Saskatchewan reported 20 new coronavirus cases as the province’s health authority prepares to roll out its plans to resume some services and surgical procedures.
The number of cases in the far north continues to rise with 18 new cases, all in La Loche and surrounding communities where an outbreak was declared on April 17.
There are now 114 active cases in the region.
The government said on Monday it expects the number of cases in the region to increase in the coming days as more testing is carried out.
“Our aggressive testing and contact tracing is helping us identify and isolate people who are COVID-positive and may be at risk,” said Scott Livingstone, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
“While we must be cautious, we also know our measures are doing what they’re intended to do.”
The remaining two cases are in the north region, which has 37 active cases.
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Livingstone said neither case is associate with outbreaks in Lloydminster or Prince Albert.
“All other testing results so far associated with the outbreak at P.A. Vic hospital have turned up negative.”
He said a new outbreak has been declared at a dairy facility in the Saskatoon region.
“At this time an active case investigation is underway and based on that investigation, there has been no identified need for a public service announcement because of low transmission risk to the public,” Livingstone said.
“It’s a single employee of that facility at this point in time.”
Livingstone added outbreaks can be triggered by low case numbers, even one case.
“Immediate measures are being taken to reduce COVID-19 transmission at this worksite and with identified contacts.”
Overall, there have been 487 cases in the province, with 171 considered active.
Saskatoon has 16 active cases and Regina has eight.
Thirteen people are in hospital — 10 in Saskatoon and three in the north. Three people in Saskatoon and one in the north are in intensive care.
There have been six deaths reported in the province due to COVID-19.
Recoveries increased by three in the past 24 hours, bringing total recoveries in Saskatchewan to 310.
Here is a breakdown of Saskatchewan cases by age:
- 58 people are 19 and under
- 174 people are 20 to 39
- 153 are 40 to 59
- 87 people are 60 to 79
- 15 people are 80 and over
Males makes up 49 per cent of the cases, females 51 per cent.
Saskatchewan has completed 32,921 tests so far for the virus, up 587 from Monday.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is announcing its resumption plan for health care services in the province at 2:30 p.m.
Global News will be livestreaming the press conference.
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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