City implements proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test for leisure facilities to comply with Provincial requirement

Effective October 1, 2021, there is a Provincial requirement for individuals over the age of 12 to show proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues. More information on the Provincial requirements can be found in the September 28 announcement.

 

 

According to the Province, the only acceptable forms of proof of full vaccination are:

View the Government of Saskatchewan informational videos on how to access vaccine certificates:

 

Mobile: https://youtu.be/CTAeJJUIUn8

Desktop: https://youtu.be/0GCS4EICK7o

 

The Province noted that some individuals are obtaining affidavits to show they are exempt from vaccination. Vaccinations are not mandatory in Saskatchewan and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, therefore legal affidavits are not required and will not provide an exemption.  If a proof of vaccination is not provided, proof of a negative COVID-19 test must be presented to access a designated business.

 

 

Individuals who do not have proof of vaccination have the option of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result from within the previous 72 hours. This test is to be done at the expense of the individual; a list of locations and labs offering testing services is available here. Self-administered take-home rapid antigen tests (e.g. pictures of negative tests) will not be accepted as valid proof of negative COVID-19 test results.

 

 

In addition to the proof of vaccination, photo ID will be required from anyone 18 and older. Youth aged 12-17 will also need to show ID unless accompanied by an adult with proof of vaccination and ID. Youth aged 12 to 17, visiting a business without an adult, who do not have photo ID will be allowed to present other forms of government issued ID such as birth certificate or health services card.

 

 

 

The City has reviewed the Provincial announcement and determined, based on the inclusion of "indoor fitness centres and gyms", that proof of vaccination or negative test is required to access all dryland areas within City of Saskatoon Leisure Centres (Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre), including:

• Fitness & Weight Rooms
• Gymnasiums
• Sport Courts and Tracks
• Land Fitness Classes
• Meeting & Multi-Purpose Rooms

 

As of October 1, only those customers and visitors over the age of 12 who are accessing these areas will need to provide their ID and proof of vaccination or negative test upon arrival at the facility each visit. Customers and visitors should plan for extra time during their visits to allow for this additional step.

 

Also, in keeping with the September 22 Provincial Public Health Order, individuals 18 years of age and older and on-court officials do not require masks while participating in sports activities, for the duration of the sport or activity only, so long as they provide proof of vaccination or negative test. Individuals who are under the age of 18 years while participating in sports, for the duration of the sport only, are exempt from wearing masks.

 

The City will be working directly with impacted rental and user groups to assist them in implementing applicable requirements for their athletes, coaches and officials, and spectators for ticketed events, while using Leisure Centres. 

 

Otherwise, the City reminds the public that masks are required in Leisure Centres regardless of vaccination or testing status.

 

 

Based on the current information available from the Province, the indoor arenas (ACT, Archibald, Cosmo, Gordie Howe Kinsmen, Lions) do not require proof of vaccination or negative test to access the facility. 

 

Masks are required at all times while visiting with exceptions. Individuals 18 years of age and older and on-ice officials do not require masks while participating in sports activities, for the duration of the sport or activity only, so long as they provide proof of vaccination or negative test. Individuals who are under the age of 18 years while participating in sports, for the duration of the sport only, are exempt from wearing masks.

 

The City will be working directly with impacted rental and user groups to assist them in implementing applicable requirements for their athletes, coaches and officials, and spectators for ticketed events, while using indoor arenas.

 

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The City may not know all the details as of the October 1 targeted start date and it may take some time to finalize the details based on the information available from the Province. We please ask that everyone visiting these facilities be patient and kind with staff and other customers as we all work through this new requirement.