The government of Saskatchewan continues to offer cautionary advice around Thanksgiving and travel as one of the highest one day reported cases of COVID-19 rolls into Saskatchewan. There are 34 new cases of COVID-19 to report in the province Saturday. To date there have been 2,068 reported cases. The new cases are located in the Far North East (4), North West (1), North Central (7), North East (1), Saskatoon (3), Central West (2), Central East (11), Regina (3) and South East (2) zones.

Thirteen of the active cases in the northern zones have been linked to the Gospel Revival outbreak event, and nine of the active cases in the Central East zone have been linked to a single workplace and include employees and close contacts.

There are 161 active cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan with six people are in hospital. Four people are receiving inpatient care; three in Saskatoon and one in Regina. Two people are in intensive care; one in Regina and one in Saskatoon.

Of the 2,068 cases in the province to date:

310 cases are travellers;
1,027 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
592 have no known exposures; and
139 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

77 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
353 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
691 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 627 are in the 40-59 age range; 329 are in the 60-79 age range; and 68 are in the 80-plus range.
51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
24 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
There are:
462 cases are from the south area (225 south west, 207 south central, 30 south east)
428 cases are from the Saskatoon area
371 cases are from the far north area (354 far north west, 0 far north central, 17 far north east)
306 cases are from the central area (182 central west, 124 central east)
298 cases are from the north area (134 north west, 94 north central, 70 north east)
203 cases are from the Regina area

To date, 211,320 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. As of October 8, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers are available from Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 147,073 people tested per million population. The national rate was 214,103 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 1,760 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.

Failure to Abide by Public Health Orders May Result in Fines

In Saskatchewan and across the country, public health authorities are seeing increasing transmission rates as a result of contravention of public health orders and guidelines, particularly as a result of public and private gatherings. There can be very serious consequences for not following Public Health Orders, including fines. Fines may be $2,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations, plus a victim surcharge.

As a number of contact investigations conclude, it is anticipated that fines will be issued in cases where negligence and misconduct have been found.

Thanksgiving, Gatherings and Travel

This is Thanksgiving weekend and Saskatchewan residents are reminded that restrictions on gathering sizes remain in place. Public health orders state that indoor and outdoor gatherings may have a maximum of 30 people, as long as there is enough space to maintain a two metre separation between individuals who are not in the same household or extended household. If there isn’t enough space to maintain distancing, invite fewer people. Shared meals between non-household members are discouraged.

Non-essential or recreational travel is discouraged.

Further guidance on Thanksgiving is available 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/fall-activity-guidelines.

Everyone should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Do not attend or host any events if you are experiencing symptoms, even if they are mild.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is available to anyone who requests it. A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811, your physician or nurse practitioner. If you require urgent care, call 911.