Over 500 health care workers will have been vaccinated in Regina by the end of day Thursday, as part of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccine pilot.
Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO, Scott Livingstone says key medical staff in Regina will be included in the pilot over the next few days, and the first phase in Saskatoon will begin next week. Another shipment of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is expected to arrive Monday. Livingstone says these vaccines will kick off vaccinations for 1,950 health care workers in Saskatoon ICU’s, emergency departments, COVID units, testing and assessment centres. Vaccinations are expected to happen at Merlis Belcher Place at the University of Saskatchewan, with second doses predicated to take place three to four weeks later.
Livingstone explains the next step includes the Health Canada approval of the Moderna vaccine, which he says can be stored at regular freezer temperatures, making it easier to store across the province. Livingstone says as the province continues to receive more regular weekly shipments of vaccine, the priority will continue to include the most vulnerable of the population (those at risk of serious illness, residents in the 80 plus range and residents over 50 in northern and remote areas) and more health care workers (including staff at long-term care facilities).
Livingstone says widespread vaccination access, or phase two, has been tentatively targeted for April 2021.
Self Isolation Time to be Decreased
The government of Saskatchewan has announced the period of self-isolation for COVID-19 positive cases is being decreased.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shabab says the isolation period is being reduced from 14 days to 10 days. He says the change is being made on the basis of emerging evidence that shows that most people are not infectious 10 days after testing positive or start of symptoms. Shahab explains this allows people who are COVID positive to return to their daily activities sooner, if they are healthy.
Dr. Shahab says this only applies to people who have actually tested positive for COVID-19, and people who have been recognised as close contacts must still isolate for 14 days. Shahab explains this is because it can take up to 14 days for contacts to become symptomatic. He says people who are immunocompromised will need to continue to follow public health advice on the length of time needed to self isolate.
Update on COVID-19 Surge Activation Plan
The SHA also posted an update on the first phase of the COVID-19 activation plan, that was announced on December 3rd. The status update highlights the key challenge faced by the SHA is the high volume of outbreaks threatening continuity of care for patients and care home residents in need.
