Saskatchewan has it’s 8th presumptive case of COVID-19. This person is in their 50’s, was tested in Regina, and became ill after travel to Vancouver.

The affected person is self isolating at home. Public health officials are following up with anyone who had close contact with this case and may be at risk of developing COVID-19.

Self isolate means stay home, don’t go to work, school, daycare, university, sporting or cultural events or religious gatherings.

Self monitor means watch closely for symptoms in yourself or those in your home including taking your temperature twice daily. You should still avoid crowded public places and at-risk populations.

There are now at least 440 cases, according to the official Government of Canada website, of COVID 19 in Canada. and there are now four more deaths from coronavirus. Three in BC and one in Ontario bringing the total in Canada to five.

Tuesday morning Ontario’s premier declared a State of Emergency effectively shutting down bars, restaurants, child-care centres, theatres and recreation centres until the end of March.

Alberta is declaring a state of public emergency. Premier Jason Kenney announced Tuesday that any gathering with more than 50 people must be cancelled.

Many of the measures already in place in Saskatchewan are now being mirrored to the west. For instance, worship services and conferences can’t be over fifty people and if they aren’t shut down already, Alberta public recreation facilities, casinos, bingo halls, bars, museums and art galleries must close up shop.

The Government of Saskatchewan introduced amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act which it says ensures employees have access to job protected leaves during a public health emergency.

Some of the amendments include removing the requirement of 13 consecutive weeks of employment with the employer prior to accessing sick leave, remove the provision requiring a doctor’s note and introduction of new unpaid public health emergency leave.