Moose Jaw Now Up To Ten Active Declared COVID - 19 Outbreaks

A trio of recently declared COVID - 19 outbreaks by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has the city now sitting with the largest number of active outbreaks of COVID - 19 since the start of the pandemic.

COVID - 19 outbreaks were declared on May 2nd for Moose Jaw Central Collegiate, South Hill Fine Foods and Chez Nous. The three declared outbreaks now means there are ten active COVID - 19 outbreaks in the community.

The seven other declared outbreaks in Moose Jaw are St Michael’s School on April 28th, SARCAN on April 27, McDonald’s Restaurant (Thatcher Drive location) April 23, Rockport Carrier (Administration) on April 21, Gibson Energy - Moose on April 20, Simpson Seeds on April 20, 2021, CP Rail Moose Jaw Locomotive Shop on April 13.

The SHA has listed no reason for the late appearance of the outbreak listed for Rockport Carrier on the weekend - well over a week since it was declared. But the SHA has had problems updating its on-line statistics during the pandemic.

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.