Ten new coronavirus cases were reported in Saskatchewan on Friday, bringing the overall total to 341.
It’s the biggest one-day jump in new cases in over two weeks.
The last time 10 or more new cases were reported in one day was on April 7, when 11 new cases were reported.
The biggest jump in cases has been in the far north. Officials reported 27 total cases, with 25 of those active.
One case in the far north is considered presumptive, while a presumptive case reported on Thursday is now confirmed as positive.
Five people are currently in hospital — one in Regina, one in Saskatoon and one in the north are receiving in-patient care. Two people in Saskatoon are in intensive care.
Active cases remained at 57 as another 10 recoveries were reported. There are now 280 recoveries.
Active cases are total cases less recoveries and deaths.
There have been four COVID-19-related deaths in Saskatchewan.
Health officials said 136 cases in the province are travel-related, with 145 due to contacts or mass gatherings. Another 34 have no known exposures and 26 remain under investigation.
Of the 150 total cases reported in the Saskatoon area, 13 are considered active.
In the Regina area, nine of the 73 total cases are active, while the north region has 64 total and seven active cases.
The south region has 15 total cases and one active case, and the central region 11 total cases and two active cases.
Officials provide clarity on remarks made Thursday by Premier Scott Moe on gatherings with family and friends.
Moe said he believes it is OK at this time for people to get together in small groups if physical distancing rules are observed.
Officials said Friday one or two close families may form an extended household group for get-togethers of up to 10 people.
They said, however, families and friends must remain consistent and not to visit different families or friends every day.
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.
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