COVID-19 - Information for the Public
Last update: October 5, 2021
The College of Physicians and Surgeons is a regulatory body, with responsibility to regulate the medical profession. It does not provide medical care. The College has ongoing discussions with the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and other organizations which are involved in the delivery of healthcare in Saskatchewan. The College is a stakeholder in such discussions and offers its expertise and perspectives to assist in healthcare delivery, particularly in relation to COVID-19.
The College is also committed to acting as a trusted resource for members of the public and physicians related to COVID-19. Below are links to reliable information about COVID-19. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, see the Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority websites.
Key Health Information
Questions and Answers on COVID-19 (from the Canadian Medical Association, College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada )
Vaccine Information
COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Strategy (SK Ministry of Health)
COVID-19 Vaccine Information with Q&A (SK Ministry of Health)
List of vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 (Health Canada)
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety (Health Canada)
Morning Star Lodge Indigenous Health Lab: Protecting our Home Fires - COVID-19 Vaccine Fact sheet (March 2021)
Mandatory self-isolation means stay home
Effective September 10, 2021, the mandatory isolation period is 10 days from first symptoms for those who receive a positive COVID-19 test.
A link to a table has been created to explain the different scenarios warrant mandatory self-isolation, what that means, and what not to do while you are self-isolating is available on that page.
Watch the news conferences
Video from Government of Saskatchewan’s recent news conferences can be found on YouTube.
Sick Notes
This message was sent to Saskatchewan doctors on March 20, 2020:
A joint message on sick notes from the SMA, SHA and SCFP
On March 17th, the Saskatchewan Legislature passed new legislation that extends leave to all workers during the declared public health emergency and removes the requirement for sick notes. The Chair of the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Section of Family Practice, Dr. Carla Holinaty, has said that “writing sick notes places extra duties on doctors when they’re already dealing with an unprecedented public health challenge.” Additionally, there is no role for requiring a doctor’s note to “clear” an employee to return to work after a period of self isolation if they are asymptomatic and have not been re-exposed. The attached Sick Note may be emailed to patients whose employers have requested one.
The sick note (available to doctors) excuses employees who are required to self-isolate under the current guidelines, or who are suspected to have COVID. It does not apply to employees who want to remain home due to anxiety or fear of being exposed.
Clarification: Prescription pick-ups
From the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health
Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is currently working with Health Canada, manufacturers, drug wholesalers and pharmacies to ensure patients have access to the medications they need.
To ensure the continued supply, and to prevent the stockpiling of prescription medication, the Ministry has directed Saskatchewan pharmacists to limit the number and quantity of prescription drug dispenses for all drugs to a one-month supply only, unless the drug is on the Maintenance Drug Schedule.
The Maintenance Drug Schedule is comprised of the Two Month Drug List and the 100 Day List.
Virtual Care for Patients
Since the onset of COVID-19 and physical distancing measures, many people have put off visiting their health care provider — even when they may have needed care. Saskatchewan patients should not be putting their health care on hold, particularly when telemedicine and virtual health care consultations can provide new ways for patients to connect with physicians, and get the care they need. See the Virtual Care Guide for Patients prepared by the Canadian Medical Association to better understand how it works.
How to navigate a virtual care visit: patient guide
Patients on Opioid Agonist Therapy
The Dangers of Street Methadone (OATP) (Apr 2020)
Healthcare Employee and Public Safety
Joint Statement on bullying, attacks, and violence against healthcare workers
October 1, 2021 0 The Canadian Medical Forum, which brings together leaders of Canada's major national medical and health organizations, has signed a Joint Statement on bullying, attacks, and violence against healthcare workers.
Read more here: English | Français
Joint Statement on Principles for Protecting the Health and Safety of Healthcare Workers, Patients, Clients and Residents (MoH, SHA, CUPE, HSAS, SEIU, SGEU, SUN) (May 20, 2020)
May 20, 2020 - The Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, SEIU-West, SGEU, HSAS, SUN, and CUPE signed a joint statement of principles recognizing the principles for protecting the health and safety of health-care workers, patients, clients and residents. The statement of principles outlines the rights of the health care worker to clinically assess risk prior to every patient contact and have access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The statement also acknowledges the important principle of conservation and stewardship of PPE, the continued assessment of supply and the development of contingency plans in consultation with the union partners.
The agreement is a significant step forward and builds on weekly meetings started in early April where union partners, government and the SHA worked together to shape our shared principles, discuss current status of PPE, supply chain processes and keeping health-care workers, patients, residents and clients safe. The weekly meetings provide an avenue for open communication that ensures members’ rights are protected and concerns are heard.
Useful Links
Six documents addressing urgent needs of people who use substances, service providers, and decision makers in relation to the COVID‑19 pandemic (CRISM-Nation Rapid Guidance) (2021)
COVID Alert App
CANADA COVID tools to help stop the spread & stay informed.
A room, a bar and a classroom: how the coronavirus is spread through the air
Online Therapy Unit - Offers free online therapy for adults in Saskatchewan experiencing mental health difficulties or stress, with a focus on depression and anxiety. Accessible any day, any time, from any computer. No wait times and no referral needed.
Drug Myths and COVID-19 (Canadian Pharmacy Association)
Coping with Stress, Anxiety and Substance Abuse During COVID-19 (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction)
FREE - Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support
Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-10: Interim Guidance for Long Term Care (Health Canada)
SHA Healthcare Worker (HCW) Assessment Tool
Saskatchewan Producers approved by Health Canada to Manufacture Hand Sanitizer (Apr 15, 2020)
Resources from the Canadian Medical Association
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (SHA homepage)
COVID-19 Information (Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals)
Government of Canada - COVID-19 Outbreak Guidance Documents
Find a pharmacy
Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada)
|
Here's what you can do to HELP OUR DOCTORS during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Download Poster |
How can you help in the fight against COVID?
SHA asks people to pause donations of supplies
SHA REQUEST FOR SOLUTIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID
Saskatchewan businesses, innovators and suppliers who have a solution that can help us fight COVID-19 should contact procurement@gov.sk.ca
COVID-19 PANDEMIC VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is seeking volunteers to assist in different roles to support the health system response to COVID-19.
To apply to become a volunteer, please visit: Become a COVID-19 Volunteer. We will reach out to successful applicants within one to two business days to discuss opportunities that may be suitable for you.
Thank you in advance for your desire to help during the COVID 19 pandemic; together we will get through this.