4 new coronavirus cases in Saskatchewan, 14 more recoveries

Four new coronavirus cases were reported in Saskatchewan on Monday, bringing the overall total to 568.

It’s the lowest number of new daily cases reported in the province since April 28, when one new case was reported.

All of the new cases were reported in the far north, which is the COVID-19 epicentre of the province.

The new cases bring the number of total cases in the region to 197, the majority of them in and around La Loche where an outbreak was declared on April 17.

Of those, 151 are active — over 75 per cent of the 199 active cases in the province.

Premier Scott Moe said it is too early to say if the lower numbers in the far north are a trend.

“It appears that the efforts of so very many people on the ground in that community and in surrounding communities are making a difference,” Moe said.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical officer, said almost 25 per cent of the cases in the region have now recovered.

“That’s a very positive sign that they are now, by some indications, coming out at the other end in terms of recovery is happening,” Shahab said.

“We hope that that that trend will continue.”

The other regions with active cases are the north (33), Saskatoon (13), Regina (1) and central (1).

Eleven people are in hospital — five in the north and six in Saskatoon. Three people in Saskatoon are in intensive care.

Six deaths have been reported due to COVID-19.

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The province confirmed Phase 2 of its reopening plan will go ahead in Lloydminster on May 19 with the rest of the province, with the exception of La Loche.

“Phase 2 will be a very important step across the province as it involves a lot more businesses and services than in Phase 1,” Moe said.

“Based on the discipline and the good practices Saskatchewan residents have followed to date, we remain confident that we can continue to reopen more of our economy while continuing to control the spread of COVID-19.”

Reopening Saskatchewan was put on pause in Lloydminster after a cluster was identified at the city’s hospital on April 29.

Officials said on May 7 that the situation had stabilized and Lloydminster would proceed with Phase 1 on May 11, which allows the resumption of some medical services, including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, optician services, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment.

Phase 2 allows the reopening of retail and select personal care services including hair salons, barbers and registered massage therapists.

Fourteen new recoveries were reported, bringing the number of recoveries to 363.

Here is a breakdown of total Saskatchewan cases by age:

• 79 people are 19 and under
• 200 people are 20 to 39
• 176 are 40 to 59
• 96 people are 60 to 79
• 17 people are 80 and over

Males make up 50 per cent of the cases, females 50 per cent.

Officials say 66 cases are a result of local exposures that have not been identified and are not related to travel, mass gatherings or events.

Premier Scott Moe and Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, are updating the coronavirus situation in the province at 2:30 p.m.

Global News is 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.