Three new COVID-19 cases in Sask., provincial state of emergency extended

Three months to the day since the first case of COVID-19 was announced in Saskatchewan, the total number of cases reached 663 on Friday.

In a media release, the provincial government said there were three new cases — one in the Saskatoon region, one in the far north and one in the south. It was the 23rd straight day that the number of cases was in single digits.

The first case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan was reported March 12.

Despite the low number of new cases in recent weeks, the provincial government extended its state of emergency to June 24. It initially was declared March 18 and has been extended every two weeks since then.

The extension means public health orders are still in effect, including limits on the size of gatherings (excluding at places of worship or graduations).

Public and private gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors. Physical distancing is required both indoors and outdoors.

The government also clarified some aspects of the updated Re-Open Saskatchewan plan revealed Thursday.

Those involved in outdoor sports and activities — such as baseball and soccer — can’t begin training or practising until the first stage of Phase 4 of the plan. The targeted start date for that stage is to be announced next week.

The province said guidelines for outdoor sports and activities were put in the updated plan to give organizations advance notice so they could start preparing for their start.

The government also addressed what it perceived to be a loophole in the new guidelines for places of worship.

With respect to weddings, the new limits on the size of gatherings at places of worship apply only to ceremonies, not receptions. However, the government said food still can’t be served in permitted gatherings.

A look at the numbers

Of the total number of cases in the province, 399 are community contacts, 146 are travellers, 79 don’t have any known exposures, and 39 are being investigated by local public health officials.

There have been 263 cases in the far north, 177 from the Saskatoon area, 112 in the north, 80 from the Regina area, 19 in the south and 12 from the central region.

The total comprises 236 cases in the 20-to-39 age range, 200 between the ages of 40 and 59, 111 in the 60-to-79 range, 98 involving people 19 years of age and under, and 18 in the 80-and-over range.

There also was one recovery announced Friday, increasing that total in Saskatchewan so far to 627.

There now are 23 active cases in the province, comprising nine in the far north, nine in Saskatoon, two in Regina, two in the south and one in the north. There aren’t any active cases in the central region of the province.

So far, 13 Saskatchewan residents have died due to complications from COVID-19.

One person is in intensive care in Saskatoon.

The 655 tests performed Thursday increased the provincial total so far to 54,508.

Precautionary health advisory

The province noted the two positive tests recorded in the community of Clearwater River Dene Nation weren’t in Friday’s report because they have not yet been recorded by the Roy Romanow Provincial Lab.

Two individuals tested positive after attending a wake Wednesday and a funeral Thursday in the community.

The government reiterated that the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and Saskatchewan Health Authority have issued a precautionary health advisory and are recommending anyone who attended the events should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days.