The province’s chief medical health officer says we are in a “race against time” when it comes to COVID-19 variants that are starting to show up in Saskatchewan

However, Dr. Saqib Shahab says it has been  proven elsewhere that vaccinations are working when it comes to COVID and the variants that have sprung up.

“We have seen in both Israel and the United Kingdom launched their vaccine program with a good steady supply of vaccine with the third wave in full swing and in two to three months, they have shown a dramatic decrease in deaths, hospitalizations and overall cases.” Shahab said. “This is why it is important to follow the public health guidelines so we can keep our numbers low. If the variant becomes the dominant strain, stricter public health measures may be needed.  It is a race against time.”

On Saturday, there were 162 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the province.