All posts by Dan Senick

COVID-19 UPDATE: NO NEW CASES, 14 MORE RECOVERIES, TWO IN HOSPITAL

There are no new cases of COVID-19 to report on June 2, 2020, and the provincial total remains at 646.

Of the 646 reported cases, 33 are considered active. Fourteen more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 602.

There are currently two people in hospital; both are in intensive care in Saskatoon.

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

Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 51 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, 48,593 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of June 1, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 37,172 people tested per million population. The national rate was 44,996 people tested per million population.

Northwest Travel Restrictions Lifted

Effective Monday, June 8, the public health order restricting travel for Northwest Saskatchewan will be lifted.
This will allow for travel in and out of the northwest region, and between communities.

Phases 1 and 2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan will also be permitted in the Northern Village of La Loche starting Monday, June 8. All other communities within the northwest are already in phases 1 and 2.

For the entire northwest, effective June 8, outdoor gathering may increase to 20 people, however indoor gatherings must remain limited to 10 people with a two-metre separation to be maintained both indoors and outdoors.

Phase 3 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is delayed until further notice across all of the northwest region.
Health officials will closely monitor the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the northwest region prior to June 8. If case numbers or other important variables significantly change, this may delay the lifting of restrictions.

Guidelines for Saskatchewan Residents

With the next phase of the re-opening plan approaching on June 8, Saskatchewan residents should be aware of the guidelines that are in place for everyone’s health and safety.

Guidelines are available on many important issues, including child care, worship services, outdoor recreation and gyms. There is also information on cleaning and disinfecting, personal protective equipment and cloth masks. The guidelines can be found here 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.

We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

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.

Testing for COVID-19 is also now available to anyone currently working outside the home, or anyone returning to work as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

Beginning June 5, testing criteria will be further expanded. Testing will be offered to:
• Those being admitted to acute care for more than 24 hours, including expectant mothers.
• Immunocompromised individuals and their health care providers.

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: One New Case, Six More Recoveries, Four In Hospital

As of June 1, 2020, there is one new case of COVID-19. The new case is in the Regina region.

The provincial total remains at 646 reported cases. The total is unchanged because a sample reported as a positive case in Regina on May 27 was retested and found to be negative. A second sample was taken, which confirmed the negative result.

Of the 646 reported cases, 47 are considered active. Six more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 588.

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

Of the 646 cases in the province:

142 cases are travellers;
382 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
76 have no known exposures; and
46 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, 48,272 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 30, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 36,854 people tested per million population. The national rate was 44,244 people tested per million population.

Expanded Testing for COVID-19

Testing for COVID-19 is available to anyone currently working outside the home, or anyone returning to work as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan. Testing is quick and safe.

Beginning June 5, testing criteria will also be further expanded. Testing will be offered to:

Those being admitted to acute care for more than 24 hours, including expectant mothers.
Immunocompromised individuals and their health care providers.
All lab tests have limitations. False positive or false negative results may occur. The probability of a false positive result occurring increases as the prevalence of a disease in a population decreases.

If a positive test result is in question, the original sample is re-tested, and an additional sample is also taken for testing. If these are negative, the initial finding is determined to be a false positive.

When no symptoms are present, testing one day doesn’t mean you’re negative for COVID-19. False negative results may occur early in the course of the infection, for example if someone was tested too soon after being exposed to COVID-19. Get tested again if symptoms develop.

This is why it is crucial for Saskatchewan residents to continue to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 at all times.

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.

Muirhead, Gerald

April 8, 1931- May 23, 2020

Gerald Stanley Muirhead passed away at the age of 89 at Pioneer Lodge Moose Jaw SK.

Gerald was born in Davidson, SK and was raised on farms west of Craik, SK. He had many fond memories of riding horses to school at Craik. As an only child all the neighbouring families became his closest friends and family.

He loved riding the horse to town to play pool with the other neighbour boys. Gerald was an avid sports enthusiast, loved his dogs, horses and cattle.

He married the love of his life and faithful companion, Helen Gertrude Duff (from Davidson, SK) on Nov 21, 1953. Gerald and Helen lived west of Craik where they raised their two sons Ken and Dennis.

Gerald was very involved in the 4-H program as a member and a leader and was also a member of the Craik Lions Club. Gerald was heavily involved in Church activities where he also became an Elder.

He was a counselor for the R.M. of Craik for several years until 1978 he had to resign due to a conflict of interest when he chose an additional career to farming and became an M.L.A. for the Arm River Constituency from 1978-1995. He served with passion and tried to help as many people as he could. Gerald had a gift of remembering dates and events which were always a part of his stories for years
to come.

After retirement they resided at the farm west of Craik until moving to Moose Jaw in the fall of 2012. Gerald will be missed by his loving wife, family and friends.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Gertrude Muirhead and his in-laws Frank and Blanche Duff, numerous Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and many friends.

He leaves to Mourn his wife Helen and their two sons Ken, Dennis and their families. Ken & Valerie Muirhead, Trevor & Beckie Muirhead, Eli, Sam, Nicole & Trevor Radfelder, Kianna, Gavin, Harrison, Kenley, Vaughn, Laura & Shane Smith, Curtis, Austin, Blake, Grandchild Christian McArthur, his siblings Marcus & Jade.
Dennis & Lorrie Muirhead, Taylor Muirhead & Emily Krilow, Adrian, Rebecca & Jordan Phillips, Kayson, Cassidy Muirhead & Tanner Kobly.

A grave side service for the family will be held at the Craik Cemetery (Due to respecting the Covid-19 restrictions).

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

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.