All posts by Dan Senick

COVID-19 Update: One Additional Death, 190 New Cases, 37 in Hospital, 22 Recoveries

There are 190 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on November 9, 2020, bringing the provincial total to date to 4,087 cases.  The new cases are located in the Far North West (15), Far North Central (1), Far North East (4), North West (19), North Central (15), North East (6), Saskatoon (76), Central West (2), Central East (8), Regina (25), South West (5), South Central (1) and South East (7) zones.

Six (6) new cases have pending residence information.  One case reported November 7 with pending residence information has been assigned to the North West zone.

One resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died: the individual was in their 80s and was from the North Central zone.  This brings the total number of deaths in the province to 29.

Of the 4,087 reported cases, 1,289 are considered active. A total of 2,769 people have recovered.

Thirty-seven people are in hospital.  Twenty-nine people are receiving inpatient care; one in the Far North West, one in the Far North East, two in North West, six in North Central, 14 in Saskatoon, four in Regina and one in the South East zones.  Eight people are in intensive care; two in North Central, four in Saskatoon and two in Regina.

Of the 4,087 cases in the province:

  • 388 cases are travelers;
  • 1,871 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 887 have no known exposures; and
  • 941 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

  • 120 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 832 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
  • 1,488 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 1,157are in the 40-59 age range; 507 are in the 60-79 age range; and 103 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 29 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

Of 4,087 confirmed cases:

  • 1,129 cases are from the Saskatoon area
  • 884 cases are from the north area (283 north west, 431 north central, 170 north east)
  • 573 cases are from the Regina area
  • 547 cases are from the south area (243 south west, 226 south central, 78 south east)
  • 504 cases are from the far north area (434 far north west, 5 far north central, 65 far north east)
  • 437 cases are from the central area (201 central west, 236 central east)
  • 13 cases have pending residence information

To date, 284,021  COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of November 7, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 188,720 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 264,310 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 2,505 COVID-19 tests were processed in Saskatchewan.

Tracking COVID Risk in School Settings

A list of all schools with any COVID-19 positive staff or students is now available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-schools.  Please note that public health will continue to contact families directly if a student or family member is considered a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Schools will be removed from this list after 14 days, which is a standard period of self-isolation for close contacts.  Declarations by a medical health officer of an outbreak in a school will continue to be posted at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-outbreaks.  Outbreaks are generally declared when there are two or more individuals with COVID-19 and the transmission likely occurred within the school setting.

Download COVID Alert App

Health Canada’s COVID Alert application is available to Saskatchewan residents.  This free, voluntary app provides digital alerts to let people know if they may have been exposed to COVID-19.  It does not collect personal health information or track the location of users.

COVID Alert is available for Canadians as a free download from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

More information on using the app and how your privacy is protected at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-apps.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Yohnke, Mervin Wayne

1949 – 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mervin Wayne Yohnke on October 23, He passed away peacefully at the Regina General Hospital at the age of 71.

He will be fondly remembered, and never forgotten, by his Mother – Ilene Yohnke, Brother – Irvin Yohnke (Judi), Sisters – Darlene Palmer and Margo (Shawn) Shaw. Mervin is also survived by his sister-in-law Alison Jensen, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his Father – William (Bill) Yohnke, step Father Dale Jensen, Brother Montey Jensen, Brother-in-law John (Jack) Palmer, Grandmother and Grandfather Roy and Linda Arnold, Emel and Ida Yohnke.

Mervin was born in Edson Alberta on October 14, 1949. He was raised and grew up in several towns in Alberta and Saskatchewan during his childhood due to his parent’s work. He then, as an adult, moved and set up roots in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, where he resided until his passing.

Mervin loved dogs (of all sizes and kinds). He classed his last two boys as his children “Casper” and “Hobo.” Mervin was also a hands-on kind of man. His passion was “The Yohnke Woodshop” which he created into a small business in a couple of shops in Tuxford Sask. He would take the drive to this little town just outside of Moose Jaw to so some woodworking, reclaiming old antique furniture or some computer graphics in his shop.

He loved the serenity of this small town and was hoping that one day he could retire and live the rest of his life in this peaceful place.

Mervin was such a kind-hearted soul. He had some very close dear friends, which he spoke of often. He loved social gatherings and his sister’s farm. He would make a day or a weekend outing, driving west of Bladworth just to spend some time on the farm. Mervin will be sadly missed forever and loved by family and friends.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, Live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

COVID-19 Update: One Additional Death, 159 New Cases, 32 in Hospital, 21 Recoveries

There are 159 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on November 8, 2020, bringing the provincial total to date to 3,897 cases.  The new cases are located in the Far North West (7), Far North Central (3), Far North East (2), North West (14), North Central (18), North East (16), Saskatoon (48), Central West (1), Central East (11), Regina (23), South West (5), South Central (3) and South East (5) zones. Three (3) new cases have pending residence information.

One resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died: the individual was in their 80s and was from the Saskatoon zone.  This brings the total number of deaths in the province to 28.

Of the 3,897 reported cases, 1,122 are considered active.  A total of 2,747 people have recovered.

Thirty-two people are in hospital.  Twenty-five people are receiving inpatient care; one in the Far North West, two in North West, seven in North Central, nine in Saskatoon, five in the Regina and one in the South West.  Seven people are in intensive care; one in North Central, four in Saskatoon and two in Regina.

Of the 3,897 cases in the province:

  • 387 cases are travelers;
  • 1,834 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 883 have no known exposures; and
  • 793 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

  • 119 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 789 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
  • 1,426 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 1,107 are in the 40-59 age range; 478 are in the 60-79 age range; and 97 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 28 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are:
    • 1,053 cases are from the Saskatoon area
    • 843 cases are from the north area (263 north west, 416 north central, 164 north east)
    • 548 cases are from the Regina area
    • 534 cases are from the south area (238 south west, 225 south central, 71 south east)
    • 484 cases are from the far north area (419 far north west, 4 far north central, 61 far north east)
    • 427 cases are from the central area (199 central west, 228 central east)
    • Eight (8) cases have pending residence information

To date, 281,516  COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of November 6, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 187,144 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 262,963  people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 2,871 COVID-19 tests were processed in Saskatchewan. 

Potential COVID-19 Superspreader Exposure at Saskatoon Business on October 24

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has alerted the public of a potential COVID-19 superspreader event in Saskatoon on Saturday, October 24.

Public Health officials are recommending that anyone who attended City Centre Bingo (310 22nd Street West) at any time on this date to call HealthLine 811 as soon as possible to arrange for COVID-19 testing.  Those in attendance who since the date currently have symptoms of COVID-19 are advised to immediately self-isolate and seek testing.

It is important to note that individuals may develop symptoms from two to 14 days following exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Public Health Orders Now in Effect 

The public health order has now been amended to include the limiting of indoor private gatherings to no more than 10 people.  Any event that occurs in a private dwelling and any outbuildings (garages, etc.) including weddings, religious gathering and funerals must abide by the 10 person gathering limit.

The public health order requires all people in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert to wear non-medical masks when in indoor public spaces, as listed at www.saskatchewan.ca/masks.

Mandatory masking posters to assist businesses and organizations inform their customers are available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-posters.

  • Businesses and organizations are asked to regularly review the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan for updated guidelines.  In the event that the public health order applies a more stringent standard (ie. masking), the public health order supersedes the guidance document.

Public health orders are posted at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures/public-health-orders.

For all communities, health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home as an additional measure to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Download COVID Alert App 

Health Canada’s COVID Alert application is available to Saskatchewan residents.  This free, voluntary app provides digital alerts to let people know if they may have been exposed to COVID-19.  It does not collect personal health information or track the location of users.

COVID Alert is available for Canadians as a free download from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

More information on using the app and how your privacy is protected at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid19-apps.

General COVID-19 Information

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

COVID-19 Update: 87 New Cases, 33 in Hospital, 53 Recoveries

There are 87 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on November 6, 2020, bringing the provincial total to date to 3,623 cases.  The new cases are located in the Far North West (8), Far North East (1), North West (8), North Central (3), Saskatoon (25), Central East (11), Regina (20), South West (1), South Central (2) and South East (5) zones. Location information is pending for three new cases.

Five cases with pending residence location from November 4 were assigned to the North Central zone.

The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory experienced technical difficulties Tuesday with the validation of COVID-19 tests, resulting in nine confirmed cases included in today’s case total.

Of the 3,623 reported cases, 911 are considered active.  A total of 2,687 people have recovered.

Thirty-three people are in hospital.  Twenty-nine people are receiving inpatient care; one in the Far North West, three in North West, eight in North Central, 10 in Saskatoon and seven in the Regina zones.  Four people are in intensive care; one in North Central, two in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

Of the 3,623 cases in the province:

  • 381 cases are travelers;
  • 1,734 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 865 have no known exposures; and
  • 643 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

  • 111 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 739 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
  • 1,317 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 1,026 are in the 40-59 age range; 449 are in the 60-79 age range; and 92 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 25 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are:
    • 967 cases from the Saskatoon area
    • 771 cases from the north area (240 north west, 388 north central, 143 north east)
    • 516 cases from the south area (232 south west, 219 south central, 65 south east)
    • 486 cases from the Regina area
    • 465 cases from the far north area (408 far north west, 0 far north central, 57 far north east)
    • 413 cases from the central area (198 central west, 215 central east)
    • Five (5) cases currently have pending residence location

To date, 275,737 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of November 4, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 184,333 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 259,744 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 2,217 COVID-19 tests were processed in Saskatchewan.

Public Health Orders in Effect Today

The public health order has been amended to include the limiting of indoor private gatherings to no more than 10 people.  Any event that occurs in a private dwelling (such as a home) and any outbuildings (garages, etc.) including weddings, religious gathering and funerals must abide by the 10 person gathering limit.

A new public health order requires all people in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert to wear non-medical masks when in indoor public spaces, as listed at www.saskatchewan.ca/masks.

  • Mandatory masking posters to assist businesses and organizations inform their customers are available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-posters.
  • Businesses and organizations are asked to regularly review the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan for updated guidelines.  In the event that the public health order applies a more stringent standard (ie. masking), the public health order supersedes the guidance document.

Public health orders are posted at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures/public-health-orders.

For all communities, health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home as an additional measure to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Download COVID Alert App

Health Canada’s COVID Alert application is available to Saskatchewan residents.  This free, voluntary app provides digital alerts to let people know if they may have been exposed to COVID-19.  It does not collect personal health information or track the location of users.

COVID Alert is available for Canadians as a free download from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

For more information on using the app and how your privacy is protected visit www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid19-apps.

General COVID-19 Information

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

COVID-19 Update: 129 New Cases, 32 in Hospital, 50 Recoveries

There are 129 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on November 5, 2020, bringing the provincial total to date to 3,536 cases. The new cases are located in the Far North West (6), Far North East (1), North West (10), North Central (30), Saskatoon (55), Central West (1), Central East (4), Regina (13), South West (1), South Central (2) and South East (1) zones. Location information is pending for five (5) new cases.

One case with pending residence location from November 3 was determined to be an out-of-province resident and has been removed from the Saskatchewan count.

The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory experienced technical difficulties Tuesday with the validation of COVID-19 tests, resulting in lower than expected case numbers reported yesterday (November 4).  Following the validation of these samples, nine positive results were identified.  Due to the timing of the reporting of laboratory results, these nine cases will be counted in November 6 case numbers.

Of the 3,536 reported cases, 877 are considered active.  A total of 2,634 people have recovered.

Thirty-two people are in hospital.  Twenty-seven people are receiving inpatient care; one in the Far North West zone, three in North West, eight in North Central, 10 in Saskatoon and five in Regina.  Five people are in intensive care; one in North Central, three in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

Of the 3,536 cases in the province:

  • 380 cases are travelers;
  • 1,690 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 847 have no known exposures; and
  • 619 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

  • 108 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 720 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
  • 1,282 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 1,003 are in the 40-59 age range; 442 are in the 60-79 age range; and 89 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 25 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are:
    • 942 cases from the Saskatoon area
    • 755 cases from the north area (232 north west, 380 north central, 143 north east)
    • 508 cases from the south area (231 south west, 217 south central, 60 south east)
    • 466 cases from the Regina area
    • 456 cases from the far north area (400 far north west, 0 far north central, 56 far north east)
    • 402 cases from the central area (198 central west, 204 central east)
    • Seven (7) cases currently have pending residence location

To date, 273,520 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of November 3, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 183,005 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 258,060 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 2,322 COVID-19 tests were processed in Saskatchewan.

Weekly Reporting of Testing Numbers and Cases for Youth

Monitoring the trends of COVID-19 cases in school-aged children, the weekly report of cases and testing numbers for children aged 0-19 with data by age categories and testing positivity rates has been posted for the week of October 26 to November 1 at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-Safe-Schools-Plan.  Reports will be published Thursdays.

General COVID-19 Information

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

COVID-19 Update: 81 New Cases, 28 in Hospital, 97 Recoveries

There are 81 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on November 3, 2020, bringing the provincial total to date to 3,373 cases.  The new cases are located in the Far North West (1), Far North East (1), North West (14), North Central (16), North East (3), Saskatoon (29), Central East (6) and Regina (10) zones.

One case reported today has pending residence locations.  Nine cases with pending residence locations on November 2 have been assigned to the North West (3), North Central (4), North East (1) and Regina (1) zones.

Of the 3,373 reported cases, 842 are considered active.  A total of 2,506 people have recovered.

Twenty-eight people are in hospital.  Twenty-one people are receiving inpatient care; two in the North West, five in the North Central, eight in the Saskatoon and six in the Regina zone.  Seven people are in intensive care; two in North Central, four in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

Of the 3,373 cases in the province:

  • 373 cases are travelers;
  • 1,627 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 816 have no known exposures; and
  • 557 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

  • 105 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 686 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
  • 1,227 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 954 are in the 40-59 age range; 422 are in the 60-79 age range; and 84 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 50 per cent of the cases are females and 50 per cent are males.
  • 25 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are:
    • 874 cases from the Saskatoon area
    • 712 cases from the north area (221 north west, 348 north central, 143 north east)
    • 504 cases from the south area (230 south west, 215 south central, 59 south east)
    • 448 cases from the far north area (393 far north west, 0 far north central, 55 far north east)
    • 439 cases from the Regina area
    • 391 cases from the central area (197 central west, 194 central east)
    • Five cases currently have pending residence location

To date, 270,097 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of November 1, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 181,302 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 255,327 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 1,931 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.

Public Health Orders to Reduce Gathering Sizes, Mandatory Masking in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert

As of 12:01 am Friday, November 6, the public health orders will be amended, enhancing measures to address increasing COVID-19 case rates in the province of Saskatchewan.  Transmission trends in rural and smaller centres has been linked primarily to private gatherings while transmission in the urban areas includes both private gatherings and exposures in public spaces.

  • Indoor Gathering Sizes Reduced

The maximum allowable gathering size for private gatherings in the home setting will decrease to 10, down from 15.  This maximum allowable size includes those household members who ordinarily reside in the dwelling.  Any event that occurs in a private dwelling and any outbuildings (garages, etc.) including weddings, religious gathering and funerals must abide by the 10 person gathering limit.

The 10 person limit does not apply to households with more than 10 family members living in the same residence.

If you are planning any gathering larger than 10, you must host the gathering in a public venue (restaurant, banquet hall, etc.) and abide by the guidelines that apply to that location.  Restaurants, licensed establishments, banquet halls as well as weddings, funerals and religious gatherings which are all required to follow seating and physical distancing guidelines as described in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

  • Mandatory Masking Required in Indoor Public Places in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert

All residents are required to wear non-medical masks when in indoor public spaces (https://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-on-homemade-masks), as listed at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.  This public health order will be in place for 28 days, then subject to review by the chief medical health officer.

Enforcement is permitted under the Public Health Act; however, compliance through education is the primary preference of public health.  Public health will closely monitor compliance and encourage all individuals, businesses and organizations to abide by the masking order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.  Enforcement options will be considered based on observed compliance with the order.

For all communities, health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home as an additional measure to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.  Non-medical or cloth masks can play an important role in settings where physical distancing is not possible or is unpredictable.

All residents are continue to reduce their close contacts and return to safe outings:

  • Identify a single member of the household to do grocery shopping, run errands.
  • Limits those errands to once per week.
  • If you are working from home, ensure that your workplace will continue to support you to do so.

Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Available in Yorkton, Regina and Saskatoon

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has established a drive-thru COVID testing site for Yorkton, in addition to the drive-thru options in Regina and Saskatoon:

Yorkton – 276 Myrtle Avenue
Monday to Friday 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Regina – International Trade Centre at Evraz Place – Hall C, 1700 Elphinstone Street
Sunday to Saturday – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saskatoon – 3630 Thatcher Avenue
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – 12 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays – 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A valid Saskatchewan Health Card will be required for each person getting tested.  A Canadian Armed Forces number or Interim Federal Health identification will also be accepted.  Individuals from out of province will require a valid provincial health card from their province of residence.

You will be required to wear a mask during the registration process.

The drive-thru sites will be first come, first served so there may be some wait times.  You must wait in your vehicle.  There are no public washrooms available at these sites.

A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811, your physician or nurse practitioner. If you require urgent care, call 911.

Further information on testing, including drive-thru testing locations, is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-testing.

General COVID-19 Information

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

Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.