Vaccines Reported

An additional 10,195 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 480,910. 

The 10,195 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 315; Far North Central, 10; Far North East, 182; North West, 454; North Central, 409; North East, 678; Saskatoon, 2,932; Central West, 384; Central East, 572; Regina, 2,772; South West, 287; South Central, 243; and South East, 589.  There were 368 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty-two per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Sixty-seven per cent of those 40+ have received their first dose.  Forty-six per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

Vaccination Booking System Open to Ages 35+ 

On Thursday, May 6, eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program expanded to include age 35+.  It remains 18+ for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-ins, pharmacies and mobile clinics. 

Prioritized front-line workers are also eligible.  A list of those occupations is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vax-eligibility.  Eligible priority groups may visit a drive-thru or walk-in clinic, arrange an appointment with a participating pharmacy, or call 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829) to make an appointment through the SHA booking system. Prioritized front-line workers will be required to provide proof of employment at the time of immunization (a pay stub, letter from their employer, or a copy of a professional license).

There may be clinic options outside your community and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization.  Additional stops should be avoided if possible.  More clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Residents aged 35+ may book online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 or by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  They may also attend a scheduled drive-thru or book at a participating pharmacy.  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.  Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has scheduled drive-thru and walk-in clinics throughout the province.  For street addresses and hours of operation for these clinics, see www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.

The pharmacy vaccination pilot rollout continues, refining distribution and vaccination processes so appointments may be limited.  Additional pharmacies in more communities will be added as larger volumes of vaccine become available.  The current list of pharmacies participating in the pilot is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 156 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on May 6, bringing the provincial total to 42,376 cases.   

No new deaths are reported today. 

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 1; Far North East, 1; North West, 11; North Central, 31; North East, 11; Saskatoon, 10; Central East, 10; Regina, 40; South West, 5; South Central, 13; and South East, 22.  One new case is pending residence information.  Three cases with pending residence information have been assigned to the following zones: North West, 1; and North Central, 2.

Seventeen cases tested out of province were added to the North West, 3; North Central, 1; Central East, 2; Saskatoon, 9; South West, 1; South East, 1.

Recoveries total 39,717 and 2,158 cases are considered active.

There are 173 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-two people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West, 1; Far North East, 1; North West, 8; North Central, 4; North East, 2; Saskatoon, 60; Central East, 3; Regina, 43; South West, 2; South Central, 3; and South East, 5.  Forty-one people are in intensive care: North Central, 1; Saskatoon, 14; Central East, 2; Regina, 23; and South Central, 1.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 216 (17.6 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 3,494 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on May 5, 2021.

To date, 789,619 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of May 4, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 662,799 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 845,348.

As of May 5, 7,695 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 171; Far North East, 2; North West, 249; North Central, 181; North East, 32; Saskatoon, 906; Central West, 87; Central East, 328; Regina, 4,047; South West, 236; South Central, 564; and South East, 775. There are 117 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are 39 new lineage results reported today.  Of the 3,004 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,962 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 33 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,877 (62 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Be Safe and Limit Your Travel

Saskatchewan is a land of living skies and long highways.  In a province as big as ours, travel is often required to meet the everyday needs of residents but we also start taking advantage of the warm weather to make get-away plans.  At this time, please continue to minimize your travel.  If residents are taking trips outside of their community, there are best practices to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

• Continue to follow the guidance of the current Public Health Orders.
• Manage as many retail or business needs in your home community as possible prior to any other destination.
• If you are travelling to or from a location with increased COVID-19 transmission, consider whether travel can be delayed.
• Where possible, travel in the same vehicle with members of your immediate household only.
• Travel directly from your home community to your destination with no unnecessary stops.
• Once you reach your destination, make as few stops as possible and minimize contact with residents of that community.
• Document date(s) of travel and the location of stops in case you need to refer to it later.
• While medical appointments are considered essential travel, access medical services in your home community only if possible.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 9,968 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 470,715. 

The 9,968 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 64; Far North Central, 5; Far North East, 91; North West, 471; North Central, 487; North East, 203; Saskatoon, 3,348; Central West, 268; Central East, 712; Regina, 2,620; South West, 236; South Central, 566; and South East, 566.  There were 331 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty-two per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Sixty-six per cent of those 40+ have received their first dose.  Forty-five per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

Vaccination Booking System Open to Ages 35+ 

Beginning tomorrow Thursday, May 6, eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program will expand to include age 35+.  It remains 18+ for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-ins, pharmacies and mobile clinics. 

Due to supply, there are currently 11,200 Moderna doses available. Participating pharmacies will have a further 15,500 Moderna doses arrive later this week for distribution to begin early next week.  As of today, the SHA has 6,000 appointments still available in their booking system.  There are 8,000 doses available for Drive thru and walk in clinics beginning tomorrow through Monday.

Prioritized front-line workers are also eligible.  A list of those occupations is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vax-eligibility.  Eligible priority groups may visit a drive-thru or walk-in clinic, arrange an appointment with a participating pharmacy, or call 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829) to make an appointment through the SHA booking system.  Prioritized front-line workers will be required to provide proof of employment at the time of immunization (a pay stub, letter from their employer, or a copy of a professional license).

There may be clinic options outside your community and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization.  Additional stops should be avoided if possible. More clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Residents aged 35+ may book online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 or by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  They may also attend a scheduled drive-thru or book at a participating pharmacy.  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.  Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has scheduled drive-thru and walk-in clinics throughout the province.  For street addresses and hours of operation for these clinics, see www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.

The pharmacy vaccination pilot rollout continues, refining distribution and vaccination processes so appointments may be limited.  Additional pharmacies in more communities will be added as larger volumes of vaccine become available.  The current list of pharmacies participating in the pilot is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines.

Be Safe and Limit Your Travel

Saskatchewan is a land of living skies and long highways.  In a province as big as ours, travel is often required to meet the everyday needs of residents but we also start taking advantage of the warm weather to make get-away plans.  At this time, please continue to minimize your travel.  If residents are taking trips outside of their community, there are best practices to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

• Continue to follow the guidance of the current Public Health Orders.
• Manage as many retail or business needs in your home community as possible prior to any other destination.
• If you are travelling to or from a location with increased COVID-19 transmission, consider whether travel can be delayed. 
• Where possible, travel in the same vehicle with members of your immediate household only.
• Travel directly from your home community to your destination with no unnecessary stops.
• Once you reach your destination, make as few stops as possible and minimize contact with residents of that community.
• Document date(s) of travel and the location of stops in case you need to refer to it later.
• While medical appointments are considered essential travel, access medical services in your home community only if possible.

Visitation to Eligible Long-Term and Personal Care Homes for the week of May 5

As of April 29, visitor (family presence) restrictions eased in some long-term and personal care homes when 90 per cent of residents have been fully vaccinated, three weeks after second doses are completed and considering the local COVID-19 context (eg. community transmission, cases within a facility).  

• There will be no limit on the total number of designated family members/supports that residents can have, but only two may visit indoors at a time.  
• Four visitors at a time will be allowed outdoors.  
• If a fully-vaccinated resident goes on an outing, they will no longer be required to quarantine following their return.
• Residents that are not vaccinated can have visits from fully vaccinated family members/supports.  Please bring proof of full vaccination.
• If the designated family members/supports are not vaccinated, family presence will continue to be permitted for compassionate care reasons only.
• Saskatchewan Health Authority medical health officers will have discretion to maintain restrictions to protect homes from potential risks of exposure.  

There are many long-term and personal care homes throughout the province with small resident populations that may not be able to meet the visitor restriction threshold of 90 per cent of residents vaccinated if even one resident is unable to receive immunization.  As a result, there will be flexibility for long-term and personal care homes with fewer than 10 residents.

• In homes with 10 or fewer residents, all but one resident must be fully vaccinated (both doses).
• In all cases, before visitor restrictions can be amended, at least three weeks must have passed since the last second doses were received.

The current list of SHA-operated long-term care homes currently eligible for family visitation is available at https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/service-alerts-emergency-events/Pages/service-alerts.aspx.  Restrictions will be reviewed weekly.  Personal care homes are expected to meet the same requirements.  Family of those residing in personal care homes will need to contact those homes to determine if they are currently able to safely support family visitation.  

As of May 5, SHA long term care facilities in Regina and area who are not in outbreak may have outdoor visits with up to two members of the same household at once.  The details are available at www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/releases/Pages/2021/May/Regina-adjusts-Level-3-visitor-restrictions-May-5.aspx

For more details on levels of family presence in care settings, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures/guidance-for-health-care-facilities.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 196 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on May 5, bringing the provincial total to 42,203 cases.   

Two new deaths are reported today.  One death was reported in the 70-79 age group from Saskatoon; one death in the 70-79 age group from Regina.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 2; North West, 17; North Central, 12; North East, 5; Saskatoon, 40; Central West, 2; Central East, 16; Regina, 44; South West, 15; South Central, 8; and South East, 31.  Four new cases are pending residence information.  Two cases with pending residence information have been assigned to the following zones: North West, 1; and South East, 1.

Recoveries total 39,452 and 2,250 cases are considered active.

There are 171 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-two people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West, 1; Far North East, 1; North West, 7; North Central, 5; North East, 1; Saskatoon, 55; Central East, 4; Regina, 46; South West, 2; South Central, 4; and South East, 6.  Thirty-nine people are in intensive care: North Central, 1; Saskatoon, 14; Central East, 2; and Regina, 22.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 224 (18.2 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 3,255 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on May 4, 2021.

To date, 786,125 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of May 3, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 660,037 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 842,239.

As of May 4, 7,580 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 142; Far North East, 2; North West, 246; North Central, 150; North East, 32; Saskatoon, 897; Central West, 87; Central East, 321; Regina, 4,026; South West, 236; South Central, 560; and South East, 770. There are 111 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are 443 new lineage results reported today.  Of the 2,965 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,933 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 23 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,875 (63 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 9,924 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 460,747. 

The 9,924 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 48; Far North Central, 2; Far North East, 10; North West, 439; North Central, 498; North East, 182; Saskatoon, 2,831; Central West, 175; Central East, 757; Regina, 3,289; South West, 459; South Central, 472; and South East, 425.  There were 337 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty-two per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Sixty-five per cent of those 40+ have received their first dose.  Forty-four per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

Regina is scheduled to receive 200 doses of AstraZeneca from the U.S. later today, May 4.

Vaccination Booking System Open to Ages 37+ 

The provincial age-based immunization program is now open to individuals age 37+, and age 18+ for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.  This applies to all immunization clinics:  booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-ins, pharmacies and mobile clinics.

Prioritized front-line workers are also eligible.  A list of these occupations is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vax-eligibility.  Eligible priority groups may visit a drive-thru or walk-in clinic, arrange an appointment with a participating pharmacy, or call 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829) to make an appointment through the SHA booking system.  Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

Prioritized front-line workers will be required to provide proof of employment at the time of immunization (a pay stub, letter from their employer, or a copy of a professional license).

Residents aged 37+ may also book online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 .  People who do not have a cell phone or email account, need assistance in booking, or are providing documentation for priority eligibility status must book by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply. While travel throughout the province is not recommended at this time, there may be clinic options outside your community and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization.  Additional stops should be avoided if possible. More clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has scheduled drive-thru and walk-in clinics throughout the province.  For street addresses and hours of operation for these clinics, see www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.  Note the Swift Current drive-thru will be offering AstraZeneca and therefore only open to residents aged 40 and older.

Starting Wednesday, May 5, eligible truck drivers and essential energy workers can receive the vaccine at Kenmare, ND from noon to 8:00 p.m. until Friday, May 7.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines.

Pharmacy Vaccination Pilot Expanded

Additional  pharmacies have been added to the pharmacy COVID-19 vaccination pilot program including pharmacies in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, North Battleford and Weyburn.  These pharmacies will be able to take appointments for vaccination, vaccinations based on age groups and populations who are eligible on the day the appointment is booked.

The list of pharmacies participating in the pilot is now available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

The pharmacy vaccination pilot rollout continues, refining distribution and vaccination processes so appointments may be limited.  Additional pharmacies in more communities will be added as larger volumes of vaccine become available in the coming weeks.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 189 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on May 4, bringing the provincial total to 42,006 cases.  Twelve cases tested out-of-province have been added to the following zones: North Central, 1; North East, 1; Regina, 1; Saskatoon, 5; South Central, 1; and 3 cases are pending residence information. 

Two new deaths are reported today. One death was reported in the 70-79 age group from the Far North West. One death occurred in February but is being reported today in the 19 and under age group from the North West zone; this death is being reported upon the completion of an investigation that determined the cause to be COVID-19.  One death with pending residence has been deemed out-of-province and removed from the counts.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 7; North West, 27; North Central, 6; North East, 2; Saskatoon, 81; Central West, 3; Central East, 10; Regina, 24; South West, 8; South Central, 7; and South East, 8.  Six new cases are pending residence information.  Twenty-three cases pending residence information have been assigned to the following zones: Central East, 1; North West, 7; South Central, 1; and Regina, 14.

Recoveries total 39,202 and 2,305 cases are considered active.

There are 174 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-three people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East, 1; North West, 7; North Central, 3; North East, 2; Saskatoon, 54; Central East, 3; Regina, 52; South West, 2; South Central, 4; and South East, 5.  Forty-one people are in intensive care: North Central, 1; Saskatoon, 14; Central East, 2; Regina, 23; and South Central, 1.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 226 (18.4 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 2,515 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on May 3, 2021.

To date, 782,870 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of May 2, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 657,903 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 839,302.

As of May 3, 7,417 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 141; Far North East, 2; North West, 236; North Central, 145; North East, 28; Saskatoon, 867; Central West, 87; Central East, 309; Regina, 3,983; South West, 219; South Central, 553; and South East, 744. There are 103 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are no new lineage results reported today.  Of the 2,522 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,491 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 22 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,678 (67 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 7,154 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 450,823. 

The 7,154 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 51; Far North East, 6; North West, 278; North Central, 562; North East, 111; Saskatoon, 2,076; Central West, 172; Central East, 831; Regina, 2,118; South West, 124; South Central, 320; and South East, 299.  There were 206 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty-two per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 60 have received their first dose.  Sixty-four per cent of those 40+ have received their first dose.  Forty-three per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose.

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.  As the source database for vaccine information, Panorama is subject to continuous data updates which may result in revised counts, day over day.

This week’s Pfizer shipment of 63,180 doses is expected at designated pharmacies on Tuesday, May 4; ISC, NITHA, Prince Albert, Yorkton, North Battleford on Wednesday, May 5; and ISC’s South Service Centre on Thursday, May 6.  A portion of this shipment arrived in Regina (11,700) and Saskatoon (11,700) on Friday, April 30 via advance delivery. 

Saskatchewan’s scheduled shipment of 9,300 Janssen vaccine doses has been delayed by Health Canada as they complete their product quality review. 

Pharmacy Vaccination Pilot Expanded

An additional 41 pharmacies have been added to the pharmacy COVID-19 vaccination pilot program.  Starting today, these pharmacies will be able to take appointments for vaccination, vaccinations based on age groups and populations who are eligible on the day the appointment is booked.

The list of pharmacies participating in the pilot as of May 3, 2021 is now available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

The pharmacy vaccination pilot rollout continues, refining distribution and vaccination processes so appointments may be limited.  Additional pharmacies in more communities will be added as larger volumes of vaccine become available in the coming weeks.

Vaccination Booking System Open to Ages 37+ Beginning May 4

Beginning tomorrow, May 4, eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program will expand to include age 37+, and to age 18+ for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.  This applies to all immunization clinics:  booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-ins, pharmacies and mobile clinics.

Prioritized front-line workers age 18+ are also eligible.  A list of those occupations is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vax-eligibility.  Eligible priority groups may visit a drive-thru or walk-in clinic, arrange an appointment with a participating pharmacy, or call 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829) to make an appointment through the SHA booking system.  Prioritized front-line workers will be required to provide proof of employment at the time of immunization (a pay stub, letter from their employer, or a copy of a professional license).

Note the Swift Current drive-thru will be offering AstraZeneca and therefore only open to residents aged 40 and older.

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply. There may be clinic options in communities outside the major urban centres and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization. Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Residents aged 37+ may book online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.  People who do not have a cell phone or email account, need assistance in booking, or are providing documentation for priority eligibility status must book by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.

Please do not call until you are eligible to book your vaccination appointment.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has scheduled drive-thru and walk-in clinics throughout the province.  For street addresses and hours of operation for these clinics, see www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.

Starting Wednesday, May 5, eligible truck drivers and essential energy workers can receive the vaccine at Kenmare, ND from noon to 8:00 p.m. until Friday, May 7.

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 207 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on May 3, bringing the provincial total to 41,806 cases.  

Three new deaths are reported today in the following groups: one death in the 70-79 age group from Regina; and two deaths in 80+ age group from the North Central and Saskatoon zones.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 11; North West, 11; North Central, 31; North East, 8; Saskatoon, 29; Central West, 1; Central East, 12; Regina, 64; South West, 5; South Central, 16; and South East, 4.  Fifteen new cases are pending residence information.  Two cases pending residence information have been assigned to the North Central zone.

Recoveries total 38,911 and 2,397 cases are considered active.

There are 174 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-five people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East, 1; North West, 5; North Central, 3; Saskatoon, 54; Central East, 6; Regina, 58; South West, 1; South Central, 3; and South East, 4.  Thirty-nine people are in intensive care: North Central, 1; Saskatoon, 14; Central East, 2; Regina, 21; and South Central, 1.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 230 (18.8 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past few months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 3,358 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on May 2, 2021.

To date, 780,355 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of May 1, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 655,054 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 835,587.

As of May 2, 7,296 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 143; Far North East, 3; North West, 223; North Central, 148; North East, 29; Saskatoon, 835; Central West, 86; Central East, 327; Regina, 3,878; South West, 215; South Central, 553; and South East, 750. There are 106 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are no new lineage results reported today.  Of the 2,522 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,491 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), 22 are P.1 (Brazilian) and nine are B.1.351 (SA).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,662 (66 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified by means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening).  Whole genome sequencing results to identify lineage are included in the screening results.  Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Public Health Measures

Due to increased COVID-19 transmission risk throughout the province, the Chief Medical Health Officer has extended all current provincial public health orders until May 10, 2021.  The orders will be reviewed at that time.  Full details on current public health measures can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.  

All residents are urged to adhere to best personal protective measures:

• Wear your mask in all public places including all workplaces.
• Wash non-medical masks daily.
• Maintain physical distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Reduce activities outside of your home.  Order take-out or curbside pick-up.  Work from home if you are able to do so.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the province at this time.

If you have any symptoms, stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test.  If anyone in your home has symptoms, the entire household should remain home until the test results are known.  Testing information is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-testing.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/about-covid-19/know-your-risk.