Saskatchewan saw a decline in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations over the past two weeks.

Despite the decrease, 18 more people died from COVID-19 in the province.

That is according to the Government’s Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program (CRISP) Situation Report for January 15 to January 28.

COVID-19 continued to be the leading respiratory virus in the province, accounting for 515 cases, 136 hospitalizations and eight admissions to the ICU.

According to the report, with the expectation of Regina, all areas of the province have less than 50 per cent of their population up-todate1 for COVID-19 vaccines. Less than half of individuals aged 50+ have had more than one booster dose (47 per cent).

“Having a COVID-19 booster in the last six months reduces the risk of a COVID-19 death eight times compared to unvaccinated individuals and over four times compared to those without a recent booster dose,” the report said.

The number of influenza hospitalizations decreased to two, compared to 14 from the last CRISP report.

RSV saw 314 cases over the two weeks, with 102 hospitalizations and 10 ICU admissions.