Updated September 17, 2021
In response to rising COVID-19 cases and to help prevent transmission of the virus, the City of Regina is introducing additional safety precautions for the public and employees this fall.
Masks Required: Effective September 4, masks are required when visiting indoor City facilities and while riding Regina Transit.
Proof of Vaccination Required: The City is working towards requiring proof of vaccination for the public accessing indoor City facilities expected to begin mid-November (previously announced as September 20). Proof of vaccination requirements for employees has been postponed with a new target implementation date of mid-October (previously announced as September 15).
- Residents under 12 are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement. Children 12 and under are not eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines and are exempt from proof of vaccination including negative testing.
- Per Elections Canada, election workers and eligible voters are exempt from proof of vaccination at the polling stations on September 20. This means there will be no proof of vaccination required to vote, nor proof of a negative COVID-19 test needed for election workers or voters.
Further details surrounding proof of vaccination will be announced as they become available.
The City continues to encourage hygiene best practices including frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, practicing proper sneeze and cough etiquette, and staying home when sick. We thank all residents for their cooperation throughout the pandemic as we work together to keep our community healthy and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated September 17, 2021 at 9:45 a.m.
Learn more about the mask requirement at indoor City facilities and on Regina Transit effective Saturday, September 4.
GENERAL
When do masking requirements go into effect?
Starting on Saturday, September 4, masks will be required at indoor City facilities and on Regina Transit by the public and employees.
What indoor City facilities are included?
City Hall and City of Regina offices, community and recreation building including:
- All ice arenas including Brandt Centre and the Co-operators Centre
- Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre
- North West Leisure Centre
- Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre
- Sportplex - Fieldhouse & Lawson Aquatic Centre
- Neighbourhood Centres:
- Glencairn Neighbourhood Centre
- Core Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre
- Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre
- South Leisure Centre
- Community-Operated Centres:
- Arcola East Community Centre
- Uplands Community Centre
- North East Community Centre
- Eastview Community Centre
- Argyle Park Community Centre
- Regina Senior Citizens Centre
- All Regina Public Library locations
- Douglas Park Washroom Facility
- Regina Floral Conservatory
- Transit Information Centre
- Cemetery Administration Office
- Washrooms and change rooms at outdoor pools and fields
What exemptions are in place for wearing masks?
Exemptions exist for the following:
- Children under 2 years of age, persons who are medically exempt and individuals who cannot place or remove masks without assistance are not required to wear a mask
- Masks are not required for youth under the age of 18 while actively participating in aquatic activities, physical exercise or playing sports
- Masks are not required while actively participating in aquatic activities
- Masks can be removed while seated to consume food or beverages
- Short-term removal for the purposes of identification
- Providing personal support services to an individual with a disability when wearing a mask could hinder the ability of that individual to receive the service (i.e. lip reading)
What happens if someone doesn’t have a mask?
We encourage everyone to bring their own mask, however, the City will have masks available for use at indoor City facilities.
How long will the mask requirement be in place?
The City consults regularly with medical health experts to assess and re-evaluate health and safety measures. The mask requirement will remain in effect until such time as it is deemed appropriate to remove it.
Is Mosaic Stadium included?
The City of Regina will require masks at all indoor City facilities. Masks are encouraged and appreciated when in the outdoor portion of the stadium, however, they are required when moving in indoor spaces. Please note that the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test to be presented at home games starting on September 17.
Will employees working outside be required to wear masks?
Masks are strongly encouraged but not required for employees working outside.
TRANSIT
How are you enforcing masks in City facilities and on Regina Transit?
Our focus will be to ensure residents are aware of the requirement. Signage will be placed on all facilities, as well as on all conventional and paratransit buses. During the last mask requirement on Regina Transit, there was typically between 90-100% compliance on any given route.
Should riders wear a mask while waiting at a bus stop/shelter?
Where physical distancing cannot be maintained, especially when indoors, public health guidance indicates that the use of masks is effective to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Will masks be required on Rider/Stadium Transit? How will that be enforced?
Yes, passengers taking Rider Transit are required to wear a mask. For the Labour Day Classic game on September 5, masks will be distributed. Our focus will be to ensure passengers are aware of the requirement with signage located on all conventional and paratransit buses.
Are transit operators required to wear a mask?
Yes. Bus operators are required to wear a mask however, operators are instructed to ensure that their ability to see is not impaired. This includes instances such as their glasses fogging while they are driving, which may mean removal of the mask for a short period of time.
RECREATION
Updated September 17, 2021 at 9:45 a.m.
Do masks have to be worn for fitness classes and other physical activities?
- Masks are not required for youth under the age of 18 while actively participating in aquatic activities, physical exercise or playing sports.
- Masks are required for patrons over the age of 18 who are participating in physical activity – individual and group. Masks are not required when participating in aquatic activity or in the hot tub.
Do masks have to be worn for aquatic activities?
Masks do not need to be worn while participating in aquatic activities, for the duration of the activity.
Can people eat or drink in City facilities?
Masks do not need to be worn while seated and consuming food or a beverage.
Are masks required when playing team sports like soccer or basketball?
- Masks are not required for indoor youth athletics for those under the age of 18 while they are actively engaged in athletic activity.
- Masks are now required for patrons over the age of 18 who are participating in physical activity – individual and group.
Will there be any changes to swimming lessons?
No. At this time swimming lessons will continue to be offered at full capacity on the same date and time as listed in the Leisure Guide. Should this change, the City of Regina will reach out to those registered directly.
Will instructors be in or out of the pool?
At this time instructors will continue to deliver their lessons in the pool. Should this change, the City of Regina will reach out to affected families directly.
Are masks required when showering?
No. Masks are not required while someone is showering or in the pool or hot tub.
Will masks be required for outdoor gathering in City parks?
No. The mask requirement is for indoor City facilities only.
FEDERAL ELECTION
Will masks be required at City facility polling stations to vote in the Election on September 20?
As per the Elections Canada guidelines, masks will be required at City facilities when voting on September 20. More information can be found on their website.
Recreation Facilities
Updated September 17, 2021 at 9:45 a.m.
Effective September 4, 2021:
- Masks are required when visiting indoor City facilities.
- Public programming will continue as scheduled.
- Pre-registration for drop-in activities at recreation centres will not be required.
Effective September 17, 2021:
- Masks are not required for youth under the age of 18 while actively participating in aquatic activities, physical exercise or playing sports.
- Masks are required for patrons over the age of 18 who are participating in physical activity – individual and group. Masks are not required when participating in aquatic activity or in the hot tub.
The City is working towards requiring proof of vaccination for the public accessing indoor City facilities expected to begin mid-November (previously announced as September 20). Further details surrounding proof of vaccination will be announced in the coming weeks.
- Residents under 12 are not eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines and are exempt from proof of vaccination including negative testing.
Enhanced cleaning will remain in place at City facilities. The City continues to encourage hygiene best practices including frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, practicing proper sneeze and cough etiquette, and staying home when sick.
Transit Services
Updated August 31, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Effective September 4, 2021:
- Masks are required when riding Regina Transit
- This includes the Rider Transit shuttle service.
Enhanced cleaning practices remain in place for Transit, including daily fogging of the transit fleet. Hand sanitizer is also available for passengers.
Federal Election
Updated September 3, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.
As per the Elections Canada guidelines, masks will be required at City facilities when voting in the Federal Election on September 20, 2021.
Election workers and eligible voters are exempt from proof of vaccination at the polling stations on September 20. This means there will be no proof of vaccination required to vote, nor proof of a negative COVID-19 test needed for election workers or voters. This includes at City facilities that will be hosting polling stations on election day.
Information about advanced voting options, masking and more can be found on Elections Canada website.
Stay Informed
Inform yourself and rely on credible information sources.
Saskatchewan Health - Updates on the COVID-19 risk in Saskatchewan
eHealth Saskatchewan - Access/print your COVID-19 vaccination record
The Public Health Agency of Canada - Updates and travel advice
The World Health Organization - Information and guidance on the current outbreak
1-833-784-4397 - Coronavirus Toll Free Phone line
Economic Development Regina – Information on COVID-19 programs to help employers and employees
