Only about half of health-care staff and physicians in Saskatchewan get an annual flu shot.Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press
Health-care workers in Saskatchewan will face an ultimatum this upcoming flu season: Get a flu shot or wear a mask while caring for patients.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan says patient safety is the top priority and everyone needs to take steps that minimize the risk of illness spreading in health facilities.
Duncan says an immunize or mask policy for staff is the right thing to do.
Only about half of health-care staff and physicians in Saskatchewan get an annual flu shot.
Saskatchewan will be the second province after British Columbia to introduce an immunize or mask policy.
The B.C. policy includes provisions to discipline employees who refuse to follow the rule, but it's not yet clear if that will be the case in Saskatchewan.