Saskatchewan is reporting 30 new cases of COVID-19 in the province which is the biggest jump in cases in a single day. This brings the province’s total of confirmed cases to 134.
Of those, six are in the hospital, including three in acute care and three in intensive care units.
The Ministry of Health says seven cases are a result of local transmission while the rest are a result of travelling or attending mass gatherings.
Four people infected have recovered from the virus, though there may be more that have yet to be reported to public health, say officials.
To date, 8,248 COVID-19 tests have been performed.
Increase in cases connected to a snowmobile rally
Of the new cases, 18 are attributed to a snowmobile rally event that was held in Christopher Lake on March 14, just two days before the province banned gatherings of 250 people or more.
Organizers say over 110 people attended the Lakeland Snowmobile Club Wilderness Rally Supper between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. However, just 76 people have been tracked down, said Dr. Khami Chokani, medical health officer in charge of tracing contact.
“This really demonstrates why we have been reducing the size of gatherings in Saskatchewan,” said the province’s chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. “While we love celebrating and getting together in Saskatchewan, this is not the time.”
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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