Deputy premier Gordon Wyant announced on Thursday, June 11 graduation ceremonies can now happen outdoors and increased the number of people allowed in places of worship to a maximum of 150.
Wyant said outdoor graduation services may proceed if they are held outdoors with a maximum of 30 graduates per class and an overall attendance of 150 people. The 150 would include graduates, guests and staff members.
According to a media release sent out by the province, schools with larger classes may need to hold multiple ceremonies. Additionally, all graduation services must still comply with the public health measures and guidelines set out in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.
Wyant also said other types of outdoor ceremonies like weddings and funerals can go ahead following similar guidelines.
鈥淥utdoor activities are far safer and have less risk of community transmission,鈥� said Wyant in a press conference. 鈥淭here is still risk. We all need to keep doing our part to keep ourselves and our family and friends as safe as possible.鈥澛�
Also announced is the increase of people allowed in places of worship. The number will now be increased to one-third of the facility鈥檚 seating capacity or a maximum of 150 people, whichever is less.
Wyant said although the number of people allowed inside places of worship is increasing, public health guidelines still need to be followed.
He noted ongoing consultation with leaders of the faith community led to the decision to increase the number of people allowed to attend worship services.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important of course that people of faith get to celebrate and worship the way they want,鈥� said Wyant. 鈥淭hese facilities are fairly large and we believe after some consultation with faith leaders that there is significant opportunity for physical distancing within those large worship spaces.鈥�
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said as risk remains low in the province, guidelines for other recreational activities will be coming. Changes to graduation ceremonies and worship services will allow the events to happen in a safe way.
鈥淎t least as safe as you can be given the current low transmission, but not run the same risks as a large gathering without some of these considerations,鈥� said Shahab.
