The Government of Saskatchewan says COVID-19 activity in the province is increasing.

In the monthly report for August which was issued today (thurs), the Ministry of Health is reporting 1,524 new cases of the novel coronavirus between July 17th and last Saturday.

In the latest reporting period, the positive test rate rose from four per cent to 7.4 per cent. The Saskatoon and central-east regions had the highest positivity rates.

Twenty-seven deaths were reported with 488 patients admitted into a Saskatchewan hospital for COVID-19 since the last monthly report.

Twenty-seven Saskatchewan residents are in an ICU.

“With approximately 45 per cent of the population receiving at least three doses, more Saskatchewan residents need to receive their COVID-19 booster doses,” said the Ministry of Health in the latest report.

Second booster doses are now available to Saskatchewan residents over the age of 18.