Saskatchewan health officials say a database error has been discovered in the province’s COVID-19 dashboard.
Officials reported nine more COVID-19-related deaths on Friday. The province has not reported a COVID-19-related death since Jan. 6, 2022.
“The notable length of time without a new death being reported initiated an audit of reporting systems, which resulted in the discovery of a database error.”
Chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said the nine deaths occurred between Jan. 1, 2022 and current time.
Shahab explained that a database filter that had ended on Dec. 31, 2021 was not refreshed, resulting in the missed reporting.
“The dashboard and database will continue to update information so that it remains as timely and as accurate as possible,” Shahab told reporters.
He added audits and reviews will be completed on an ongoing basis.
Shahab said he was made aware the audit was underway Friday morning.
“To the best of my knowledge the government would not have been aware that these deaths were not coming out of the system because of that data filter issue,” he said.
In a statement to Global News, Premier Scott Moe said while he is saddened to learn about the additional COVID-19 deaths, it’s important the data has been discovered and now reported.
“It is troubling that this information was not being properly reported in the government’s daily COVID-19 updates,” Moe added.
“However, Saskatchewan continues to report the lowest per capita COVID-19 fatality rate in Canada for the month of January, below provinces that have introduced the strictest lockdown policies.”
Moe said the government will continue to track the data closely, but at this time he does not expect additional public health measures and restrictions being introduced
Officials are also reporting 1,233 new PCR COVID-19 positive test results on Friday.
Friday’s new cases come from PCR test results that are completed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The province’s case counts do not include rapid test results that are self-administered by residents.
The province is also reporting 215 people in hospital with COVID-19, including 23 in intensive care units.