported mandatory vaccination..“As with any vaccine there are medical reasons that are valid (to not get the vaccine),” said Hasselback. “They are very few and far between with the COVID-19 vaccination simply because we have so many options on the table.”.Hasselback said the city would need to come up with a policy that addresses people who have valid reasons to not get vaccinated, such as rapid testing..Three citizens spoke against mandating vaccinations and a small group of protesters made its way into council chambers during the meeting which was held via Microsoft Teams..Lee Harding is a Western Standard correspondent living in Regina.
Saskatoon is making masks mandatory at all civic facilities and may soon require vaccination to attend events..After more than four hours of debate and questions on Monday, Saskatoon city council made non-medical grade masks mandatory in city facilities starting September 1..The requirement applies to employees and patrons alike, though children under two and anyone who can’t wear a mask for medical reasons are exempt..Ward 10 Councillor Zach Jeffries moved that administration pursue a testing regimen for staff, with the option of a different regimen for fully vaccinated staff. A second motion from Jeffries asked administration to report back on how to implement vaccine requirements for staff. Jeffries’ motions passed despite opposing votes from councillors Darren Hill (Ward 3), Troy Davies (Ward 4), and Randy Donauer (Ward 5)..Council also passed a motion from Hilary Gough (Ward 2) that asked administration to report back on tools for proof of vaccination and how they may be used at certain civic events..A report presented to city council said active COVID cases increased 785% in Saskatoon since restrictions were lifted across the province on July 11..Saskatoon medical health officer Dr. Jasmine Hasselback told council the Bridge City had more than 200 new cases the previous 48 hours. She added she and other medical health officers in the city supported mandatory vaccination..“As with any vaccine there are medical reasons that are valid (to not get the vaccine),” said Hasselback. “They are very few and far between with the COVID-19 vaccination simply because we have so many options on the table.”.Hasselback said the city would need to come up with a policy that addresses people who have valid reasons to not get vaccinated, such as rapid testing..Three citizens spoke against mandating vaccinations and a small group of protesters made its way into council chambers during the meeting which was held via Microsoft Teams..Lee Harding is a Western Standard correspondent living in Regina.
