All posts by Dan Senick

Obituary

Schollar, Sterling Otis

July 5, 1928 – April 5, 2021

Sterling, second eldest of Ethel and Arthur Schollar, lived six miles east of Craik.

He attended Parkhill School. In those days, boys didn’t really need an education, especially if their job was needed at home; hence, he only received a partial Grade 9.

The following years Sterling worked for several farmers in the area. The first car he drove was Martin Luther’s. What an experience!

The field was hardly big enough. Oliver Vibert was another one of his employers. Here he learned to drive a tractor. Oliver helped him hook the 2236 International tractor on steel to a Minneapolis one-way and packers. Hooked behind these machines was the fuel wagon.

Oliver directed Sterling north on No. 11 highway on a Saturday afternoon, destination Davidson. Miraculously, man and outfit all arrived safely several hours later. Through Oliver, many an
inexperienced fellow learned farming practices.

Sterling began farming for himself in 1950, renting a half section from Harry Grant. This land was located four miles northwest of Craik.

In 1953 he married Ellen, oldest daughter of George
and Edith Hall.

In 1955 they purchased a farm of their own, W10:24:29, approximately nine miles west of Craik.

Sterling was a director of the Bennett Telephone Company for several years. He also served on the Craik School Board and was a member of council for R.M. 222, serving as Division 6 councilor from 1984-1999. Sterling was an active member of the Craik Lion’s Club and served twice as president, zone chairman and deputy chairman for District 5CW. He also served on the Sight and Service Committee.

Gone from us that smiling face, His pleasant cheerful way. A heart that won so many friends in bygone days. Though his smiles are gone forever and his hand we cannot touch. We shall never lose saved memories of the one we loved so much.

Sterling leaves to mourn his very loving and dedicated wife Ellen of 67.5 years; Children Jan (Tom) Sampson, Joy (Glenn) Ehrhardt, Ralph (Sharon) and Lloyd (Judy); Thirteen grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and more expected soon. Sterling also leaves behind his brother-in-law Chris Heathcote and sister-in-law Eleanor Schollar as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service for Sterling was held at Craik Cemetery on Saturday April 10, 2021.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Sterling may be made to the Craik Health Trust Fund. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Obituary

Steckler, Carl

On the morning of April 17, 2021 Carl Steckler passed away peacefully at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Carl was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan on April 8, 1931. He led an interesting life of work and travel that was often talked about at family gatherings.

Carl was a farmer all of his life and also worked as an ironworker, welder, and for a short time operated a service station with his two brothers in Calgary, Alberta.

Carl met Marina Keats at Craik, Saskatchewan where she was training as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1960. The two of them were married in 1961 and soon started a family in Calgary, Alberta area. Carl worked as a welder for Dominion Bridge of Calgary
and worked on the construction of the then Husky Tower, now called the Calgary Tower, and other projects around Alberta for his employer.

In 1973, Carl and Marina moved to a farm east of Didsbury, Alberta with their three children Becky, Bonnie, and Dale. Then again, they sold that farm and moved to another farm in the Central Butte,
Saskatchewan area in 1977.

Carl was involved in curling in the winter months going to the local curling club and area bonspiels with Marina and friends. Carl also volunteered his time in the building of the new Central Butte arena.

Carl attended with his family the local social events such as potluck suppers etc. He also enjoyed travelling to exotic places like Mexico and El Salvador with Marina and family. Unfortunately, health issues eventually caused him to withdraw from curling and eventually the farming life.

The next life adventure was Carl and Marina moving to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. They now spent their time going for long walks about
town, an Alaskan cruise with family, and involvement in the various social activities in the living complex.

Carl was predeceased by his parents Zaccheus and Eva Steckler. He was also the last surviving and fourth oldest sibling of five sisters and two brothers Hilda Makellky (Bernard), Freda Ward (Robert),
Cathren Steckler, Walter Steckler (Edith), Marie Woods (Frank), Rose Greene, and George Steckler (Marge).

Carl is survived by his wife Marina of nearly 60 years; his children Becky (Greg Makellky), Bonnie (Nelson Maldonado), and Dale Steckler (Hillary); 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren Justin Makellky (Deanne, children Vincent, Theo, Charlotte and Eva), Stephanie Makellky (children Leneva, Elizavet and Hadassah), Kalvin Makellky (Amy), Mark Maldonado (Raquel, children Maya), Patricia (John Vadasz, children Sofia and Gabriella), Cedric Maldonado, Cindi Maldonado, Jamie (Jason McGillivray, children Everly and Hailey), Kenton Steckler (Ashlee, children Kenlee), Megan Steckler (children Lucas Lutcher), Ryan Steckler (Skye Sitler, children Carter); and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date when gatherings are once again permitted and he will eventually be interred in the Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Carl will be greatly missed by both family and friends. Any gifts or donations may be made with appreciation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Davidson

Covid-19 Update For April 27: 408,429 Vaccines Administered, 224 New Cases, 238 Recoveries, Six New Deaths

Vaccines Reported

An additional 5,045 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 408,429. 

The 5,045 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 15; Far North Central, 1; Far North East, 18; North West, 370; North Central, 305; North East, 146; Saskatoon, 3,103; Central West, 202; Central East, 119; Regina, 330; South West, 39; South Central, 38; and South East, 75.  There were 284 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Fifty-eight per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 40 have received their first dose.  Thirty-nine 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.

Saskatchewan is expecting shipments of Moderna (18,800 doses) and Pfizer (31,590 doses) this week a portion of which will be allocated to the Pharmacy Vaccination Pilot.  

Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization

Individuals who experience a severe or unusual reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccination can report it by calling 811.  Mild reactions are normal and do not require reporting and could include injection site soreness, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain.  Any adverse event that may be related to a vaccination is reported in order to continuously monitor the safety of vaccines. 

Anyone experiencing a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing should call 911.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 224 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 27, bringing the provincial total to 40,401 cases.

There are six new deaths reported today. One death in the 40 to 49 age group from the South East zone; two deaths in the 60 to 69 age group from the following zones: South West, 1; and Regina, 1; three deaths in the 80+ age group from the following zones: South East, 2; and Regina, 1.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 8; North West, 43; North Central, 17; North East, 5; Saskatoon, 70; Central West, 2; Central East, 21; Regina, 30; South West, 4; South Central, 6; and South East, 11.  Seven new cases are pending residence information.  Four cases pending residence have been assigned to the following zones: North Central, 2; and Regina, 2. Two cases tested out-of-province were added to the Saskatoon counts. Two cases found to be out-of-province residents have been removed from the Regina zone.

Recoveries total 37,401 and 2,518 cases are considered active.

There are 186 people in hospital.  One hundred and forty-four (144) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East, 1; North West, 6; North Central, 6; Saskatoon, 53; Central East, 7; Regina, 57; South West, 1; South Central, 5; and South East, 8.  Forty-two (42) people are in intensive care: North West, 2; North Central, 2; Saskatoon, 10; Central East, 2; and Regina, 26.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 248 (20.2 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 2,865 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 26, 2021.

To date, 759,166 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.   As of April 25, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 637,496 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 814,635.

As of April 26, 6,301 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 87; Far North East, 2; North West, 167; North Central, 99; North East, 12; Saskatoon, 687; Central West, 81; Central East, 277; Regina, 3,513; South West, 172; South Central, 472; and South East, 643. There are 89 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are 153 new lineage results reported today. Of the 2,305 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,277 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), nine are B.1.351 (SA) and 19 are P.1. (Brazilian).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,580 (69 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.

All Public Health Measures Extended to May 10

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/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

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.


Davidson

Covid-19 Update For April 26: 403,384 Vaccines Administered, 245 New Cases, 221 Recoveries, One New Death

Vaccines Reported

An additional 3,639 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 403,384. 

The 3,639 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following regions: Far North West (10), Far North Central (30), Far North East (3), North West (440), North Central (452), North East (23), Saskatoon (1,704), Central West (20), Central East (86), Regina (411), South West (60), South Central (54) and South East (210).  There were 136 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Fifty-seven per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 40 have received their first dose.  Thirty-eight 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 44+

Eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program is currently age 44 and older, except for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it remains age 40 and older.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in and mobile.

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply.  Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Appointments can be made 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.

Once COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been opened to all residents ages 40 and over, remaining prioritized front-line workers (including dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, teachers, correctional staff and border security officers) will also become eligible.  Details on how these groups can book appointments will be provided later this week.

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

Pharmacy Vaccination Pilot Project

Appointments may be available at select pharmacies in 14 Saskatchewan communities scheduled to start receiving vaccine on April 29 as part of a pilot program to offer COVID-19 vaccinations.  The list of pharmacies participating in the pilot is now available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

This is a small-scale rollout to refine distribution and vaccination processes so appointments may be limited and may include staff working in participating pharmacies and stores housing those pharmacies that are eligible for vaccination.  All pharmacies will be providing vaccinations based on age groups and populations who are eligible on the day the appointment is booked.

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 245 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 26, bringing the provincial total to 40,177 cases.

There is one (1) new death reported in the 60 to 69 age group in the Far North West zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (10), North West (17), North Central (9), North East (1), Saskatoon (39), Central West (4), Central East (20), Regina (80), South West (8), South Central (32) and South East (25) zones.  Two (2) cases with pending residence information have been assigned to the North West (1) and Regina (1) zones.

Recoveries total 37,163 and 2,538 cases are considered active.

There are 187 people in hospital.  One hundred and forty-two (142) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East (1), North West (6), North Central (7), Saskatoon (52), Central East (6), Regina (58), South West (1), South Central (4) and South East (7).  Forty-five (45) people are in intensive care: North West (2), North Central (2), Saskatoon (11), Central East (3) and Regina (27).

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 251 (20.5 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 3,122 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 25, 2021.

To date, 756,301 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.   As of April 24, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 634,847 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 810,657.

As of April 25, 6,204 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the Far North West (85), Far North East (2), North West (156), North Central (91), North East (12), Saskatoon (639), Central West (79), Central East (266), Regina (3,511), South West (172), South Central (472) and South East (644) zones. There are 75 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are zero new lineage results reported today. Of the 2,152 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,138 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), nine (9) are B.1.351 (SA) and five (5) are P.1. (Brazilian).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,510 (70 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.

All Public Health Measures Extended to May 10

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/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

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.

Davidson

Covid-19 Update For April 25: 399,745 Vaccines Administered, 249 New Cases, 290 Recoveries, Two New Deaths

Vaccines Reported

An additional 7,451 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 399,745. 

The 7,451 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following regions: Far North West (39), Far North Central (6), Far North East (48), North West (1,102), North Central (615), North East (596), Saskatoon (2,517), Central West (75), Central East (276), Regina (430), South West (495), South Central (79) and South East (913).  There were 260 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Fifty-seven per cent of Saskatchewan residents over age 40 have received their first dose. Thirty-eight per cent of those 18+ and thirty per cent of the total provincial population have received a 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 44+

Eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program is currently age 44 and older, except for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it remains age 40 and older.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in and mobile.

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply. Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Appointments can be made 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.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 249 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 25, bringing the provincial total to 39,932 cases.

There are two (2) new deaths reported, both in the North West zone. One is in the 50 to 59 age group and the other in the 80+ age group.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (17), North West (12), North Central (7), North East (5), Saskatoon (42), Central West (1), Central East (15), Regina (101), South West (8), South Central (6) and South East (27) zones.  Eight (8) new cases have pending residence information.  Four (4) cases with pending residence information have been assigned to the Far North Central (1), Far North East (1), North West (1) and Regina (1) zones.

Recoveries total 36,942 and 2,515 cases are considered active.

There are 186 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-seven (137) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East (1), North West (8), North Central (7), Saskatoon (46), Central East (5), Regina (57), South West (2), South Central (3) and South East (8).  Forty-nine (49) people are in intensive care: North Central (2), Saskatoon (13), Central East (3), Regina (30) and South West (1).

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 251 (20.5 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 3,423 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 24, 2021. To date, 753,179 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.   As of April 23, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 631,943 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 807,923.

As of April 24, 6,026 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the Far North West (81), Far North East (2), North West (149), North Central (88), North East (12), Saskatoon (619), Central West (77), Central East (251), Regina (3,447), South West (160), South Central (455) and South East (617) zones. There are 68 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are 92 new lineage results reported today. Of the 2,152 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,138 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), nine (9) are B.1.351 (SA) and five (5) are P.1. (Brazilian).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,510 (70 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.

All Public Health Measures Extended to May 10

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/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

Enforcing Public Health Measures 

Enforcement of public health orders is permitted under The Public Health Act, 1994.  Public health inspectors will be supported in their efforts to ticket violators to ensure that businesses and events are brought into compliance as quickly as possible, in addition to the enforcement efforts that have been undertaken by police agencies in the province.
 For more information on current public health measures or to see the Public Health Order, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.

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.

Davidson

COVID-19 Update for April 24: 392,294 Vaccines Administered, 286 New Cases, 194 Recoveries, Two New Deaths

Vaccines Reported

An additional 10,159 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 392,294.  

The 10,159 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following regions: Far North West (346), Far North East (253), North West (930), North Central (859), North East (552), Saskatoon (3,277), Central West (458), Central East (529), Regina (627), South West (871), South Central (233) and South East (908).  There were 316 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Fifty-six per cent of Saskatchewan residents age 40+, thirty-seven per cent of Saskatchewan residents 18+ and thirty per cent of Saskatchewan’s total population have received their first dose:

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found on the dashboard 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 44+ 

Eligibility in the provincial age-based immunization program is currently age 44 and older, except for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it remains age 40 and older.  This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in and mobile.  

Please remember that demand for appointments outweighs current available supply.  Additional clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

Appointments can be made 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.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 286 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on April 24, bringing the provincial total to 39,683 cases.  Five (5) cases tested out of province have been added to the Regina (2) and Saskatoon (3) zone totals.

There are two (2) new deaths reported in the 70 to 79 age group from the Regina zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (15), North West (28), North Central (25), North East (4), Saskatoon (55), Central West (1), Central East (16), Regina (90), South West (18), South Central (10) and South East (15) zones.  Nine (9) new cases have pending residence information.  Eleven (11) cases with pending residence information have been assigned to the North Central (2), North West (1), Saskatoon (1) and Regina (7) zones.

There are a total of 36,652 recoveries and 2,558 cases are considered active.

There are 186 people in hospital.  One hundred and thirty-five (135) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North East (1), North West (11), North Central (7), Saskatoon (46), Central East (5), Regina (52), South West (3), South Central (3) and South East (7).  Fifty-one (51) people are in intensive care: North Central (3), Saskatoon (11), Central East (2), Regina (34) and South West (1).

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number was 257 (21.0 new cases per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past several months is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 4,321 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on April 23, 2021.

To date, 749,756 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.   As of April 22, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 628,277 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 804,081 tests performed per million population.

As of April 23, 5,880 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the Far North West (69), Far North East (2), North West (140), North Central (85), North East (10), Saskatoon (600), Central West (77), Central East (248), Regina (3,382), South West (151), South Central (444) and South East (607) zones.  There are 65 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are zero (0) new lineage results reported today. Of the 2,060 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,046 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), nine (9) are B.1.351 (SA) and five (5) are P.1. (Brazilian).  The Regina zone accounts for 1,475 (72 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Please note that these VOCs may have been initially identified via means other than screening (i.e. selection for whole genome sequencing without screening) and that 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.

All Public Health Measures Extended to May 10

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/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

Enforcing Public Health Measures 
Enforcement of public health orders is permitted under The Public Health Act, 1994.  Public health inspectors will be supported in their efforts to ticket violators to ensure that businesses and events are brought into compliance as quickly as possible, in addition to the enforcement efforts that have been undertaken by police agencies throughout the province.

For more information on the current public health measures or to see the Public Health Order, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.

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.