One new case of COVID-19 and six recoveries were announced on Thursday by the Saskatchewan government as the province prepares for phase three of the reopening plan beginning Monday.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said the province looks poised as more sectors will resume operations next week, however he reminds residents it’s critical to continue following public health measures.
As Dr. Shahab puts it – this is a marathon.
“Anything that can be done remotely or virtually is better than anything that has to be done in person,” he said.
“I think that basic recommendation will remain as long as there is a pandemic in the world. That won’t end until we can enter phase five, which by my estimates won’t happen before June 2021.”
This comes as parents and caregivers in the province are calling on the government to consider safely reopening public spaces and activities for children like playgrounds in phase three rather than phase four. Phase three includes the reopening of gyms, fitness facilities and places of worship.
Premier Scott Moe acknowledged during Thursday’s government update that he has heard from residents wanting to see opportunities for youth be included in phase three rather than in phase four.
The premier said they are working to come up with some parameters where the province can return to some form of normalcy for kids.
“We hear the concerns with parents with respect to playground equipment, for example. We’re hearing the voices of parents that want some certainty with respect to whether or not school will resume in the fall,” shared Moe. “We want that to happen sooner rather than later.”
There is one new case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 648. The new case is in the Saskatoon region. Of the 648 reported cases, only 29 are considered active.
Six more people have recovered from the virus for a total of 608 province-wide.
Two people are currently in hospital, both in intensive care in Saskatoon.
The province also announced that starting Friday, testing criteria will be expanded further. Testing will now be offered to those admitted to acute care for more than 24 hours, including expectant mothers, and immunocompromised individuals and their health care providers.
(With files from Moises Canales)
