Three More Outbreaks Declared In City - As Health Minister Says Signs Fourth Wave Starting
The number of active outbreaks declared by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has grown from one to four after three new outbreaks were declared August 22nd.
The SHA has declared outbreaks at the following workplaces and care homes on August 22nd:
CP Rail August 22, 2021 Workplace
Marcie Personal Care Home (1301 Princess Cres Location) Care Home
Pioneer Lodge - Memory Lane 1 Long-Term Care Home
There is still an actively declared outbreak at Capilano Court a Care Home which was declared on August 8, 2021.
Earlier today Saskatchewan’s health minister Paul Merriman said there are signs the province is just entering the fourth wave of the COVID - 19 pandemic.
Despite this Merriman said there will be no mandate to make vaccination mandatory.
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 by the Province. 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 over 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 SHA 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.
The SHA also encourages those feeling ill to stay home and call the Healthline at 811.