Vaccines Reported

An additional 2,692 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 98,571.

The 2,692 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered in the following regions: Far North Central (7), North West (365), North Central (815), Saskatoon (490), Central East (237), Regina (461) and South East (317).

As of March 12, 56 per cent of long-term care homes across Saskatchewan have now received their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.   Forty-five per cent of personal care homes have received both their first and second doses. 

For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-update.

COVID-19 Vaccine Bookings for 80+ today and 76+ Saturday

Starting at 8 a.m. this morning, the Saskatchewan Health Authority Patient Booking System expanded COVID-19 vaccine appointment options to include individuals 80 years of age and older.  Vaccine eligibility options will be expanded again tomorrow, March 13 at 8 a.m., to include individuals 76 years of age and older.  People meeting this criteria can book their appointments online 24/7 using their health card at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine; or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5289) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

Additional information on eligibility and how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/vaccine-booking.

AstraZeneca vaccine clinic opens for 64 year olds Monday in Regina

Beginning on Monday March 15, 2021, Regina will open a pilot Drive-Thru immunization clinic on the grounds of the Regina Exhibition Association Ltd (REAL) for residents who are age 64 only and all Phase 1 health care workers.  Appointments cannot be pre-booked for the Drive-Thru clinics.

The Drive-Thru site will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those who are 64 years of age as of Monday, March 15, 2021 will be eligible that day (with a birthdate between March 16, 1956 and March 15, 1957).  To allow convenient access for health care workers and to test the new process for the public, a clinic will be operated on Sunday, March 14.  Sunday’s drive thru immunization clinic is not open to the public.

The site will begin to open up other ages in reverse order from oldest to youngest, in the days afterwards. Please do not attend this clinic unless you have been advised your age is eligible.  The Saskatchewan Health Authority will issue a Public Service Announcement as each subsequent age groups become eligible.  Those announcements will also appear in the daily case news release.  At this time, the AstraZeneca vaccine is approved for use in Canada in those aged 18-64 only.

When you are eligible to receive a vaccine at the REAL location, please enter the grounds through the Lewvan and 11th Avenue entrance and follow the GREEN signs for the immunization Drive-Thru clinic.  If you are going to the appointment-only Immunization Clinic follow the BLUE signs.  For the COVID-19 drive-thru testing, follow the YELLOW signs.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 176 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on March 12, bringing the provincial total to 30,369 cases.

Three Saskatchewan residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.  Two deaths were reported in the 70-79 age group in the Regina and South Central zones. One death was reported in the 50-59 age group in the Saskatoon zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (1), Far North Central (1), Far North East (10), North West (16), North Central (11), North East (8), Saskatoon (31), Central East (18), Regina (67), South West (3), South Central (2) and South East (2) zones.  Six (cases) are pending location information. Two (2) cases with pending residence information were assigned to the Regina zone.

There are a total of 28,528 recoveries and 1,437 cases are considered active.

One hundred twenty-nine (129) people are in hospital.  One hundred and two (102) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West (2), Far North East (1), North West (10), North Central (6), Saskatoon (43), Central East (5), Regina (32), South Central (1) and South East (2).  Twenty-seven (27) people are in intensive care: North West (1), North Central (1), Saskatoon (13), Central East (2) and Regina (10).

There were 2,990 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on March 11, 2021.

To date, 605,982 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of March 10, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 508,388 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 672,080 tests performed per million population.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is 134 (11.0 new cases per 100,000), the lowest seven-day average since November 13.  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past several months is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among healthcare workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, the per capita testing rate and current numbers of variants of concern can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan.

Interrupt COVID-19 Transmission in Regina

With an increase of community transmission of variants of concern in Regina, public health officials are asking all those who live and work in Regina to re-commit to best prevention practices to protect against COVID-19.

• Wear your mask in all public places
• Maintain physical distancing
• If you are able to work from home, work from home at this time
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid all unnecessary travel

Many of Regina’s outbreaks are a result of people of going to work and public places while symptomatic.  If you have any symptoms, stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test at https://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.

Weekly Reporting of Testing Numbers and Cases for Youth

The trends of COVID-19 cases in school-aged children are being monitored.  The weekly report of cases and testing numbers for children aged 0-19, including data by age and positivity rates, has been posted at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-Safe-Schools-Plan.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Vaccines Reported

An additional 1,493 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 95,879.

The 1,493 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered in the following regions: North West (6), North Central (347), Saskatoon (432), Central East (33), Regina (665) and South East (10).

As of March 11, fifty-six (56) per cent of long-term care homes across Saskatchewan have now received their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.   Forty-five (45) per cent of personal care homes (PCHs) have now received both their first and second doses.

For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-update.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 165 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on March 11, bringing the provincial total to 30,193 cases.

No additional Saskatchewan residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (3), Far North Central (1), Far North East (24), North West (19), North Central (12), North East (7), Saskatoon (24), Central West (1), Central East (9), Regina (51), South West (4), South Central (4) and South East (6) zones.  Eleven cases have been reassigned to the Far North East (3), North West (1), North Central (6) and Regina (1) zones.  One (1) case was found to be an out-of-province resident and removed from the counts.

There are a total of 28,397 recoveries and 1,395 cases are considered active.

One hundred and thirty-seven (137) people are in hospital.  One hundred and ten (110) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West (2), Far North East (1), North West (12), North Central (9), Saskatoon (43), Central East (5), Regina (36) and South East (2).  Twenty-seven (27) people are in intensive care: North West (1), North Central (1), Saskatoon (11), Central East (2) and Regina (12).

There were 2,850 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on March 10, 2021.

To date, 602,992 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of March 9, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 506,352 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 669,084 tests performed per million population.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is 139 (11.3 new cases per 100,000), the lowest seven-day average since November 13.  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past several months is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among healthcare workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, the per capita testing rate and current numbers of variants of concern can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan.

Interrupt COVID-19 Transmission in Regina

With an increase of community transmission of variants of concern in Regina, public health officials are asking all those who live and work in Regina to re-commit to best prevention practices to protect against COVID-19.

• Wear your mask in all public places
• Maintain physical distancing
• If you are able to work from home, work from home at this time
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid all unnecessary travel

Many of Regina’s outbreaks are a result of people of going to work and public places while symptomatic.  If you have any symptoms, stay home and arrange for a COVID-19 test at https://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.

Weekly Reporting of Testing Numbers and Cases for Youth

The trends of COVID-19 cases in school-aged children are being monitored.  The weekly report of cases and testing numbers for children aged 0-19, including data by age and positivity rates, has been posted at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-Safe-Schools-Plan.

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 874 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 94,386.

The 874 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered in the following regions: North West (228), North Central (456), Saskatoon (141) and Regina (49).

As of March 10, 53 per cent of Phase 1 health care workers including long-term care and personal care home staff have received their first dose of vaccine. 

For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-update.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 111 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on March 10, bringing the provincial total to 30,029 cases.

One Saskatchewan resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.  This death was reported in the 80+ age group from the Regina zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (3), Far North East (4), North West (11), North East (8), Saskatoon (26), Central East (8) and Regina (41) zones.  Ten (10) cases are pending residence information.  Five cases have been reassigned to the North Central (4) and Regina (1) zones.  

There are a total of 28,244 recoveries and 1,384 cases are considered active.

One hundred and thirty-nine (139) people are in hospital.  One hundred and twelve (112) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West (2), Far North East (1), North West (10), North Central (10), North East (2), Saskatoon (44), Central East (4), Regina (37) and South East (2).  Twenty-seven (27) people are in intensive care: North West (1), Saskatoon (12), Central East (2) and Regina (12).

There were 2,399 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on March 9, 2021.

To date, 600,142 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of March 8, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 504,763 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 667,070 tests performed per million population.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is 139 (11.4 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.  Please visit https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among healthcare workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date and the per capita testing rate can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan.

COVID-19 Variant Cases Update

As of March 10, an additional 26 cases of the B1.1.7 UK variant of concern have been detected in the Regina zone.  These cases include sequencing results received from the National Microbiology Laboratory on samples collected between February 12 and 20, and from the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory on cases confirmed between February 2 and 28.

This brings the provincial total of confirmed variant of concern cases to 70: 64 B1.1.7 UK and six B1.351 SA.  The current number of variants of concern in the province is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan 

The best protection against all COVID-19 variants remains the same as protection against COVID-19: stay home, physically distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and get tested if you are experiencing even mild symptoms.

Find testing options near you at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

Variants of Concern Results Available on Patient Record

As of March 10, 2021 all positive COVID-19 cases will have a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) test performed to screen for a mutation which is common to all three variants of concern (VOC) and all positive SNP results will be reported on the patient record available at MySaskHealthRecord. 

VOCs are confirmed through whole genome sequencing where the genetic code of the virus is analyzed on a confirmed case sample to determine all the different mutations present.  The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory can also screen for VOCs using a SNP analysis which looks for a common mutation associated with all three VOCs. 

SNP tests are faster and will be done on all positive tests with results within 24 hours, once a COVID-19 positive sample is identified or received at the testing laboratory.  A positive result on a SNP test will be considered presumptively positive while whole genome sequencing is completed to determine the VOC type, which takes about a week. 

Once a VOC is confirmed through whole genome sequencing, it will be included in public reporting at Saskatchewan.ca. 

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.

Vaccine Booking System Opening to Seniors 85+ on March 11

Beginning March 11 at 8 a.m., residents ages 85 and overfrom across the province will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment online or over the phone.

“The launch of the new patient booking system is a huge step forward in our efforts to get faster and more efficient at delivering COVID-19 vaccines,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said.  “Booking your appointment online will only take a few minutes, making things simple and fast for those who are scheduling their appointments.”

Users who aren’t comfortable with, or don’t have access to technology can book by phone.  Family and friends who aren’t yet eligible can also book on behalf of someone who is eligible.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) new online booking system can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine, and will also indicate which age category is currently eligible for appointments.  It is also mobile friendly. Alternatively, patients can speak by phone to a booking agent for help with their appointment.  The Vaccine Call Centre operates 8 am to 11 pm, 7 days per week and can be accessed by calling 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829).

To book an appointment using the new online system, you will need:

• a valid health card; and
• a cell phone number or email address where notifications will be sent. 

To ensure a positive experience for everyone and better align demand with vaccine supply, the SHA is opening up online booking initially to only a targeted age group: 85 years of age and older.  In the coming days based on an available supply of vaccine, the SHA will announce further age groups eligible to book their appointments.

It is critical that residents that are currently not eligible do not call the phone line or attempt to book through this process at this time.  Doing so will unnecessarily stress critical infrastructure needed for these services and could result in delays getting eligible recipients immunized.

All appointments available will be shown in the online booking system.  The Vaccine Call Centre will not have access to more appointments than what patients can see online.  Vaccine supply in this initial phase will not allow all clinics planned for Phase Two of the Immunization program to be open, so please be aware that clinic locations/availability in your area may be limited.

Once the online booking system is operational, SHA will be phasing out the existing process of direct phone-calls to eligible individuals.  Eligible patients should go to the new booking system and not wait for a phone call.

The system is designed to verify a person’s eligibility as their appointment is booked. Identification is also required when you arrive for your appointment, to ensure vaccination of the same person who was registered online.  Any instances of providing false information in an attempt to ‘jump the queue’ are taken seriously, and may result in a criminal investigation.

Only those eligible will be able to receive an appointment; if you are not yet eligible to receive a vaccine, you will be asked to visit again once you become eligible.  At this time booking is available for first doses only.  Current COVID vaccination prioritization and sequencing, along with other vaccine-related information, can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine.

The online booking system was designed to be a safe and secure online experience, meeting all Saskatchewan Health Authority security standards, policies and controls.  Data is stored securely in Canadian data centres and is subject to Canadian data security laws.

“Despite being under unprecedented pressures, our health care workers keep finding ways to serve our patients and residents better,” Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone said.  “This is one more tool in our toolbox that will not only help us deliver COVID-19 vaccines quicker and more effectively, it is a system we can build on after the pandemic to create more seamless access for our patients to the services they rely on.”

Public Health Measures Amended for Indoor Gathering Sizes

With Saskatchewan generally experiencing a declining trend in confirmed cases and hospitalizations, the public health order is being amended to ensure that residents who continue to observe all public health measures can extend their household ‘bubbles’.

Effective Tuesday, March 9, individual households may create a ‘bubble’ up to a maximum of ten individuals in a home at any one time.

• The ten individuals should be from two to three consistent households.  The total number in the gathering cannot be more than ten.  
• You must be consistent in your household bubble: the bubble of ten is always the same individuals, from the same households.  You may not join multiple bubbles.  
• Assess the overall risk of COVID-19 before joining households.  Does this household have a senior at elevated risk?  Children attending school?  Adults working outside of the home in essential workplaces?  Can you still count all the potential contacts that household makes, in the event that a contact investigation must be done?  If the risk of potential transmission remains high, consider another household or remaining within your household.
• If you are 50 years old or greater, consider keeping your contacts to your household only until you are able to be vaccinated.

You must still follow all public health guidelines when outside the home – including the limit of ten people at outdoor gatherings – and plan to be vaccinated when you are eligible.  Details on the current public health measures are available at  www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.

Effective March 19, Worship Services to Expand Safely

Starting March 19, Re-Open Saskatchewan guidelines for worship services will be permitted up to 30 per cent of capacity or 150 attendees, whichever is the lesser.  All existing public health guidance remains in effect.

• Attendees must maintain two metres of physical distancing unless they are part of the same household group.
• All masking protocols remain in place.  All attendees and choirs/performers must be masked throughout the service.  Only clergy may remove their mask while officiating but must maintain three metres physical distance from all other attendees while mask is removed.
• No food or drink may be served.
• These guidelines do not apply to receptions or non-ceremonial gatherings.

Worship service guidelines are available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/places-of-worship-guidelines.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 736 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 93,512.

The 736 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered in the following regions: North West (479), North Central (165) and Saskatoon (92).

For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-update.

Saskatchewan’s first shipment of the AstraZeneca vaccine (15,500 doses) arrived earlier today.  Administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to commence in the coming days at a drive-thru location in Regina for eligible groups including individuals between the ages of 60-64 and priority health care workers.

The Pfizer vaccine shipment for the week of March 8 is now arriving in Saskatchewan.  Shipments for the Saskatoon (3,510 doses) and Regina (3,510 doses) areas are expected to be delivered today (March 9).  Shipments for the North Battleford (4,680 doses), Yorkton (1,170 doses) and Prince Albert (1,170 doses) areas are expected tomorrow (March 10).

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 113 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on March 9, bringing the provincial total to 29,918 cases.

One Saskatchewan resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.  This death was reported in the 50-59 age group from the North West zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (4), Far North East (9), North West (9), North Central (4), North East (1), Saskatoon (37), Central East (4), Regina (30), South West (3), South Central (1) and South East (3) zones.  Eight (8) cases are pending residence information.  Three cases with pending residence information were assigned to the Far North West (1), North Central (1) and Regina (1) zones.  One (1) case was found to be an out-of-province resident and removed from the counts.

There are a total of 28,104 recoveries and 1,414 cases are considered active. This is the lowest number of active cases since November 11.

One hundred and thirty-nine (139) people are in hospital.  One hundred and fourteen (114) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West (2), Far North East (1), North West (12), North Central (8), North East (2), Saskatoon (44), Central East (3), Regina (39) and South East (3).  Twenty-five people are in intensive care: North Central (2), Saskatoon (11), Central East (2) and Regina (10).

There were 1,874 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on March 8, 2021.

To date, 597,743 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of March 7, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 503,275 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 665,069 tests performed per million population.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is 141 (11.5 new cases per 100,000), the lowest seven-day average since November 13.  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past several months is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among healthcare workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date and the per capita testing rate can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan.

RRPL Completes Initial Variant Survey

The Roy Romanow Provincial Lab (RRPL) has completed an initial survey of positive COVID-19 cases of individuals that initially tested positive during the period of January 26 to February 27.  Of 190 cases sequenced for the variants, 35 were confirmed to be variants, including 28 in the Regina zone.  Sequencing of positive cases for the initial survey began on March 1 when RRPL began in-province whole genome sequencing and were reported to the Ministry of Health on March 8.

The confirmation of 44 variant of concern cases present over the span of two months is an indication that variants of concern, particularly B.1.1.7 initially detected in the UK, are present in Saskatchewan and community transmission has been occurring over the last two months.  This also indicates that while variant transmission has been occurring over the last two months, Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 data, including active cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths, have continued to decline.  Saskatchewan will continue to monitor for variants through targeted and randomized surveys of positive COVID-19 cases.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the variants confirmed during the RRPL’s initial two-month variant survey of positive COVID-19 cases:

Note that, as public health investigations proceed, variant of concern case locations may change due as residence locations are confirmed.

The best protection against all COVID-19 variants remains the same as protection against COVID-19: stay home, physically distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and get tested if you are experiencing even mild symptoms.

Find testing options near you at https://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.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 892 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 92,776.

The 892 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered in the following regions: Far North Central (17), North Central (528) and Saskatoon (347).

For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-update.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 97 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on March 8, bringing the provincial total to 29,806 cases.

One Saskatchewan resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.  This death was reported in the 60-69 age group from the Saskatoon zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (1), Far North East (5), North West (4), North Central (10), North East (3), Saskatoon (6), Central East (12), Regina (50), South Central (2) and South East (2) zones.  Two (2) cases are pending residence information.

There are a total of 27,944 recoveries and 1,463 cases are considered active.

One hundred and forty (140) people are in hospital.  One hundred and seventeen (117) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West (3), Far North East (1), North West (11), North Central (8), North East (1), Saskatoon (47), Central East (3), Regina (40) and South East (3).  Twenty-three people are in intensive care: North Central (1), Saskatoon (12), Central East (2) and Regina (8).

There were 1,753 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on March 7, 2021.

To date, 595,869 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of March 6, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 501,355 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 662,012 tests performed per million population.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is 144 (11.7 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.  Please visit https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among healthcare workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date and the per capita testing rate can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan.

COVID-19 Variant Cases Update

As of March 8, 2021, the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory (RRPL) is reporting an additional three (3) confirmed cases of the B1.1.7 UK variant — two in the Regina zone and one in the North West zone, including the confirmation of the presumptive positive case reported February 23.  This brings the provincial total of confirmed variant of concern cases to nine: eight (8) B1.1.7 UK and one (1) B1.351 SA.  

In order to monitor for variants of concern, the RRPL will continue to focus whole genome sequencing testing on COVID positive results linked to international travel, declared outbreaks and cases of unexpected severe illness, as well as a random sampling of confirmed cases.  The province will continue to send up to 120 samples per week to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg to ensure a larger sample size.

All residents with a confirmed COVID-19 test are required to isolate to reduce the risk of transmission.  If required, public health will issue a public service announcement to alert the general public to any risk due to any confirmed case of a variant of concern.  The Government of Saskatchewan continues to plan for the impact of variants on COVID-19 including any required increase to public health measures and surge capacity planning.

The best protection against all COVID-19 variants remains the same as protection against COVID-19: stay home, physically distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and get tested if you are experiencing even mild symptoms.

Find testing options near you at https://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.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 1,428 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 91,884.

The 1,428 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered in the following regions: North West (388), North Central (226), Saskatoon (522), and Regina (292).

A Pfizer vaccine shipment is expected March 9 in Saskatoon (3,510 doses) and Regina (3,510 doses) and on March 10 in North Battleford (4,680 doses), Yorkton (1,170 doses), and Prince Albert (1,170 doses). 

For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-update.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 116 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on March 7, bringing the provincial total to 29,709 cases.

Two Saskatchewan residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.  One death was reported in the 40-49 age group from the Far North West zone and one death was reported in the 19 and under age group from the North West zone.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (6), Far North Central (1), Far North East (3), North West (6), North Central (8), Saskatoon (19), Central West (2), Central East (8), Regina (50), South West (2), South Central (5) and South East (6) zones.  One case with pending residence information was assigned to the Regina (1) zone. 

There are a total of 27,793 recoveries and 1,518 cases are considered active.

One hundred and thirty-six (136) people are in hospital.  One hundred and fourteen (114)) people are receiving inpatient care: Far North West (3), Far North East (1), North West (11), North Central (10), North East (1), Saskatoon (50), Central East (3), Regina (33) and South East (2).  Twenty-two people are in intensive care: North Central (1), Saskatoon (11), Central East (1) and Regina (9).

There were 2,263 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on March 6, 2021.

To date, 594,116 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of March 6, 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 499,027 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 659,550 tests performed per million population.

The seven-day average of daily new cases is 152 (12.4 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.  Please visit https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among healthcare workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date and the per capita testing rate can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website.  Please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/cases-and-risk-of-covid-19-in-saskatchewan.

Assess Your Risk and Get Tested

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to recommend against all non-essential travel.  International travellers must abide by federal testing and quarantine measures.  If you choose to travel inter-provincially, get tested as soon as you return to Saskatchewan and plan for a follow up test seven days later.

The presence of new variants across Canada means an elevated risk of bringing more transmissible strains of COVID-19 home with you.  While you cannot test your way out of travel risks, testing is the best tool available to protect your family, friends and all residents of Saskatchewan against COVID-19 if you have travelled.

You do not need to be experiencing symptoms in order to have COVID-19.  Find testing options near you at https://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.