There are 24 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on Oct. 18, bringing the total to 2,330 cases. The new cases are located in the Far North West (1), North West (1), North Central (8), Saskatoon (1), Central West (2), Central East (3), Regina (6) and South East (1) zones. One case has a pending residence location.
Of the 2,330 reported cases, 342 are considered active. A total of 1,963 people have recovered, including eight more patients as of Oct. 18.
Fourteen people are in hospital. Twelve people are receiving inpatient care; six in the Saskatoon zone, one in the Regina zone, four in the North Central zone, and one in the Central East zone. Two people are in intensive care, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina.
Of the 2,330 cases in the province to date, 323 cases are travellers; 1,137 are community contacts (including mass gatherings); 636 have no known exposures; 234 are under investigation by local public health, and 78 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
By age category, 406 cases involve people 19 years of age and under; 805 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 693 are in the 40-59 age range; 353 are in the 60-79 age range; and 73 are in the 80-plus range.
About 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males. Twenty-five deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
There are 480 cases are from the Saskatoon area; 470 cases are from the south area (226 southwest, 209 south central, 35 southeast); 404 cases are from the far north area (366 far northwest, 0 far north central, 38 far northeast); 384 cases are from the north area (145 northwest, 156 north central, 83 northeast); 332 cases are from the central area (191 central west, 141 central east), and 258 cases are from the Regina area.
Two cases have a pending residence location.
To date, 230,729 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. As of Oct. 16, when other provincial and national numbers are available from Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 158,234 people tested per million population. The national rate was 229,966 people tested per million population.
Yesterday, 2,765 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.
The PA Gospel Worship event in Prince Albert is the origin of at least 79 first and second generation cases across the province, primarily in the north. Many of the newer cases and outbreaks arising in the north are now third generation cases from this event. Note that “superspreader” events are not limited to those who attended the event itself, but quickly transmit in local settings.
Failure to Abide by Public Health Orders May Result in Fines
In Saskatchewan and across the country, public health authorities are seeing increasing transmission rates as a result of contravention of public health orders and guidelines, particularly as a result of public and private gatherings. There can be very serious consequences for not following Public Health Orders, including fines in cases where negligence or misconduct have been found. Fines may be $2,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations, plus a victim surcharge.
Private Gathering Sizes Reduced
As of Oct. 16, private indoor gatherings may have a maximum of 15 people in the home or in buildings located on the private property (eg garages, sheds). Two-metre physical distancing should be observed when people from outside the extended household are present. This will not impact restaurants, licensed establishments, banquet halls as well as weddings, funerals and religious gatherings which are all required to follow seating and physical distancing guidelines as described in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan.
Any event that occurs in a private dwelling, including weddings, religious gathering and funerals, must abide by the 15 person gathering limit.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is available to anyone who requests it. A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811, your physician or nurse practitioner. If you require urgent care, call 911.
Further information on testing is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.
General COVID-19 Information
General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.
