All posts by Dan Senick

COVID-19 UPDATE: ONE NEW CASE, TWO MORE RECOVERIES, FOUR IN HOSPITAL, ONE ADDITIONAL DEATH

As of May 31, 2020, there is one new case of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 646. The new case is in Regina.

A resident in the North region who tested positive for COVID-19 has died. The individual was in their 70s. This brings the total number of deaths in the province to 11.

Of the 646 reported cases, 53 are considered active. Two more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 582.

There are currently four people in hospital – three are receiving inpatient care (one in Regina and two in Saskatoon) and one is in intensive care (in Saskatoon).

Of the 646 cases in the province:
• 142 cases are travellers;
• 381 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
• 76 have no known exposures; and
• 47 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 50 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 256 of the cases are from the Far North, 169 are from the Saskatoon area, 112 from the North, 80 from the Regina area, 17 from the South and 12 from the Central region.
• 95 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 230 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 197 are in the 40-59 age range; 106 are in the 60-79 age range; and 18 are in the 80-plus range.
• 52 per cent of the cases are females and 48 per cent are males.
• 11 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 47,824 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 29, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 36,335 people tested per million population. The national rate was 43,397 people tested per million population.

Possible COVID-19 Transmission in North Battleford

Indigenous Services Canada (First Nations Inuit Health Branch), in partnership with Saskatchewan Health Authority, advise that an individual who tested COVID-19 positive visited the North Battleford Walmart on May 21, 2020, when the individual was likely infectious. For more information, visit https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/releases/Pages/2020/May/Possible-COVID-19-Transmission-in-North-Battleford.aspx.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

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.

COVID-19 Update: Active Cases Drop To Lowest Level Since April

Today there are four new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 645. Three cases are in the Far North region and one is in Regina.

Since yesterday ten more people have recovered, bringing the total to 580.

There are currently three people in hospital – two are receiving inpatient care (one in Regina and one in Saskatoon) and one is in intensive care (in Saskatoon).

Of the 645 cases in the province:

142 cases are travellers;
379 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
76 have no known exposures; and
48 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

50 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
256 of the cases are from the Far North, 169 are from the Saskatoon area, 112 from the North, 79 from the Regina area, 17 from the South and 12 from the Central region.

95 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 230 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 196 are in the 40-59 age range; 106 are in the 60-79 age range; and 18 are in the 80-plus range.

52 per cent of the cases are females and 48 per cent are males.

10 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 47,114 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 28, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 35,858 people tested per million population. The national rate was 42,391 people tested per million population.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

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.

COVID-19 UPDATE: TWO NEW CASES, TWO MORE RECOVERIES, FOUR IN HOSPITAL

As of May 29, 2020, there are two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 641. One new case is in the South region and one is in the Saskatoon region.

Of the 641 reported cases, 61 are considered active. Two more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 570.

There are currently four people in hospital – two are receiving inpatient care (one in Regina and one in Saskatoon) and two are in intensive care (both in Saskatoon).

Of the 641 cases in the province:
• 142 cases are travellers;
• 374 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
• 77 have no known exposures; and
• 48 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

• 50 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 253 of the cases are from the Far North, 169 are from the Saskatoon area, 112 from the North, 78 from the Regina area, 17 from the South and 12 from the Central region.
• 94 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 229 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 195 are in the 40-59 age range; 105 are in the 60-79 age range; and 18 are in the 80-plus range.
• 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
• 10 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 46,454 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 27, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 35,425 people tested per million population. The national rate was 41,482 people tested per million population.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

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.

COVID-19 Update: Two New Cases, Nine More Recoveries, Four In Hospital

As of May 28, 2020, there are two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 639. One new case is in the North region and one is in the Saskatoon region.

Of the 639 reported cases, 61 are considered active. Nine more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 568.

There are currently four people in hospital – one is receiving inpatient care (in Regina) and three are in intensive care (all in Saskatoon).

Of the 639 cases in the province:

141 cases are travellers;
369 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
76 have no known exposures; and
53 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

50 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.

253 of the cases are from the Far North, 168 are from the Saskatoon area, 112 from the North, 78 from the Regina area, 16 from the South and 12 from the Central region.

94 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 228 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 195 are in the 40-59 age range; 104 are in the 60-79 age range; and 18 are in the 80-plus range.

52 per cent of the cases are females and 48 per cent are males.

10 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 45,869 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 26, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 34,883 people tested per million population. The national rate was 40,658 people tested per million population.

Provincial State of Emergency Extended and Measures Continue

The Provincial State of Emergency has been extended for two weeks.

While new case numbers remain low, residents are reminded that COVID-19 is still present in Saskatchewan. Public health orders remain in effect, including the order limiting public and private gatherings to no more than 10 people.

The declaration of a community-transmitted outbreak in Saskatoon linked to two large family gatherings, reinforces the importance of following public health orders.

Everyone should continue to take measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including:

Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into a tissue or the bend of your elbow);
Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
Clean and disinfect your home regularly;
Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
Stay home if you are sick; and
Practice physical distancing.

We all have a responsibility to minimize the spread of the disease.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

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.

COVID-19 Update: Saskatchewan Records Two Additional Deaths

Two Saskatchewan residents from the Far North region who tested positive for COVID-19 have died: one is an individual in their 80s and the other is an individual in their 60s. This brings the total number of deaths in the province to 10. The total includes a death that was reported as under investigation on May 26.

As of May 27, 2020, there are three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 637. Two of the new cases are in the Regina region and one is in the Far North. Of the 637 reported cases, 68 are considered active. Ten more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 559.

There are currently four people in hospital – one is receiving inpatient care (in Regina) and three are in intensive care (all in Saskatoon).

Of the 637 cases in the province:

141 cases are travellers;
363 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
77 have no known exposures; and
56 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

50 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
253 of the cases are from the Far North, 167 are from the Saskatoon area, 111 from the North, 78 from the Regina area, 16 from the South and 12 from the Central region.

93 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 227 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 195 are in the 40-59 age range; 104 are in the 60-79 age range; and 18 are in the 80-plus range.

51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.

10 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 45,118 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 25, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 34,492 people tested per million population. The national rate was 39,920 people tested per million population.

Public and Private Gatherings

After weeks of staying home and with the warmer weather upon us, it can be tempting to host a big family gathering. However, Saskatchewan residents should remember that the public health order limiting both public and private gatherings to no more than 10 people remains in force.

Measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 must continue:

Continue physical distancing of two metres.

You can form an extended household group with one or two families or friends. This group must remain consistent. Do not visit different families or friends every day.

People in the same extended household group without high-risk people can be closer than two metres.

The limit on gathering sizes still applies to extended household groups. You should always be aware of who you have been in contact with over the past two weeks. If you test positive for COVID-19, these are the people who will need to be contacted by public health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

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.

COVID-19 Update: Saskatchewan Records Eighth Death

A Saskatchewan resident in their 50s from the Far North region who tested positive for COVID-19 has died, bringing the total number of deaths in the province to eight.  An additional death is currently under investigation.

COVID-19 fatalities must be confirmed by the medical health officer to ensure that the case meets the criteria in order to be documented in the epidemiological reporting tools, before they can be publicly reported by the ministry.

As of May 26, 2020, there are no new cases of COVID-19.  The provincial total remains at 634.

Of the 634 reported cases, 77 are considered active.  Three more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 549.

There are currently five people in hospital – two are receiving inpatient care (one in Regina and one in the North) and three are in intensive care (all in Saskatoon).

Of the 634 cases in the province:

  • 141 cases are travellers;
  • 361 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 77 have no known exposures; and
  • 55 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

  • 50 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
  • 252 of the cases are from the Far North, 167 are from the Saskatoon area, 111 from the North, 76 from the Regina area, 16 from the South and 12 from the Central region.
  • 93 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
  • 226 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 193 are in the 40-59 age range; 104 are in the 60-79 age range; and 18 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • Eight deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 44,580 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province.  As of May 24, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 34,317 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 39,369 people tested per million population.

Principles for Protecting Health and Safety

Protecting the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients, clients and residents is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan and for everyone involved in the Saskatchewan health care system.

On May 20, 2020, the Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, SEIU-West, SGEU, HSAS, SUN and CUPE signed a joint Statement of Principles recognizing the principles for protecting the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients, clients and residents.  The agreement builds on weekly meetings where government, the SHA and union partners worked together to shape shared principles, discuss the current status of personal protective equipment (PPE), supply chain processes and keeping health care workers, patients, residents and clients safe.  The full Statement of Principles can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/information-for-health-care-providers/ppe-infection-prevention-and-control#joint-statement-principles-for-protecting-health-and-safety.

If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose or a loss of your sense of taste or smell, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19.  You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

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