Health authority warns of possible COVID-19 exposure in Pil Country section at Roughriders game

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is warning those who were at last week's Roughriders game of increased risk of possible COVID-19 exposure, after a fan who was there tested positive for the illness.

The exposure alert is for those who were in the Pil Country end zone section of Mosaic Stadium at the Aug. 6 Saskatchewan Roughriders game, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The health authority says at least one case was detected in a person who was in that section. A statement from the Roughriders later Friday said the organization was informed a fan at the game had tested positive, and wished the person "a smooth recovery."

Contact tracing is underway, the health authority said in its Friday alert, but that is difficult "as this case was located in the Pil Country end zone."

The Pil Country section was the area where some NDP MLAs were photographed without masks at last week's game. 

An NDP spokesperson told CBC News that everyone in the photo was fully vaccinated.

Out of an abundance of caution, the MLAs were all tested for COVID-19, the spokesperson said. The tests came back negative.

The health authority says the best defence for people attending Riders games is to get two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and to continue to wear a mask when in large crowds, especially indoors.

The Roughriders' statement echoed that advice, saying the organization will continue to rely on the expertise and guidance of provincial health officials.

"We continue to encourage fans to get vaccinated and wear masks to Mosaic Stadium as these are some of the best methods to protect oneself from the virus," the CFL team's statement said.

Those who were in the Pil Country section are advised to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 until Aug. 20, the health authority says. If symptoms develop, they should self-isolate immediately and seek testing.