Saskatchewan has three new, confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 304. 95 of the cases are considered active.
18 more people have recovered for a provincial total of 205. Eight people are in hospitals across the province receiving inpatient care with no one in intensive care at this time.
Premier Scott Moe said during Wednesday afternoon’s live update that it’s another “pretty positive day” after there were three cases between Monday and Tuesday.
The premier said this helps the government consider to gradually and methodically allow more Saskatchewan businesses to reopen.
“All of the workplace requirements for physical distancing, cleaning and disinfecting are available on the business section of the Government of Saskatchewan COVID-19 website,” mentioned Moe.
“In particular, businesses that are currently closed should familiarize yourselves with these procedures as you may be required to implement them if you’re able to reopen.”
Premier Moe also announced Saskatchewan’s state of emergency has been extended by two weeks with restrictions on things like mass gatherings and visiting a care home remaining in effect.
“This reinforces that even as we review options for a potential phased-in approach to reopen Saskatchewan, we are still in a state of emergency,” stated the premier. “We must not be complacent. We must remain vigilant.”
When asked which sectors would have restrictions lifted and would be able to reopen, Moe said they are looking specifically at businesses, services and recreational activities that would be low-risk. He expects a more definitive list will be compiled by sometime next week.
Of the 304 cases in the province:
• 131 cases are travellers;
• 122 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);
• 30 have no known exposures; and
• 21 are under investigation by local public health.
Overall in Saskatchewan:
• 34 of the cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.
• 147 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 67 from the Regina area, 58 from the north, 15 from the south, 10 from the central region and seven from the far north.
• 22 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.
• 130 cases are in the 20-44 age range; 101 are in the 45-64 age range; and 51 are in the 65-plus range.
• 53 per cent of the cases are males and 47 per cent are females.
• Four deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
To date, 20,907 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. Saskatchewan continues to have the second highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces.
For businesses that remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government says it’s essential to take the proper precautions for the safety of customers, staff and the general public.
Some of the precautions for businesses are similar to those in personal lives – maintain proper physical distancing and frequently washing hands. However, there are also many things to consider that are specific to businesses.
The COVID-19 Workplace Information fact sheet can also be found online. It provides helpful tips and suggestions on a variety of topics, including cleaning, disinfection and personal protective equipment; worker health; delivery and mail; food and accommodations; and transportation.
