Here's what the move means for employers and HR leaders
The provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan will start dropping public health restrictions as the month also ends, including mask mandates in select settings.
No mask in Sask
Saskatchewan will drop its mask mandates starting today, as part of the province's move to start easing all remaining public health restrictions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. This means that masks in designated indoor public spaces, including workplaces, will no longer be required, according to the provincial government.
"Residents may still continue to mask in any location where they feel it appropriate or safer to do so, based on their personal risk assessment. All are asked to be respectful of the decisions individuals make," the provincial government stressed in a statement.
The easing of remaining restrictions come after the province earlier this month removed the requirement of proof of vaccination for workplaces and businesses, as Saskatchewan's SK Vax Verifier app has been decommissioned.
Read more: Can HR fire an employee for refusing to wear a mask?
Alberta takes step two
Meanwhile, the province of Alberta is moving to the second stage of its reopening plan on March 1, which will see the easing of "almost all remaining health restrictions" there. This includes the lifting of mask mandates in most settings, except on high-risk areas such as public transit, Alberta Health Services-operated and contracted facilities, and continuing care settings.
The mandatory work-from-home order will also be removed, according to the province's announcement.
The following restrictions are also eased:
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- Remaining provincial school requirements (including cohorting) will be removed.
- Screening prior to youth activities will no longer be required.
- Capacity limits will be lifted for all venues.
- Limits on social gatherings will be removed.
- Restrictions on interactive activities, liquor service and operating hours will be lifted
"This promising trend puts Alberta in a position to safely remove the majority of remaining public health measures. This is a good day for Albertans as we get another step closer to getting back to normal," said Premier Jason Kenney in a statement.