By Canadian Press

Saskatchewan doctors call for more COVID measures to prevent health-care collapse

Oct 26, 2021 | 2:32 PM

REGINA – Doctors are publicizing a letter they sent to Saskatchewan’s premier and health minister calling for more COVID-19 public health measures to help the province’s health-care system return to sustainable levels.

The letter, penned by senior medical health officers, was sent last Thursday, just four days before Premier Scott Moe said he will not bring in more measures because it would take away the personal freedoms of those who have been vaccinated.

The medical health officers say Saskatchewan will face even higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths in the coming weeks and risk a health-system collapse if restrictions on gathering sizes are not implemented.

Current COVID-19 measures in the province include proof of vaccination or a negative test and a masking order.

Dr. Saqib Shahab says the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for that age group in November.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

17h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Vaccination campaign for children

The province says it is expecting to receive about 112,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages five to 11, enough to give all eligible children in the province a first dose.

The vaccine for children is still awaiting approval from Health Canada, but Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, says first doses could be available in early or mid-November.

The vaccine is to be offered where children live, learn and play, including libraries, schools, and learning, community, and sport centres.

The pediatric vaccine is a smaller dose than the one offered to people who are 12 and older.

The Saskatchewan Party government says clinical trials show there are no safety concerns among children getting the vaccine, and side effects include fatigue, headache, muscle pain and chills.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2021.

The Canadian Press