(CKOM News staff)

By CKOM News

Saskatchewan passes safe access legislation for hospitals

Nov 24, 2021 | 4:05 PM

Everyone entering a hospital in Saskatchewan now will do so in a bubble.

The provincial legislature on Wednesday passed legislation establishing safe access zones — or “bubbles” — around hospitals.

Any protests other than lawful labour picketing held near health-care facilities will have to be outside a 50-metre perimeter, ensuring people going into the facilities aren’t delayed or harassed.

“This legislation will ensure that health-care providers can go to work safely and patients and their families can access health-care services without feeling scared or threatened,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in a media release. “It is important to provide this protection for those accessing our hospital system.”

The safe access guarantee will expire in two years.

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According to the release, the legislation also will create flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing the capacity to provide vaccinations.

“The legislation enables additional immunizers to assist with vaccination programs, including influenza vaccine, COVID-19 boosters and vaccines for children aged five to 11,” the release said.

The provincial government has introduced legislation to provide similar bubbles around schools.