Saskatchewan opens new phone line for non-health related questions

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency hopes the creation of a new phone line will reduce wait times for people calling in to HealthLine 811.

The agency announced on Wednesday a dedicated, toll-free phone line is available for residents wanting to ask general questions regarding COVID-19 that are not health specific.

Residents will be able to access the line by calling 1-855-559-5502 or 306-787-8539 for citizens of Regina.

The new phone line will be open 16 hours a day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will be monitored by emergency operators that can either answer questions or point the caller to another place for information like travel restrictions or government services.

Premier Scott Moe said at the government’s COVID-19 conference update on Wednesday that this will hopefully free up HealthLine 811 for people with health concerns or that are showing symptoms.

“If you feel that you have been on a flight that has not yet been put up as a flight with a positive I.D. individual on it, please call the number and we will work to get that information as soon as possible,” stated Moe.

People showing symptoms or that have health concerns are still encouraged to phone 811.