REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is to hold a COVID-19 briefing this afternoon in Saskatoon as surging COVID-19 cases continue to strain health care. 

Moe is to be joined by the province's chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, at 2 p.m. 

The event is to be streamed live on the premier's Facebook page.

On Wednesday, the province reported 475 new cases, 22 per cent of which were in children under the age of 12, who are ineligible for a vaccine.

Earlier this week, Moe said his government would not rule out bringing in additional restrictions, but stayed firm on vaccinations being a personal choice. 

Saskatchewan is the only province in Western Canada that has not brought in a mandatory proof of vaccination program.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2021.

The Canadian Press