Five new COVID-19 cases in Sask.; more new guidelines issued

As the province keeps opening, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer is reminding people to keep their bubbles intact.

Dr. Saqib Shahab said each case we’re seeing is generating more contacts now because the province is in lockdown. The six cases in Prince Albert together have garnered more than 100 close contacts.

Shahab explained that, as the number of contacts increase, our risk of transmission increases as well.

“We do need to strive to keep our number of contacts as low as possible so as you go out and about, if we were to become symptomatic we should not be able to name a lot of people who were closer than two meters,” said Shahab.

Shahab said that transmission happens in mundane settings, so we need to stay vigilant.

“Transmission happens when you’re with friends and family who aren’t part of your virtual bubble. We socialize around food, drink, we like being close to one another,” said Shahab.

He said we all have to continue to pay attention to all the routine things and keep doing them a bit differently – washing our hands, keep physically distancing and wear a mask when that’s not possible.

Case numbers

Saskatchewan reported five new COVID-19 cases Thursday.

The cases — two in the south, one in Saskatoon, one in the far north and one in the central region — increase the total in the province to date to 813.

There were four more recoveries reported, hiking that total so far to 750. To date, 15 residents of the province have died due to complications from COVID-19.

The number of active cases is now 48, with 25 in the far north, eight in the north, seven in the south, six in the Saskatoon area and two in the central region. There aren’t any active cases being reported in Regina.

There are five people in hospital, with four individuals — two in the north and two in Saskatoon — receiving inpatient care. There is one person in intensive care in Saskatoon.

More guidelines

The provincial government also issued some updated guidelines to reopening businesses and facilities.

One of those was Saskatchewan’s parks, where visitors are being asked to provide their own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes and to keep observing physical distancing requirements.

The government reminded campers that washroom access is limited to one household at a time, so they’re encouraged to use the facilities in their trailers or recreational vehicles instead.

People from different households who are visiting the parks are to stay two metres apart outdoors, indoors, on the beach and in the water. Towels and beach gear are to be set up four metres from the next group to allow for physical distancing.

Towels, beach toys, food and other items shouldn’t be shared between members of different groups.

Seating areas now are permitted at drive-in theatres and at public and farmers markets. Physical distancing is required between tables.

Starting July 16, live performances will be allowed in restaurants and licensed establishments.

The government noted that physical distancing will be required, “with greater distances needed depending on the activity and instruments involved.”

According to the guidelines, dance floors and karaoke won’t be permitted.

The government also has set guidelines for temporary food vendors, racing and rodeos, banquet and conference facilities, and car and trade shows.  Those regulations can be found in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan below.

Guidelines also are being developed for door-to-door solicitation, garage sales and the donation of used items; those details are to be announced at a later time.

A look at the numbers

Of the total number of cases to date, 484 are community contacts, 168 are travellers, 114 don’t have any known exposures, and 47 are being investigated by local public health officials.

So far, 55 health-care workers have contracted the virus.

To date, there have been 339 cases in the far north, 192 from the Saskatoon area, 120 in the north, 80 from the Regina area, 68 in the south and 14 in the central region.

There have been 284 cases in the 20-to-39 age range, 254 between the ages of 40 and 59, 136 in the 60-to-79 range, 118 involving people 19 and under, and 21 in the 80-and-over range.

The 882 tests reported Thursday increased the total in the province to date to 71,757.