Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer doesn’t believe the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks is the beginning of a second wave.
Dr. Saqib Shahab says the numbers are low for most of the province.
Since the pandemic began we have had clusters from international and inter-provincial travel, a few outbreaks and then also from secondary contacts from the outbreaks, but following the health protocols has helped to keep the numbers low.
He suggests one challenge is when people have mild symptoms and go to work or school or a social event, meaning lots of interaction.
Shahab suggests as it cools off, we should review how many contacts we have in our virtual bubble.

Asymptomatic pool testing has become an option in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO, Scott Livingstone, says it will cut down on lab tests.
The proportion would be 8 swabs from asymptomatic people in a single test and then if there is a positive result, the 8 people would be tested again.
This option would be used for people wanting a test but don’t really have symptoms or any close contacts who have tested positive.

Premier Scott Moe’s response to stories about anti-maskers saying those who wear masks are “sheeple’ is that it’s disappointing that people should be stigmatized for any reason.
He emphasizes that the pandemic is not a farce – it’s a virus that has spread worldwide.
Moe says Saskatchewan’s methodical approach has been to make sure the healthcare system is not over burdened and because of most people following the guidelines, the economy was able to open again and now students are back to school.