As of May 7, 2020, Saskatchewan has 19 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 531. Fifteen of the new cases are in the Far North with 12 of those being in the La Loche area, while the remaining four are in the North region.
Of the 531 reported cases, 196 are considered active. Seventeen more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 329.
There are currently 12 people in hospital – eight are receiving inpatient care (two in the North and six in Saskatoon) and four are in intensive care (three in Saskatoon and one in the North).
Overall in Saskatchewan:
To date, 34,361 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 5, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 26,605 people tested per million population, which exceeds the national rate of 25,821 people tested per million population.
With the outbreak in the Lloydminster Hospital stable, Lloydminster may proceed with plans to open services and businesses as described in Phase One of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan starting Monday, May 11. Services and businesses will be required to follow the phased approach and safety procedures required under the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.
All residents must continue to follow necessary personal protective measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including maintaining physical distancing, participating in no gatherings more than 10 people, washing hands frequently, etc.
Opening is at the discretion of the workplace, based on their risk assessment and ability to operate safely, protecting staff and customers. Proceeding with Phase Two will be determined by public health officials and local leadership.
Saskatchewan residents must continue to take measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
This includes limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people – inside and outside – within an extended household group only.
It is important to note that the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is not a personal preventative information document. It is a guide for businesses.
We want to stress that older people or those with chronic conditions are at elevated risk for a more severe form of the disease and that risk continues even with the relaxing of certain guidelines.
Therefore, those who are more vulnerable may still want to be cautious in engaging in activities where physical distancing cannot be reliably maintained and masking is not in effect. For example, shopping for non-essential supplies.
If you are experiencing even mild symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.