Continued efforts on the part of the public are needed to ensure our health system can respond to the impact of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan.

Modeling data released today by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) indicates that the key variable for saving lives and protecting health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is public compliance with prescribed isolation measures, physical distancing, effective hand washing and staying home, whenever and wherever possible.

It also indicates that current interventions are making a difference.

“Our job as a health care system is to provide care for those in need and to be ready for any scenario,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said. “While we understand Canadian data is starting to show some hopeful signs about flattening the curve on COVID-19, it is critical to remember not to be complacent. We need to continue to escalate our response to ensure we are prepared for the worst case scenarios and we need the public to help us avoid those scenarios.”

The SHA has increased access to testing through the creation of 38 testing sites around the province and tripled the staff available for contact tracing efforts to detect and prevent community transmission. As public health measures and capacity for community care services continue to increase, the acute care system has also been planning to add capacity. Up to 57 per cent more acute care capacity will be phased in as needed over the next several weeks, in anticipation of increased hospitalization rates. None of the major changes in this plan are immediate.

Communities will continue to be updated as changes to services and service locations occur in their areas through various communications channels as well as through Saskatchewan’s central access point for information at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

The following are highlights of the measures the SHA is taking in its next phase of pandemic response to ensure safety by segmenting patient populations between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patient populations:
• Creating dedicated spaces within many of its facilities to cohort COVID-19 patients;
• Designating certain hospitals COVID-19 hospitals. These changes are not immediate. The SHA has proactively identified 20 out of its 65 hospitals that would be designated COVID-19 hospitals, if required to meet the clinical needs of the patient population in their areas of the province;
• Adding acute care capacity through the creation of field hospitals in Saskatoon and Regina, with more locations being considered as part of later, contingency planning.

These measures are in addition to those SHA has already initiated to meet the demands of COVID-19. A slowdown of non-essential services to increase bed availability has already created acute care capacity across the system for handling a surge in COVID-19 related cases at future stages of the pandemic.

As of April 5, 43 per cent of Saskatchewan’s acute care beds were available for use, largely as a result of the slow down and preparation for the surge.

“We wanted to be transparent with the plan going forward so the public is aware of the escalated measures we will put into place if needed, but it is critical to remember that many of the changes proposed in this plan will be implemented only in response to anticipated surges in patient demand that start to exceed our capacity,” Livingstone said. “Changes like conversion to COVID-19 dedicated hospitals will only occur where it is absolutely required to ensure safety and maintain access for patients who need our care.”

Saskatchewan residents can continue to help by taking specific action, including:
• Practising good hygiene, washing hands regularly and practicing physical distancing (two metres apart wherever possible);
• Taking care of family, friends and neighbours who may be affected by mandatory self-isolation orders;
• Abide by provincial and local travel, self-isolation, event and gathering restrictions;
• Use medical supplies effectively and efficiently so that they are there when needed; and
• Avoid visiting our hospitals and long-term care facilities unless there are compassionate reasons for doing so.

“No health system in the world can manage this challenge without the sustained help of the general public,” SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said. “To save lives, Saskatchewan residents need to do their best to stay healthy and strong and abide by the restrictions and guidelines for the general public around COVID-19. Demand will exceed our capacity as a health system if we are not diligent about these measures.”

As of April 7, 2020, Saskatchewan has seven new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 260. One hundred and sixty-nine of the cases are considered active.

Seven more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 88. Currently, there are seven people hospitalized in the province from COVID-19. Five people are receiving inpatient care – four in Saskatoon and one in Regina – while there is also one person in the intensive care unit in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

Of the 260 cases in the province:
• 115 cases are travellers;
• 80 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 13 have no known exposures; and
• 52 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 131 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 52 from the Regina area, 48 from the north, 15 from the south, 10 from the central region and four from the far north.
• 13 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 112 cases are in the 20-44 age range; 92 are in the 45-64 age range; and 43 are in the 65-plus range.
• 53 per cent of the cases are males and 47 per cent are females.
• Three deaths related to COVID-19 reported to date.

To date, 14,722 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. Saskatchewan continues to have the second highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces.

Case surveillance and testing information, including regional locations of confirmed/presumptive cases is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

Public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Host a Virtual Easter Gathering:
With the holiday long weekend approaching, be prepared to celebrate Easter in a different way this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of inviting family and friends over for dinner, host a virtual gathering using digital technology.

Here are some other things to keep in mind:
• Restrict in-person Easter gatherings to only people living in the same home.
• Beat the pre-holiday rush and purchase your Easter dinner groceries ahead of time. Remember, only one person from a household should go shopping. Make a list so you can quickly purchase your goods.
• Always practice preventative measures – frequent hand washing and physical distancing.

As of April 6, 2020, Saskatchewan has four new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 253.  One hundred and sixty-nine of the cases are considered active. These are confirmed cases, minus those reported as recovered and deaths.  The active case count may be overestimated based on recovery information reported to date.Currently, there are four people in hospital in the province.  Two people are receiving inpatient care in Saskatoon, while two people are currently in intensive care – one in Regina and one in Saskatoon. Fourteen more people have recovered from COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 81.

Of the 253 cases in the province:

• 112 cases are travellers;
• 77 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 14 have no known exposures; and
• 50 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

• 127 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 51 from the Regina area, 47 from the north, 15 from the south, 10 from the central region and three from the far north.
• 11 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 110 cases are in the 20-44 age range; 89 are in the 45-64 age range; and 43 are in the 65-plus range.
• 53 per cent of the cases are males and 47 per cent are females.
• Three deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 14,178 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province.

Saskatchewan continues to have the second highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces.  Case surveillance and testing information, including regional locations of confirmed/presumptive cases is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

Public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Prevent Transmission in Essential Workplaces:

While all residents should stay home if they can, there are many essential workplaces throughout the province, including healthcare and industrial settings, grocery stores and supported and group living homes. There continues to be a risk of local transmission in these essential workplaces and all employers and employees are reminded to practice prevention methods at all times – on the job site, in the breakroom or when working outdoors.

• Actively monitor for symptoms.  At the first sign of cough, immediately self-isolate for 14 days.
• Practice physical distancing in the workplace, including those workplaces that are outdoors.  Maintain a two-metre separation between individuals.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow or tissue and wash your hands immediately.

Workplaces must ensure their occupational health and safety guidelines are up to date and being enforced to prevent the transmission of respiratory illnesses.

As of April 5, 2020, Saskatchewan has 18 new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 249. Currently, there are four people in hospital in the province.  Two people are receiving inpatient care in Saskatoon, one person is in ICU in Saskatoon and one person is in ICU in Regina. Twelve more people have recovered from COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 67. Of the 249 cases in the province:

• 109 cases are travelers
• 71 are community contacts (mass gatherings included)
• 14 have no known exposures
• 55 are under investigation by local public health

Overall in Saskatchewan:

• 123 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 51 from the Regina area, 47 from the north, 15 from the south, 10 from the central region and three from the far north.
• 11 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 108 cases are in the 20-44 age range; 88 are in the 45-64 age range; and 42 are in the 65-plus range.
• 54 per cent of the cases are males and 46 per cent are females
• To date, 13,528 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province.

Saskatchewan continues to have the second highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces. 

Case surveillance and testing information, including regional locations of confirmed/presumptive cases is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19. 

Public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

 COVID-19 and pets

There is no evidence to date that domestic livestock and pets can be infected with or transmit COVID-19 but infection and transmission by animals has also not been ruled out.  Therefore, anyone who has COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, just as they should with people, until more information is available.  If there is already an animal in the household, that animal should remain in isolation along with the patient.

 For more on COVID-19 and animals visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19.