The Government of Saskatchewan will be hosting a technical media briefing, via teleconference, this morning, which it says is to discuss current logistical information on the provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority now says it is putting together a COVID Enforcement Team. The group will be made up of mostly retired police officers who have special constable status.

The information was conveyed in the most recent Physicians Town Hall Meeting. Medical Health Officer Dr. Johnmark Opondo says the purpose of the CET is to enforce public health measures, in particular proof of vaccination non-compliance at businesses that are not typically regulated by public health inspectors. They will also be charged with enforcing masking public health measures.

In addition to a COVID Enforcement Team and a on-line form or phone number to report on fellow citizens, the government is also setting up a secure isolation site for those deemed needing to be isolated by a medical health officer.

“Public Health Inspectors and police, once the Medical Health Officer has signed a form for secure isolation, will be involved in assisting and transporting and moving people into the secure isolation site.”

This site, expected to be ready in the next three weeks, is going to be located at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.

They refer to those sent to the secure isolation site as clients, not detainees. However they will be there under a detention order.

The town hall heard the CET will likely be out in the field in 1-2 weeks.