A person in their 70’s from the South Region has become the 17th person to die in Saskatchewan from COVID-19.

That information was released Tuesday as the province gave its daily briefing on the numbers which for the first time in a while does not see a double-digit increase in cases.

There are nine new cases being reported bringing the provincial total to 1,218. Three of the nine come from the South region with two each in the Saskatoon and North regions with one apiece in Regina and the Central area.

Of the 1,218 cases, 294 are considered active.  21 people have recovered putting the provincial total at 907.

Thirteen people are in hospital with five of those in intensive care (three in Saskatoon, two in Regina).

The province is also delivering a message as the August long weekend approaches.

While Saskatchewan summers are short and our few long weekends are precious, plan for a safe August long weekend by doing things with families or individuals in your extended household group and to continue practice preventative measures like washing your hands frequently and maintaining physical distancing with mask-wearing being something that should be done if physical distancing can not be maintained.

The province adds there may be social or peer pressure to attend events that you feel pose an unacceptable amount of risk to you and your family. Decisions not to attend are your own, and are not cause for ridicule or shame. Family and friends should understand and respect measures that people are taking to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.