On March 18, 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan and Chief Medical Officer confirmed the province now has eight new presumptive cases of COVID-19, bringing the province's total to 16 cases. The increase in COVID-19 cases has prompted the government to declare a state of emergency.
Continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus include new measures announced today:

  • Public gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.
  • All restaurants, bars and venues must limit seating 50 per cent of capacity or a maximum of 50 people. Retail and grocery spaces are expected to maintain a one-to-two-metre separation of people. 
  • All gyms, fitness centres, casinos and bingo halls are ordered closed. 
  • Licensed restaurants and taverns can sell alcohol as an offsale. 
  • All Crown utilities will begin bill-deferral programs allowing zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months. 
  • All Government of Saskatchewan ministries, agencies and Crown corporations will implement a phased-in work-from-home policy effective Monday, March 23. All non-essential employees able to work from home should do so immediately. 
  • The SHA is discontinuing all non-urgent and elective surgeries, procedures and diagnostics as of March 23. 
  • Emergent and urgent care will continue to be provided to patients who need it. 

Impact of State of Emergency on SUN Members
 
The government's declaration of a state of emergency allows the SHA to be flexible and dynamic when delivering care to patients in Saskatchewan during the pandemic. Actions taken to meet the needs of our patients may include but are not limited to the redeployment of staff, implementation of surge capacity protocols, and/or temporary closures.
 
As a key stakeholder in our healthcare system, SUN Provincial continues to have open and transparent communication with the Employer regarding the rapidly evolving situation and the impact on our members' health, safety and ability to care for the people of this province. SUN is committed to protecting your rights and safety and keeping you informed as things develop.
 
SUN members are encouraged to stay connected with SUN as we learn more.

QUESTIONS?
Members are encouraged to call Duty Roster with their questions and concerns regarding COVID-19. Employment Relations Officers (EROs) and Nurse Practice Officers (NPO) are currently on-call to assist members.
 
Call:         1-800-667-7060 or 1-800-667-3294
Email:      regina@sun-nurses.sk.ca or saskatoon@sun-nurses.sk.ca
 
To ensure members are receiving SUN communication, you are encouraged to provide SUN Provincial with a personal email address. Please contact our Database Administrator at database@sun-nurses.sk.ca to update your email address.