Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe extended the state of emergency in the province for two weeks as three new novel coronavirus cases were reported on Wednesday.
The new cases brings the total number in Saskatchewan to 304.
Another 18 recoveries were reported, bringing the total to 205.
Officials say 95 cases remain active and eight people are in hospital — none in intensive care.
Active cases are total cases less recoveries and deaths.
Four people in the province have died due to COVID-19.
In extending the state of emergency, Moe said now is not the time for people to be complacent.
“Even as we review options for a potential phased-in approach to reopen Saskatchewan, we are still in a state of emergency and we must not be complacent,” Moe said.
“We must remain vigilant because quite frankly, lives in our community and lives in our province depend on it.”
Moe said there are three areas where restrictions won’t be lifted as a phased-in reopening of Saskatchewan takes place: travel, gatherings and long-term care homes.
“We know those are three very high risk areas and we will not be removing those restrictions in the foreseeable future,” Moe said.
- Shoppers faces proposed class action over claims company is ‘abusive’ to pharmacists
- Most Canadian youth visit dentists, but lack of insurance a barrier
- ‘Bacterial vampirism’: Deadly pathogens attracted to human blood, study finds
- Landmark smoking ban that would phase out sales passes U.K. parliament
Schools will likely remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
“We have not discussed whether or not we’d be reopening schools and I think for all intents and purposes, we would assume that we likely would not be reopening schools here in the province,” Moe said.
“It has not been a discussion.”
Moe reiterated that COVID-19 will be in the province for the foreseeable future.
“For a number of months, for sure, before we are able to have access to a vaccine.” Moe said.
“What we are looking to do is to open up some segments of our economy (and) keep the residents of this province safe.”
Health officials said 131 cases in the province are related to travel, with 122 due to contacts or mass gatherings. Another 30 have no known exposures and 21 remain under investigation.
The Saskatoon region has 147 cases, Regina 67 cases and the north region 58 cases.
The south region has 15 cases, the central region 10 cases and there are seven cases in the far north.
Another 625 tests were performed over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall total to 20,907. Officials said the province continues to have the second-highest per capita testing rate among the provinces.
Test numbers have been lower over the past few days. Moe has stated that he wants at least 1,000 tests carried out daily, rising to 1,500 by the end of April.
“We have been off the last couple of days. My understanding is that the requests have actually been down,” Moe said.
Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, said they are prepared to deliver more tests.
“We want to make sure that anyone who has a fever, cough, cold, tiredness does get tested,” Shahab said.
“We want to maintain that ability for people to get tested.”
-
![]()
3 new coronavirus cases reported in Saskatchewan, total rises to 304 -
![]()
Nurses’ union urges premier to rethink ‘reopening Saskatchewan’ -
![]()
Robots and drive-thrus: how some funeral homes are holding services amid COVID-19 -
![]()
Saskatchewan rural municipalities optimistic about COVID-19 testing expansion -
![]()
Group alleges church service cancellation violated charter rights -
![]()
Canadians look at new ways to shop for groceries amid COVID-19 -
![]()
Saskatchewan couples dish on love and dating during the COVID-19 pandemic -
![]()
Coronavirus outbreak: Saskatchewan Health Authority implements new mask requirements for health care workers amid COVID-19 pandemic
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.
Comments