As of May 11, 2020, Saskatchewan has four new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 568.

All of the new cases are in the Far North (La Loche). Of the 568 reported cases, 199 are considered active.

Fourteen more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 363.

There are currently 11 people in hospital – eight are receiving inpatient care (five in the North and three in Saskatoon) and three are in intensive care (all in Saskatoon).

Of the 568 cases in the province:
• 138 cases are travellers;
• 288 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
• 66 have no known exposures; and
• 76 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 48 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 197 of the cases are from the Far North, 163 are from the Saskatoon area, 105 from the North, 76 from the Regina area, 15 from the South and 12 from the Central region.
• 79 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 200 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 176 are in the 40-59 age range; 96 are in the 60-79 age range; and 17 are in the 80-plus range.
• 50 per cent of the cases are females and 50 per cent are males.
• Six deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 37,439 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 9, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 29,029 people tested per million population, which is on par with the national rate of 29,086 people tested per million population.

Lloydminster to Proceed to Phase 2 of Re-Open Saskatchewan on May 19

As the outbreak in the Lloydminster hospital continues to remain stable, the city of Lloydminster may proceed with Phase 2 of the re-opening, according to the schedule and stipulations under the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.
All workplaces must be prepared to operate safely for customers and their employees, and take the proper preventative measures.

If you are experiencing even mild symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, 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

As of May 10, 2020, Saskatchewan has 11 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 564.

Nine of the new cases are in the Far North (three in the La Loche area) and two are in the North.

Of the 564 reported cases, 209 are considered active. Nine more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 349.

There are currently 12 people in hospital – eight are receiving inpatient care (five in the North and three in Saskatoon) and four are in intensive care (all in Saskatoon).

Of the 564 cases in the province:
• 138 cases are travellers;
• 286 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 61 have no known exposures; and
• 79 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 48 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 193 of the cases are from the Far North, 163 are from the Saskatoon area, 105 from the North, 76 from the Regina area, 15 from the South and 12 from the Central region.
• 77 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 199 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 176 are in the 40-59 age range; 95 are in the 60-79 age range; and 17 are in the 80-plus range.
• 50 per cent of the cases are females and 50 per cent are males.
• Six deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 36,860 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 8, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 28,484 people tested per million population, which exceeds the national rate of 28,404 people tested per million population.

If you are experiencing even mild symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, 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 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/re-open-saskatchewan.

As of May 9, 2020, Saskatchewan has nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 553.

Five of the cases are in the Far North, three are in the North and one is in the Central region.

Of the 553 reported cases, 207 are considered active. Five more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 340.

There are currently 15 people in hospital – 10 are receiving inpatient care (six in the North and four in Saskatoon) and five are in intensive care (four in Saskatoon and one in the North).

Of the 553 cases in the province:
• 138 cases are travellers;
• 273 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 61 have no known exposures; and
• 81 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 46 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 184 of the cases are from the Far North, 163 are from the Saskatoon area, 103 from the North, 76 from the Regina area, 15 from the South and 12 from the Central region.
• 74 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 196 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 173 are in the 40-59 age range; 94 are in the 60-79 age range; and 16 are in the 80-plus range.
• 50 per cent of the cases are females and 50 per cent are males.
• Six deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 36,117 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 6, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 27,774 people tested per million population, which exceeds the national rate of 27,457 people tested per million population.

La Loche Liquor Sales Closed

On May 7, La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre notified Minister of Government Relations Lori Carr that La Loche Council had passed a resolution recommending the full closure of all beverage alcohol related sales, distribution and consumption sites and uses in the Northern Village of La Loche, effective May 9th, 2020.

After further consultation with community and Indigenous leaders, the government notified leaders that the closure of liquor retailers would proceed as recommended. Effective today (May 9), the SLGA retail store and private off-sale in La Loche will be closed for two weeks.

The Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority will support the community to identify and assist residents who may be at risk of harm due to alcohol withdrawal, and will be providing further alcohol addictions program supports in the community.

If you are experiencing even mild symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, 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 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/re-open-saskatchewan.

As of May 8, 2020, Saskatchewan has 13 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 544.

Twelve of the new cases are in the Far North, all in the La Loche area, while the remaining one is in the North region.

Of the 544 reported cases, 203 are considered active.

Six more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 335.

There are currently 19 people in hospital – 15 are receiving inpatient care (six in the North and nine in Saskatoon) and four are in intensive care (three in Saskatoon and one in the North).

Of the 544 cases in the province:
• 138 cases are travellers;
• 260 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 56 have no known exposures; and
• 90 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 44 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 179 of the cases are from the Far North, 163 are from the Saskatoon area, 100 from the North, 76 from the Regina area, 15 from the South and 11 from the Central region.
• 72 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 192 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 171 are in the 40-59 age range; 93 are in the 60-79 age range; and 16 are in the 80-plus range.
• 50 per cent of the cases are females and 50 per cent are males.
• Six deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
 
To date, 35,176 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 6, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 27,184 people tested per million population, which exceeds the national rate of 26,665 people tested per million population.

Public Notification of Outbreaks

The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak is used by Public Health to mobilize and coordinate a response to the infection. It is not necessarily an indicator of risk to the public.

The Public Health definition of an outbreak varies by setting. For example, in long-term care and personal care homes, an outbreak is declared when one person (a resident or health care worker) tests positive for COVID-19.
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring there is public notification of COVID-19 outbreaks, as permitted under The Public Health Act, 1994.

We will be publicly posting outbreaks within:
• Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities including hospitals, long-term care homes and integrated facilities, as well as assisted living facilities with a long-term care unit if the cases are associated with the long-term care unit;
• personal care homes and homeless shelters as these include vulnerable populations; and
• all correctional facilities in Saskatchewan
Public advisories will always be issued when there is a risk to the public.

The posting of outbreaks in a workplace, industrial or commercial space will be done on a case-by-case basis, when deemed appropriate and necessary. This approach balances protecting the public and ensuring the privacy of individuals and businesses.

Public notification will also occur in the absence of an outbreak being declared when there is a risk of transmission to the public.

Phase 1 of Re-Open Saskatchewan is Well Underway

The Government of Saskatchewan’s plan to slowly and responsibly lift restrictions on businesses and services as a result of COVID-19 began on May 4.

Restrictions in the province are gradually being lifted in five phases. As Phase 1 of the plan moves into its second week, further information has been added to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.

The changes include:
• Updates to the guidelines for appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) – page 17
• Updates to the guidelines for drive-in or remote worship services – page 24
• Guidelines for drive-in theatres – page 25
• Guidelines for public markets and farmers markets – page 32
• Updates to the guidelines for clothing and retail operations for thrift stores and businesses that sell second-hand goods – page 36
• Updates to the golf course guidelines – page 42-43
• Updates to the guidelines about passengers in boats – page 46

With its focus on the gradual lifting of business restrictions, Saskatchewan residents are reminded the plan does not change the need to comply with the current public health order and take the necessary precautionary measures, including:
• Limiting public and private gatherings – inside and outside – to no more than 10 people.
• Maintaining physical distancing by keeping two metres away from others.
• Avoiding unnecessary travel.
• Exercising caution when forming an extended household group and being 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.
• Stay home if you’re sick or symptomatic.

Mother’s Day

The impact of COVID-19 visitor restrictions at long-term care homes, hospitals and personal care homes has limited the ability of families and loved ones to connect during this stressful time.

The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that people may want to send gifts, particularly in light of Mother’s Day this weekend.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has determined that flowers from a florist and dry paper gifts are not an infection risk. Going forward, purchased floral arrangements and dry paper gifts, such as cards, letters, books, photos and artwork, will be allowed.

Floral arrangements will still not be permitted in some acute care settings, such as intensive care units, due to possible allergies.

Facilities are expected to follow existing processes to receive deliveries in a manner that reduces the risk of potential transmission by minimizing traffic in and out of facilities and practicing appropriate hand hygiene before and after handling delivered gifts.

If you are experiencing even mild symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, 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 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/re-open-saskatchewan.

As of May 7, 2020, Saskatchewan has 19 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 531.

Fifteen of the new cases are in the Far North with 12 of those being in the La Loche area, while the remaining four are in the North region.

Of the 531 reported cases, 196 are considered active.

Seventeen more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 329.

There are currently 12 people in hospital – eight are receiving inpatient care (two in the North and six in Saskatoon) and four are in intensive care (three in Saskatoon and one in the North).

Of the 531 cases in the province:
• 139 cases are travellers;
• 231 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 53 have no known exposures; and
• 108 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 43 cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 167 of the cases are from the Far North, 163 are from the Saskatoon area, 99 from the North, 76 from the Regina area, 15 from the South and 11 from the Central region.
• 71 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 188 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 163 are in the 40-59 age range; 93 are in the 60-79 age range; and 16 are in the 80-plus range.
• 50 per cent of the cases are females and 50 per cent are males.
• Six deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
 
To date, 34,361 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 5, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 26,605 people tested per million population, which exceeds the national rate of 25,821 people tested per million population.

Lloydminster Re-Open May 11

With the outbreak in the Lloydminster Hospital stable, Lloydminster may proceed with plans to open services and businesses as described in Phase One of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan starting Monday, May 11. Services and businesses will be required to follow the phased approach and safety procedures required under the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

All residents must continue to follow necessary personal protective measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including maintaining physical distancing, participating in no gatherings more than 10 people, washing hands frequently, etc.

Opening is at the discretion of the workplace, based on their risk assessment and ability to operate safely, protecting staff and customers. Proceeding with Phase Two will be determined by public health officials and local leadership.

Additional Guidance on Extended Households

Saskatchewan residents must continue to take measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

This includes limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people – inside and outside – within an extended household group only.

With extreme caution and under the following conditions, one or two close families may form an extended household group:
• Your families or friends must remain consistent. Do not visit different families or friends every day.
• If you are going to create an extended household group, consider if any member of the group has chronic health conditions that would put them at greater risk, or if they are in close contact with someone who could be vulnerable. Avoid forming an extended household with vulnerable people.
• Families and friends within an extended household contact group can be closer than two metres if they are not high-risk.
• Physical distancing of two metres should still be practiced around people with chronic health conditions and caution should be used in gatherings to limit touching common items, such as utensils.
• You should always be aware of who you have been in contact with over the past two weeks. These are the people who would need to be contacted by public health if you were to test positive for COVID-19.
 
Preventative Measures for Seniors and Individuals with Chronic Conditions

It is important to note that the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is not a personal preventative information document. It is a guide for businesses.

We want to stress that older people or those with chronic conditions are at elevated risk for a more severe form of the disease and that risk continues even with the relaxing of certain guidelines.

Therefore, those who are more vulnerable may still want to be cautious in engaging in activities where physical distancing cannot be reliably maintained and masking is not in effect. For example, shopping for non-essential supplies.

All Saskatchewan residents must continue to practice everyday preventive actions in the new normal, 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;
• Maintain safe food practices;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home if sick;
• Call ahead if needing to access health services for your health condition;
• Avoid unnecessary travel; and
• Avoid large crowds and practice physical distancing (do not shake hands, hug or kiss except within your extended household).

If you are experiencing even mild symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, 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.