City Down To One Declared Outbreak
In what can be seen as a positive note about the pandemic the declared COVID - 19 outbreaks in Moose Jaw is now down to one from an all time high of seven.
According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) there is just a single declared COVID - 19 outbreak in the city at this time.
The last declared outbreak still in the city is at the Chez Nous Senior Citizens Home which was declared on January 6th, 2021.
Chez Nous has stated in the media they are well on the way to resolving the outbreak at their facility and have moved to the point where they have requested limited assistance from volunteers.
An outbreak is defined by the SHA when two or more people test positive for COVID‐19 and are all linked to a specific non-household setting or event within a specified time period. If one person contracts COVID - 19 in a non-household setting it is termed a suspected outbreak.
A declaration is NOT necessarily an indicator of risk to the public.
A declaration of an outbreak does not mean any facility was not properly following the Province’s guidelines. At the present time the Province has been experiencing record breaking confirmed cases of COVID - 19 in what is described as the second wave of the virus.
Declared outbreaks have lasted from weeks to just days in the city.
The shortest declared outbreak was at Smitty’s in the Town and Country Mall which was declared on January 19th, 2021 and de-listed as an outbreak today with the SHA saying it is no longer considered an outbreak. The outbreak and which location was confirmed by the SHA on January 20th.
“As of today (January 21st) the outbreak is no longer listed as an outbreak,” the SHA told MJ Independent when asked about Smitty’s in the Town and Country Mall.
No reasons were given by the SHA as to why the short time span for the declared outbreak at Smitty’s when asked about it as details were not available on the media relations system.
A listing for Prince Arthur School was additionally removed and updated after MJ Independent asked about it on January 20th as it was on the site since November and a letter from the Prairie South School Division on January 15th to all parents indicated there were no more outbreaks in the division.
Outbreaks are publicly listed on the Province of Saskatchewan’s web-site as part of the response to the COVID - 19 pandemic.
Since November 25th the province has been on tightened restrictions as cases of COVID - 19 increased in what is now a second wave of the viral infection.
SOME WAYS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
It is now mandatory to wear a mask in all public facilities and areas of private buildings where there is public access - including stores and such things as common areas of apartment building and public transit and taxis.
Limit your outings to buy groceries to once a week and go shopping with a list.
Ensure regular and proper handwashing with soap and water (20 second minimum).
Keep you hands away from your face - especially the mouth and eyes - to prevent infection.
Cough in to your elbow if you must cough or sneeze.
Do not go out if you feel even a little bit sick. If you have concerns call 811 and arrange to be tested or for more details.