Eight new coronavirus cases in Saskatchewan, garage sales get green light

In an update on new coronavirus cases in the province on Tuesday, Saskatchewan health officials said there were eight new cases.

That puts the overall total for the province at 970 since the first case was reported in March.

Three of the new cases are located in the south region, while two were reported in both the far north and central regions, according to a press release. The other case was in the Saskatoon area.

Twelve people are currently in hospital — nine are receiving inpatient care and three are in intensive care.

Officials said 11 more people have recovered, bringing total recoveries to 813.

There are currently 142 active cases in the province, health officials said. Active cases are total cases less recoveries and deaths.

There have been 15 COVID-19-related deaths in Saskatchewan.

To date, over 83,675 tests have been carried out in the province.

Additionally on Tuesday, the provincial government released guidelines for yard and garage sales as part of its evolving Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

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The new guidelines for yard and garage sales include ensuring physical distancing can be maintained, heightened sanitation and advice around payment options. These activities must be held by a single household and group events are not permitted at this time, officials said.

The following modifications also came into effect on July 21:

• Drive-in theatres: the distance between vehicles has been reduced from five metres to two metres;
• Libraries and places of worship: the length of time that returned or donated items must be held is reduced from 72 hours to 24 hours;
• Fitness facilities: 24-hour access is permitted as well as guest registration for contact tracing, if required; and
• Laundry facilities at campgrounds are now able to open.

Saskatchewan is currently in Phase 4 of the provincial government’s plan, which started on June 22.

1:57 Support for mandatory masking lower in Sask. than other provinces

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

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. In situations where you can’t keep a safe distance from others, public health officials recommend the use of a non-medical face mask or covering to prevent spreading the respiratory droplets that can carry the virus. In some provinces and municipalities across the country, masks or face coverings are now mandatory in indoor public spaces.

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