Saskatchewan Confirms Second Presumptive Case of COVID-19

Released on March 13, 2020

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health has confirmed Saskatchewan’s second presumptive case of COVID-19.

The resident is in their 60s with travel from Oregon state in the U.S.  The test was conducted in Saskatoon on March 10 and the individual has been well enough to self-isolate at home.

Public health officials have begun their contact investigation to follow up on anyone who may be at risk of developing COVID-19 because of contact with this individual.

If you do not receive a call from public health, you are not at risk of transmission of COVID-19 from this individual.  The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory reported the positive lab sample March 13, 2020, and has forwarded it to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmation.

“All travelers – including those to the U.S. -- need to monitor their health for 14 days upon return to Canada and be prepared to stay home if you have a fever or cough,” Saskatchewan Ministry of Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.

According to current research on COVID-19, eighty per cent of individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience only mild symptoms.  They will be able to self-isolate and recover at home.  Monitoring for symptoms and staying home when you are sick is important to prevent transmission and ensure acute care resources are reserved for those at highest risk of severe illness.

Travel Guidance

The Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending residents postpone or cancel all non-essential travel outside of Canada.  All travellers should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) for 14 days after returning to Canada and avoid places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others if you become ill.  If you have even mild symptoms, stay home.

Healthline 811

Healthline 811 can assist you in assessing your risk and advise on whether you should seek testing:

• If you have travelled in the past 14 days and have developed a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
• If you have been asked to self-isolate by healthcare providers and your symptoms become worse.

Protect Yourself from Respiratory Illness

• Wash your hands frequently – for at least 20 seconds;
• Do not touch surfaces and then your mouth, eyes or nose;
• Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and dispose of them immediately; use your elbow if a tissue not available;
• Practice social distancing by not shaking hands, hugging, etc.
• Stay home if you become ill and prevent the spread of the illness; and
• Clean “high touch” surfaces more often with disinfectant cleansers (ie. doorknobs, faucets, toys, remote controls, table and countertops).

Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus for updated information on COVID-19, including questions and answers for the public and care providers and testing surveillance.

COVID-19 Information

We understand that residents of Saskatchewan may have questions regarding COVID-19 in Saskatchewan.

If you have recently travelled internationally and are experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms, please call Healthline 811.

For the latest advice to the public and information on prevention measures being taken, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/Coronavirus.

For public inquiries, contact:
COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca

Or contact a regional Public Health Office through the contact information available here: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/public-health/public-health-offices

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For more information, contact:

Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca