11 of 22 Sask. health-care workers test positive for COVID-19 after bonspiel

Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, says the testing results from a physician curling bonspiel in Edmonton are “sobering.”

He confirmed Saturday in a teleconference call that 11 of 22 Saskatchewan-based health-care professionals who attended the bonspiel, which took place from March 11-14, have tested positive for COVID-19.

“This is a startling reminder of the risk in gatherings,” Shahab said. “We are not immune to this virus in social settings, and this is a stark reminder for all of us of the care we need to take immediately in any gatherings.”

Evidence of transmission at the bonspiel became apparent after Dr. Allan Woo, head of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, announced he had contracted the virus from the event.

In his statement, Woo said the situation reminded him that “physicians are not invincible.”

“The risks of this pandemic are far too real. I hope my personal situation serves as a signal for all health-care workers, and others, to be vigilant about their health,” Woo wrote.

The annual curling event draws between 50 to 60 physicians from across Western Canada.

A second doctor from Rosthern announced on his clinic’s Facebook page on Saturday that he and his wife had also tested positive for coronavirus after recent travel to Alberta. The doctor’s Twitter account indicates he is an avid curler.

Shahab noted Saturday that health-care workers in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert are affected by exposure at the bonspiel.