Outbreak Declared At Popular Fast Food Restaurant

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has declared a workplace outbreak at one location of a popular fast food restaurant.

On April 23rd the SHA has declared an outbreak at McDonald's (Thatcher Dr.).

The declaration is the seventh SHA declared active outbreak in the city at the present time.

A declaration of an outbreak does not necessarily mean that there is any danger to the community but it is declared as part of the Public Health Order enacted under the Province’s Declared State of Emergency. All outbreaks are posted on the Province’s web-site.

The SHA defines an outbreak as two people contracting COVID - 19 in the same place away from the home at the same time or over a period of time. The final determination is made by public health officials.

Outbreaks remain listed until officially declared over by an SHA Medical Health Officer. Generally, outbreaks would be declared after there were no new cases and two full incubation periods from the last individual who started having symptoms. For COVID-19 outbreaks, this would be 28 days (2 incubation periods of 14 days) after the last individuals started showing symptoms.

The Province continues to recommend people take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID - 19 by proper physical distancing, proper handwashing, wearing masks in public places and when a two meter distance cannot be maintained between others and staying home when you are sick, even if the symptoms are mild.

At the present time the wearing of non-medical face masks that cover both the mouth and nose as well as a minimum two metre spacing between individuals are two of the mandatory orders issued by the Province.

The Province also encourages those feeling ill to stay home and call the Healthline at 811.

According to the Province’s web-site there are now seven declared active outbreaks in Moose Jaw.

The six other outbreaks are Gibson Energy - Moose on April 20, Simpson Seeds on April 20, 2021, CP Rail Moose Jaw Locomotive Shop on April 13, Moose Jaw Accent Massage & Hairstyling on April 6, Moose Jaw Main Street Strength and Conditioning on March 30, and Cornerstone Christian School on March 21.