NDP: Families left in the dark without access to COVID-19 testing

REGINA - In light of a report from Angus Reid that found two-thirds of parents feel children are an afterthought in pandemic decision-making, Official Opposition Leader Ryan Meili called on the government to step up and prioritize the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan’s future generations and expand PCR testing to children.

“With no protection for kids, it's no wonder parents are feeling vulnerable and unsupported,” Meili said. “Despite rising rates of kids under 5 in our emergency rooms, the government has refused to provide access to basic PCR testing for kids. In the birthplace of medicare, parents should not be charged $200 to know what their kids are sick with and what the long-term impacts could be.”

Saskatchewan's latest weekly COVID-19 statistical summary reported an alarming rise in emergency room visits for children aged one to four with COVID-like illness from 67.9 per 1,000 visits last report to 72.6. Currently PCR testing is restricted to at-risk priority populations, though many parents have reported difficulty in securing a PCR test through the public system.

Kira Taylor, a mother anxious about the health of her two young children, contacted MLA Terry Jenson about the government’s lack of support for parents and was told to “learn to live with [COVID].” Speaking at the legislature today, Kira said: “I am feeling very defeated and vulnerable, as I am not sure how to keep my family safe. What are people like me supposed to do?”

The Official Opposition calls on the government to expand access to PCR testing to those who need it, prioritizing children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

-30-

Latest posts

SASK. PARTY FAILS TO PRODUCE ANY TIMELINES OR COSTS FOR YORKTON HOSPITAL PROMISED 14 YEARS AGO

Minister of Rural and Remote Health Cites Placeholder Funding In Out-Year Budgets, But Records Show No Such Amounts Exist
YORKTON – Scott Moe and the Sask. Party either don’t have a clue on the costs or completion timeline for the desperately needed new Yorkton Hospital — a project the government promised to deliver 14 years ago — or they’re willfully hiding those details from the public.

SCOTT MOE HOSTS WORST HOMICIDE WAVE IN ALL OF CANADA – THREE TIMES THE CANADIAN AVERAGE

Saskatchewan Homicide Rate Nearly 74% Higher Since Sask. Party Formed Government

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is calling out Scott Moe for prioritizing press conferences and ribbon cuttings while Saskatchewan people keep their doors locked after the homicide rate in the province has surged to nearly three times the national average and the highest in the country.

SCOTT MOE HOSTS WORST HOMOCIDE WAVE IN ALL OF CANADA – THREE TIMES THE CANADIAN AVERAGE

Saskatchewan Homicide Rate Nearly 74% Higher Since Sask. Party Formed Government

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is calling out Scott Moe for prioritizing press conferences and ribbon cuttings, while Saskatchewan people keep their doors locked after homicides in the province have surged to three times the national average, and the highest in the country.

SASKATCHEWAN LOST 2,900 FULL TIME JOBS IN JULY, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CLIMBS TO 12.4%

Yorkton, Swift Current, Moose Jaw And Prince Albert All Saw Job Losses
REGINA – Saskatchewan saw significant job losses in the month of July according to data released by Stats Canada today, impacting communities across the province, while youth unemployment climbed to over 12 per cent.

NDP Caucus Office