As of June 1, 2020, there is one new case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. The new case is in the Regina region.
The provincial total remains at 646 reported cases. The total is unchanged because a sample reported as a positive case in Regina on May 27 was retested and found to be negative. A second sample was taken, which confirmed the negative result.
Of the 646 reported cases, 47 are considered active. Six more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 588. There are currently four people in hospital – two are receiving inpatient care (one in Regina and two in Saskatoon) and two are in intensive care (in Saskatoon).
To date, 48,272 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of May 30, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were last available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 36,854 people tested per million population. The national rate was 44,244 people tested per million population.
All lab tests have limitations. False positive or false negative results may occur. The probability of a false positive result occurring increases as the prevalence of a disease in a population decreases.
If a positive test result is in question, the original sample is re-tested, and an additional sample is also taken for testing. If these are negative, the initial finding is determined to be a false positive.
When no symptoms are present, testing one day doesn’t mean you’re negative for COVID-19. False negative results may occur early in the course of the infection, for example if someone was tested too soon after being exposed to COVID-19. Get tested again if symptoms develop.
This is why it is crucial for Saskatchewan residents to continue to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 at all times.