Latest COVID update Oct. 31

Saskatchewan reported 78 news cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, with 41 of the cases reported in Saskatoon.

There were also 81 recoveries reported on Saturday, marking the first time recoveries outpaced new cases since Oct. 7 when 11 recoveries and 10 new cases were reported.

The new cases bring Saskatchewan’s total from March to 3,144; 739 of those cases are considered active.

New cases were also reported on Friday in the far northwest (two), northwest (three), north-central (seven), northeast (six), central-east (one), and Regina (18).

The hometowns of two cases are still pending investigation.

In a news release, the province also issued further warnings ahead of Saturday evening Halloween celebrations.

“Saskatchewan’s case numbers continue to rise with parties and gatherings in private settings, bars and nightclubs linked to further case escalations,” the release said. “Gatherings must be kept as small as possible or connect virtually.”

Of the 31,144 cases, 623 of them involve people 19 years-old and under; 1,146 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 887 are in the 40-59 age range; 406 are in the 60-79 age range, and 82 are in the 80-plus range.

There are now 29 people in hospital across the province. Twenty-three people are receiving inpatient care; two in the northwest, six in the north-central zone, one in the northeast, eight in Saskatoon and six in Regina. Six people are in intensive care; one in the north-central zone, four in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

On Friday, 2,720 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.