A resident from Northern Saskatchewan who tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away, which brings the province’s total COVID-19 death toll to 15.
The government announced in a release on Tuesday that the individual was in their 20s.
Dr. Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer for Saskatchewan’s ministry of health, said this is a reminder that COVID-19 can affect anyone.
“While serious illness and death may be rare in people who are younger, it does occasionally happen,” stated Dr. Shahab during a teleconference call on Tuesday afternoon. “It’s an unfortunate reminder that COVID-19 does not discriminate by age or other factors. It’s a risk to all of us.”
He added that most of the COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan have been in the 20 to 39 age range with an increasing number in cases in all age groups.
Dr. Shahab recommended that people should always remember to keep physical distancing with more residents looking to spend time out of their house during the summer months.
One new case is being reported in the province for a total of 806 reported cases and 54 active cases. The new cases is in the Saskatoon region, but is a resident who was tested outside of Saskatchewan.
There are five more recoveries for a total of 737 provincial recoveries. Four people are receiving inpatient care with three in the north region and one in Saskatoon.
Over 70,000 COVID‐19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date.
(Image: Government of Saskatchewan)
The government has also expanded visitation guidelines for facilities in the province.
The guidelines apply to patients, outpatients, clients and residents in Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities, long-term care homes and affiliate organizations, personal care homes and Ministry of Social Services group homes.
Two family members or support persons can be identified to support patients and residents.
• Only one family member or support person can be present in the facility at a time.
• Two people can be present at one time if physical distancing can be maintained for critical care/intensive care patients, end of life/palliative care patients or residents and Maternal Services Units (Maternal and Postpartum Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Units).
• Family members and support persons must follow safety requirements including the wearing of a medical grade mask, physical distancing, hand hygiene, limited movement within a facility or home according to current public health orders.
