11 new coronavirus cases in Saskatchewan, 8 people hospitalized

Saskatchewan reported 11 new novel coronavirus cases on Wednesday, raising the total number of cases to 271.

Eight people are currently hospitalized for COVID-19, the highest number since the first presumptive case was reported four weeks ago.

Two patients are in intensive care — one in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

Another six people are receiving inpatient care — four in Saskatoon, one in Regina and one in the north.

The number of recoveries is now at 103 after health officials reported 15 more people have recovered.

Active cases dropped to 165.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said physical-distancing measures appear to be working.

“I am encouraged by the actual case numbers that we have seen in recent days,” Moe said.

“Active cases are down four to 165 and 38 per cent of our total positive cases have now recovered.”

Moe said people adhering to the restrictions currently in place seem to be having a positive effect on the case numbers.

“We seem to be having some positive numbers the last few days in our efforts to flatten that curve.”

The province said 26 health-care workers have contracted COVID-19, but said the source of the infections may not be work-related.

The latest numbers were released as the Saskatchewan Health Authority provided a briefing on “what if” scenarios for the province.

Under the low-range scenario, 3,075 deaths and 153,000 infections are possible.

Total cumulative deaths are forecast at 5,260, with 262,000 total cases in the mid-range scenario.

Deaths under the high-range scenario are estimated at 8,370, with 4,265 patients in hospital simultaneously, 1,280 of those in intensive care.

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The Saskatoon region continues to have the highest number of cases — 135 — followed by 56 in the Regina region and 51 in the north.

There are 15 cases in the south, 10 in the central region and four in the far north.

Most cases — 119 — are still travel-related, with 90 cases either community contacts or linked to mass gatherings. Another 16 cases are due to unknown exposure and 46 remain under investigation by public health.

Just over 15,000 people have been tested to date in the province for COVID-19, which Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, said is the second-highest testing ratio in the country.

Moe said one area where the province has been doing well, but can do better, is testing and contact tracing.

“(On Tuesday), the Roy Romanow provincial lab processed about 900 tests, the highest one-day total to date,” Moe said.

“I have asked the Saskatchewan Health Authority to set a target of getting to 1,000 tests per day as soon as possible and to try to get to 1,500 tests per day by the end of April, which will be dependent, of course, on being able to access the necessary testing supplies,” Moe said.

Moe said medical students are playing a crucial role in contract tracing.

“Some medical students are already performing this task and medical students are ideally suited for doing contact tracing,” Moe said, adding that nursing students could also do contact tracing, if required.

“Ongoing testing and contact tracing will be key measures not only to control the spread of COVID-19 today, but also will be key measures in the weeks ahead as we gradually get to a point where we could consider the potential of lifting some of our restrictions and potentially opening parts of our economy.

“But we are still several weeks away from even beginning that process.”

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.