Latest COVID update Nov. 4

Saskatchewan recorded its lowest single-day total of new COVID-19 cases in nearly two weeks Wednesday, but it appears technology played a factor.

In a media release that said there were 37 new cases in the province — the fewest in a day since there were 33 on Oct. 23 — the Ministry of Health said there were issues at the provincial lab Tuesday.

“The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory experienced technical difficulties yesterday with the validation of COVID-19 tests, resulting in lower-than-expected case numbers reported today,” the release said. “It is anticipated that any delayed reporting will be reflected in tomorrow’s COVID-19 case update.”

Saskatchewan had recorded 11 straight days with at least 54 cases prior to Wednesday’s report.

Fourteen of the new cases reported Wednesday were located in the Regina region, with 13 in the Saskatoon area. There also were six in the central-east zone and one each in the far northwest, northwest and north-central areas. The hometown of one case is pending.

Two cases that previously were reported were deemed to involve out-of-province residents, so the total number of cases in Saskatchewan since March now stands at 3,408.

There were 78 recoveries reported Wednesday, increasing that total so far to 2,584. To date, 25 people have died in the province after testing positive for COVID-19.

The number of active cases being reported in Saskatchewan fell to 799.

There are four people in intensive care around the province, with two in the north-central area and one in each of Regina and Saskatoon.

Of the 22 people receiving inpatient care, 10 are in Saskatoon, five are in Regina, five are in the north-central area and two are in the northwest.

The total number of cases in the province to date includes 107 health-care workers, an increase of eight so far in November.

There also have been 1,660 community contacts, 826 cases without any known exposures, 545 cases that are under investigation and 377 travellers.

The Saskatoon area has had the most cases to date, with 887. There have been 715 cases in the north, 504 from the south area, 453 in the Regina region, 449 in the far north area and 397 from the central zone. The hometowns of three cases remain unknown.

There have been 1,238 cases in the 20-to-39 age range, 968 between the ages of 40 and 59, 689 involving people 19 and under, 428 from ages 60 to 79, and 85 aged 80 and over.

There were 1,101 tests processed in Saskatchewan on Tuesday, increasing the provincial total to date to 271,198.

Reminder about changes to public health order

The ministry reminded Saskatchewan residents that changes to the public health order are to take effect Friday at 12:01 a.m.

Everyone in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon will have to wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces. This order is to be in place for 28 days and then will be reviewed by the chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab.

“The list of public indoor spaces may be amended for clarity; however, if you are in a city with a mandatory mask order and are unsure if any location qualifies as an ‘indoor public space’ it is recommended that you defer to wearing the mask — choose the option that promotes public safety,” the ministry’s release said.

The release added health officials “strongly recommend” residents of all communities in the province wear non-medical masks when out in public.

The maximum size of private gatherings in homes also is decreasing as of Friday. That number is dropping from 15 to 10.