Saskatchewan is reducing the size of gatherings after recent transmission trends as COVID-19 cases rise.
The province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, announced on Tuesday that the maximum capacity for private gatherings in homes will decrease from 15 to 10. This includes residents of the home.
All events inside a private home or outbuildings, such as weddings, religious gatherings and funerals must abide by the limit.
The orders don’t apply to homes with more than 10 family members living in the same home.
The new public health orders will take effect on Friday.
Health officials state the decision comes after “transmission trends in rural and smaller centres linked primarily to private gatherings, while transmission in the urban areas includes both private gatherings and exposures in public spaces”.
A fine for violating a public health order could cost upwards of $2,000 plus damages.
The province has also made masks mandatory in indoor public spaces in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert, which will be in place for 28 days before being reviewed.
The province reported 81 new COVID-19 cases and 97 recoveries on Tuesday.
In total, there are 842 active cases across the province.
The North West 2 sub-region, which includes Lloydminster, Lashburn, Maidstone, has six new cases and a total of 19 active cases.