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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is hard to question the decisions of the folks who have been saving lives.
That said, did the provincial government/Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) go too far, too soon in closing the emergency department in Davidson?
Based on the low number of COVID cases in the province, the
answer is yes, the government acted too quickly. Based on the reason why, there
is room for cutting the province some slack. That’s up to you.
Until last Tuesday’s Davidson council meeting, I had no idea
the move was made in response to a COVID case at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina.
It either wasn’t well communicated or well reported. Blame the media.
The logic, as I understand it, was that the case at Pasqua
could have multiplied and spread like the nasty brush fires the province has
been experiencing. Part of the pandemic plan was to make ERs, such as
Davidson’s, available for other uses if people had to be transferred to Davidson
from other locations.
At no time, as I understand it, was Davidson going to be a
location for coronavirus patients.
The decision to close the Davidson ER was made just days after the province announced the Pasqua case was isolated, and thus there was no outbreak. In other words, the province could have stayed the course, and left the Davidson ER open.
Arm River MLA Greg Brkich said his government overreacted, given the threat seemed to be over. He also said it is better to be safe than sorry.
Given the change in circumstances, he told town council talks will be held to discuss re-opening the ER. One round of those talks could have taken place already.
SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said the goal in all planning has
been to keep COVID out of places like the Davidson Health Centre.
“It is important for folks to under- stand all along in our
COVID response we have been very careful to protect the most vulnerable to
COVID which have been our long-term care patients,” he told NewsTalk radio. “It
is important for people to know if a single COVID-positive patient walks into a
facility with high-risk individuals, and we don’t know they are posi- tive, it
could have a very dramatic and horrific affect on those individuals, when we
see 82 per cent of the deaths from COVID nationally are in long-term care
residences.”
In 12 facilities affected by the change, there are a
combined total of 400 resi- dents in long-term care, he said.
“With respect to these temporary changes, we are looking at
what it will take to re-open these facilities or convert them back.”
He said it isn’t as simple as turning the Open sign back on.
He said the long-term beds will have to be completely separated from acute-care
beds and emergency rooms “to ensure nothing is coming into that facility that would
put our patients at risk.”
He said that work would take place over the next few weeks.
Clearly, the government is sticking to its game plan.
Overall, that’s a good thing.
On April 8, the SHA released three scenarios should the
worst of COVID-19 strike the province. It is important to note the scenarios
are not predictions of the number of people in Saskatchewan who will contract
the virus and potentially die. The numbers are based on the experiences of other
cities/countries where the virus hit them fast and hard.
The three models released, based on the number of people a
person with the virus can infect, painted a picture of mass casualties. In the
worst case, if an infected person infects four people and those four infect
four and so on, the result in Saskatchewan would be 408,000 cases and 8,400
deaths.
We have had approximately 650 cases and we have had, sadly,
seven deaths.
The province currently has 98 intensive-care beds, with 57
in use at any one time. The province has 2,433 acute-care beds, with 1,396
typically in use.
If there is a surge in the number of cases, up to 963 beds
could be needed in ICU, and 3,200 for acute care, a government report said.
There would be field hospitals in Saskatoon and Regina to help cope with a
surge of that magnitude.
Of those 2,433 acute-care beds, two are in Davidson.
Davidson’s beds are important in the event of a sudden increase in numbers, or
in situations like the one at Pasqua.
“Our surge planning has not changed,” Livingstone said in
the radio interview.
Clearly, the province dodged a bullet at Pasqua Hospital,
and it appears as though Davidson’s ER will soon re-open because of it.
The people of Saskatchewan and those who have guided us are
to be congratulated for keeping our number of cases low. We grieve for the
families that have lost loved ones.
Even though we will disagree with government decisions from
time to time, to stay on top of this, we can’t drift away from their plan that
got us this far.
It is easy to become complacent. We can’t succumb to
temptation.
The ER at the Davidson Health Centre could soon re-open . (Photo by Cam Hutchinson)
