The number of new, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in June in Saskatchewan was nearly doubled, according to Monday’s provincial update. Three of four new, confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in Saskatoon and the other in the Far North region. So far in June, there have been nine new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 42 people having recovered.
In addition, two deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in the Far North. That ups the provincial death toll from the virus to 13. Saskatchewan has now had 654 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 624 individuals have recovered (one new recovery on Monday), leaving 17 active cases, one of which is in a Saskatoon I-C-U. One of the individuals from the Far North who died from the novel coronavirus is said to be in their 70s, the other in their 60s.
Phase 3 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan means restaurants and gyms can open, more childcare availability and the rest of personal services that weren’t part of the second phase can no open their doors. What’s left for Phase 4 is casinos, bingo halls and theatres and then Phase 5 will be about what larger gatherings will look like in the future. Premier Scott Moe says as of Monday, 15 people can gather indoors together and up to 30 outside.
The government has been receiving questions around graduation ceremonies. Moe says they can and should occur, albeit in very innovative ways and if the public health orders are respected, they might be able to happen in person. He encourages parents and graduates to work with schools and school divisions to make these events possible.
Travel restrictions were lifted today in the north and this weekend, beaches and playgrounds will re-open. Details on what that will look like are expected later this week.
When asked about concerns over the safety of the large anti-racism rallies in Saskatoon and Regina, Moe says he has great concerns because the virus doesn’t distinguish what kind of large gathering it is, but he understands the importance of this conversation and bringing the issue to the forefront.
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Phase 3 Begins, Outdoor Playgrounds and Beaches Set to Open
Phase 3 of Re-open Saskatchewan began today and next the outdoor playgrounds and beaches will open. Public washrooms associated with the playgrounds and beaches can also open. That’s on June 12th. Limits on public and private gatherings increased today to a maximum of 15 indoors and 30 people if outdoors.
Emergency Rooms Re-Opening
June 16 – Leader and Arcola
June 18 – Preeceville
June 22 – Biggar and Oxbow
ne 24 – Davidson
June 25 – Herbert
Posted Travel information related to COVID-19, including all flights returning to Saskatchewan with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are available on the Public Health Agency of Canada website. Two domestic flights have been added: AC 1129 Toronto-Saskatoon on May 29 and WS 3370 Calgary-Saskatoon on May 30 (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice/exposure-flights-cruise-ships-mass-gatherings.html).
