Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe was in Regina on Wednesday morning encouraging voters to visit advance polls throughout this week at locations across the province.

He joined Megan Patterson, the Sask. Party’s candidate for Regina-Lakeview, to remind residents that advance polls can help reduce the possibility of crowds gathering at polling stations on election day on Monday.

“This year, there are more advance poll locations and they are open longer hours, so it’s a great chance to vote early and beat the rush on election day,” stated Moe.

He mentioned there was a good turnout for the first day of advance voting on Tuesday. Advance polls are open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. right through Saturday.

Moe also spoke on a couple photos of him posted on his social media pages showing him shopping at Cowtown in Regina. The images captured Moe not wearing a mask during his visit.

The images were shared on his social media on Tuesday, the same day Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab encouraged residents to wear a mask when in an indoor area – even if it’s for a short visit – as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in Saskatchewan.

However Moe said he did have a mask on for part of his visit at the store.

“I did not have it on when I had the opportunity to be physically distanced from others in the store. I went shopping in a grocery store where I wore a mask the entire time,” clarified Moe.

“Could I have been wearing a mask the entire time? I suppose I could have. I didn’t, and after the media coverage today, I probably will reconsider that.”

The Sask. Party sent out a statement on Tuesday saying that Moe was maintaining appropriate physical distancing in alignment with public health guidance during his visit. The party also noted how Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili has too not worn a mask while physically distancing in similar settings.

(Photos supplied by the Saskatchewan Party)

During his party’s event on Tuesday in Regina, Meili said it’s important for people to wear masks and practice physical distancing.

“We’ve been very careful throughout the campaign. Any photos you have seen, we have taken extra measures to make sure that physical distancing is possible,” stated Meili.

He added how Moe needs to send a different message to residents when it comes to masks during the pandemic. Meili said Moe should be encouraging people to wear masks and setting clear guidelines rather than sending mixed messages.