COVID-19 outbreak at Yorkton Regional Health Centre grows to 90 cases

A COVID-19 outbreak that started in mid-January at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre has grown to 90 cases, nearly doubling in the past week.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said the 90 cases linked to the outbreak include patients, staff, visitors and secondary contacts outside the hospital.

The units involved include the intensive care unit, inpatients units and obstetrics and pediatrics.

Some of the affected staff are off work, so the authority said those still working are doing longer hours and are in a stressful environment, with enhanced PPE requirements and more anxiety from staff and patients.

Crisis intervention and supports have been brought into the centre to help out.

The health authority said the health centre is working to contain and minimize any further spread.

There is good news for the staff, though; on Thursday and Friday, some were set to start getting vaccine doses.