The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is alerting the public of an increased risk of COVID-19 variants of concern in Rosthern, Osler and Hague.
Variants of concern are dangerous; they are highly contagious, transmitting more quickly and to more people within the community. The increased spread of COVID-19 and its variants result in more illness, hospitalizations and deaths. Many of those falling ill are much younger than previously seen during the pandemic.
The SHA is strongly urging residents to:
- In public spaces, keep two metres away from others and always wear a mask.
- Avoid gatherings: all gatherings are risky for COVID-19 transmission and indoor gatherings are an especially high risk.
- Keep to your household bubble. Gatherings between households remain a primary driver of transmission.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- If you are able to work from home, work from home at this time. If you cannot, ensure that you are following all the guidelines in your workplace. Do not share any food or drink in the workplace, even in break rooms.
- If you develop any symptoms, stay home and get tested as soon as possible. Testing is an important way to detect the COVID-19 virus and its variants early and stop the spread. Call HealthLine 811 or your physician for a referral for testing or visit your local drive-thru testing site.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth or mask with unwashed hands.
- When you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, get one. All vaccines are safe and effective, including against variants. Current vaccine information can be found at saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine.
COVID-19 and its variants are transmitted through coughing and sneezing (droplet transmission), and by touching surfaces with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
The SHA is encouraging people to memorize and recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and its variants: fever, cough, headache, muscle and/or joint aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, dizziness, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite (difficulty feeding for children), loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. Stay home and arrange for immediate testing if you have any mild symptoms or develop only one or two symptoms.
Additional information on variants of concern is available online along with all case numbers including those cases confirmed as variants of concern.
COVID-19 and its variants are transmitted through coughing and sneezing (droplet transmission), and by touching surfaces with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.