Hospitalizations when it comes to COVID-19 in Saskatchewan have shot up 30 to 354 from the 324 reported last week.

On the ICU front, admissions are holding steady with one less in the ICU compared to the previous EPI report with 20 in intensive care as of April 6th.

Twenty-four new virus-related deaths were reported this week. This brings the total to 1,255 virus-related deaths in Saskatchewan since the pandemic was declared over two years ago. Six of the new deaths were in the Saskatoon area

The province is also discontinuing the monoclonal antibody treatment. This was used for mild COVID infections to prevent serious outcomes, although it’s effectiveness against Omicron has been proven to not be as strong.

Saskatchewan will continue to utilize antiviral pill for eligible patients while introducing a new vaccine to combat COVID-19, Novavax.

Starting Monday, residents over 18 will be able to receive doses of the protein-based vaccine.

There were 1,032 new cases were confirmed out of the 7,689 laboratory tests performed. The test positivity rate is 13.2% which is up just over one per cent from the previous week.