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 gameof increased risk of possible COVID-19exposure, after a fan who was there tested positive for the illness.

The exposurealert is for those who were in thePil 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 wasin that section. A statement from the Roughriders later Friday saidthe organizationwas 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 toldCBC News that everyone in the photo was fully vaccinated.

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

The health authoritysays the best defence for people attending Riders games is to get two dosesof a COVID-19 vaccineand 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 toself-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 until Aug. 20, the health authority says. If symptoms develop, they shouldself-isolate immediately and seek testing.