A Saskatchewan resident in their 50s from the Far North region who tested positive for COVID-19 has died, bringing the total number of deaths in the province to eight, and an additional death is currently under investigation.
COVID-19 fatalities must be confirmed by the medical health officer to ensure that the case meets the criteria in order to be documented in the epidemiological reporting tools, before they can be publicly reported by the ministry.
As of May 26, 2020, there are no new cases of COVID-19. The provincial total remains at 634. Of the 634 reported cases, 77 are considered active. Three more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 549.
There are currently five people in hospital – two are receiving inpatient care (one in Regina and one in the North) and three are in intensive care (all in Saskatoon).
To date, 44,580 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 24, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 34,317 people tested per million population. The national rate was 39,369 people tested per million population.
On May 20, 2020, the Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, SEIU-West, SGEU, HSAS, SUN and CUPE signed a joint Statement of Principles recognizing the principles for protecting the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients, clients and residents. The agreement builds on weekly meetings where government, the SHA and union partners worked together to shape shared principles, discuss the current status of personal protective equipment (PPE), supply chain processes and keeping health care workers, patients, residents and clients safe. The full Statement of Principles can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/information-for-health-care-providers/ppe-infection-prevention-and-control#joint-statement-principles-for-protecting-health-and-safety.