Provincial Daily Covid - 19 Numbers Increase From Yesterday

It is another day of climbing numbers as the number of Covid - 19 cases rose by 18 - 17 confirmed and one presumptive - bringing the total number of reported cases to 44. Twenty - five cases are confirmed and 19 are presumptive awaiting a second test to conform the results.

In the past seven ddays, from Saturday, March 14, to Friday, March 20, the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory (RRPL) has processed 3,188 COVID-19 tests or about 456 tests per day. To date, 3,917 COVID-19 tests have been performed by RRPL.

Of the 43 cases (confirmed and presumptive), all were twenty years and older except one case in the late teens. One case is still under investigation.

The regions wth the highest number of cases are Saskatoon and Regina each with 18. Saskatoon has 14 cinfirmed cases and four presumptive. Regina also has 18 cases with ten confirmed and eight presumptive.

The southern region - which includes the City of Moose Jaw - has two cases both of them presumptive.

Despite the climbing numbers the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population, but this could change quickly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians 65 and over, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

The province still advises people to practice proper handwashing with soap and water. Practice socal distancing of two meters from other individuals. Stay home if you are sick. And even of you are not sick try to stay home if you are able to unless it is necessary to travel elsewhere.

On Friday the Provincial government passed a series of measures to slow or stop the spread of the novel coronavirus Covid - 19.

The following measures are effective immediately:

  • Public gatherings of more than 25 people in one room are prohibited except where two-metre distancing between people can be maintained; workplace and meeting settings where people are distributed into multiple rooms or buildings; and retail locations (ie. grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations).

  • The closure of all nightclubs, bars, lounges and similar facilities. Take out of alcohol or food products so permitted with two-metre distancing between customers and the delivery of alcohol or food products.

  • In-person classes in all primary and secondary educational institutions both public and private are suspended.

  • Visitors to long-term care homes, hospitals, personal care homes and group homes shall be restricted to family visiting for compassionate reasons.

Mandatory Self-Isolation

  • Effective immediately, all persons that have travelled internationally shall go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from date of arrival back into Canada.

  • Health Care workers who have traveled internationally, truckers, rail, airline or other working crews are exempt from this advisory only if they are required to work to maintain essential services, provide emergency health care services and maintain supply chain, and are supervised by Infection, Prevention Control Officers and/or Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace.

  • All persons who have been identified by a Medical Health Officer as a close contact of a person or persons with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) shall go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from the date of last having been exposed to COVID-19.

  • All persons who have become symptomatic while on mandatory self-isolation shall call HealthLine 811 and follow HealthLine's directives.

  • All persons who are household members of a person having laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 shall immediately go into mandatory self-isolation, call HealthLine 811 and follow HealthLine's directives.

Effective March 23, 2020

  • The closure of restaurants, food courts, cafeterias, cafes, bistros and similar facilities. Exceptions are take out with two-metre distancing between customers during pick-up; drive-through food services; delivery of food products; soup kitchens, not-for-profit community and religious kitchens with two-metre distancing between tables.

  • The closure of all recreational and entertainment facilities including fitness centers, casinos, bingo halls, arenas, curling rinks, swimming pools, galleries, theatres, museums and similar facilities.

  • The closure of all personal service facilities including tattooists, hairdressers, barbers, acupuncturists, acupressurists, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, manicurists, pedicurists, suntanning parlours, relaxation masseuses, and facilities in which body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services are performed.

  • The closure of dental, optometrist, chiropractic, registered massage therapy and podiatry clinics except for non-elective procedures.

  • All daycare facilities are limited to maximum of eight children unless they can configure the facility so that a maximum of eight children are kept in room and be in accordance with the Saskatchewan child care guidelines for care.

  • All daycares that are co-located with a long-term care or personal care home that meet the above restriction shall be segregated with a private entrance so that there are no shared common areas with the home and no interaction between daycare children and residents of the facility.

COVID-19 Information Online

Residents can go to www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 for the latest information reorganized to make it easy for residents to find what they need.  It includes information on travel guidance and preventative measures as well as information for care providers.

Unsure of your symptoms?

Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 and use the self-assessment tool to determine if you should contact HealthLine 811.

Note that any use of the former URL will redirect residents to the new site.  Public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

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