COVID-19 Update: 48 New Cases, 8 in Hospital, 12 Recoveries

Released on October 12, 2020

There are 48 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on October 12, bringing the total to 2,140 cases.  The new cases are located in the Far North West(1), North West (3), North Central (19), North East(1), Saskatoon (13), Central West(1), Central East(3), South West(1), South East (1), and Regina (5) zones.

Public health investigations are underway to understand the source of exposure for today’s new cases.  Yesterday it was reported that at least 12 northern cases had links to the Gospel Outreach outbreak in Prince Albert and it is anticipated that several of the positive cases reported today will also have a connection.  There is also an increase in cases throughout Saskatchewan with cases linked to public and private social gatherings in the home and other venues.

Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab continues to call for vigilance and extreme caution for any social gathering in your home that includes anyone outside your extended household.  He is also strongly recommending masks be worn in all indoor public locations where physical distancing of two metres is not possible or predictable.  Above all, stay home if sick.

Of the 2,140 reported cases, 215 are considered active.  A total of 1,900 people have recovered.

Eight people are in hospital.  Seven people are receiving inpatient care; 5 in Saskatoon and 2 in Regina.   One person is in intensive care in Regina.

Of the 2,140 cases in the province to date:

• 314 cases are travellers;
• 1,061 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
• 603 have no known exposures; and
• 162 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date:

• 78 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
• 366 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 717 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 645 are in the 40-59 age range; 342 are in the 60-79 age range; and 70 are in the 80-plus range.
• 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
• 25 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
• There are:
  • 465 cases are from the south area (226 south west, 207 south central, 32 south east)
  • 442 cases are from the Saskatoon area
  • 375 cases are from the far north area (356 far north west, 0 far north central, 19 far north east)
  • 329 cases are from the north area (140 north west, 118 north central, 71 north east)
  • 310 cases are from the central area (183 central west, 127 central east)
  • 219 cases are from the Regina area

To date, 217,606 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of October 8, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers are available from Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 147,073 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 214,103 people tested per million population.  No update is available from October 9 and 10.

Yesterday, 3,237 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan – the highest daily number of tests reported to date.

Failure to Abide by Public Health Orders May Result in Fines

In Saskatchewan and across the country, public health authorities are seeing increasing transmission rates as a result of contravention of public health orders and guidelines, particularly as a result of public and private gatherings.  There can be very serious consequences for not following Public Health Orders, including fines in cases where negligence or misconduct have been found.  Fines may be $2,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations, plus a victim surcharge.

Thanksgiving, Gatherings and Travel

Saskatchewan residents are reminded over Thanksgiving weekend that restrictions on gathering sizes remain in place.  It’s best to stick to your household or extended household contacts only.  Shared meals between non-household members are discouraged, as is non-essential or recreational travel.

Further guidance on Thanksgiving is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/fall-activity-guidelines.

Everyone should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Do not attend or host any events if you are experiencing symptoms, even if they are mild.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is available to anyone who requests it.  A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811, your physician or nurse practitioner.  If you require urgent care, call 911.

Further information on testing is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information.

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

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For more information, contact:

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