Sask. reports 27 new COVID-19 cases, including 24 in the south region

The Saskatchewan government reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday — and issued a reminder that vigilance is still required in the province.

Under the heading “Bored of COVID? COVID Doesn’t Care,” the province’s daily media release about case numbers urged residents to remain cautious.

“If you are feeling well or don’t know anyone who has gotten sick, it is easy to think that you do not need to be careful,” the release said. “However, the recent surge in COVID-19 in all regions of Saskatchewan shows that we cannot become complacent.

“There is no region in Saskatchewan without active cases. Personal protective measures protect you, your friends and family. For the health and safety of your community, act as if there is a risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 anytime you go out in public or meet with friends.”

The release reiterated the need for frequent hand-washing, limiting the size of gatherings and maintaining a physical distance of two metres to limit the spread of COVID-19. The release also said residents should wear a mask whenever physical distancing couldn’t be maintained.

A look at the numbers

The new cases reported Friday comprised 24 in the south, one in the central region, one in the north and one in the Regina area.

Among the cases were 21 from Hutterite colonies in the southwest and west-central regions of the province. There now are 21 Hutterite communities in Saskatchewan with active cases.

“As of July 24, there are 189 total cases (active and recovered) in the southwest region: 172 of these are on 11 colonies and 17 are in the general community,” the release said. “In the west-central region, there are 93 total cases (active and recovered): 76 are on 10 colonies and 17 are in the general community.”

The total number of cases in Saskatchewan to date is 1,099.

There were 10 more recoveries reported Friday, increasing that total so far to 848. To date, 16 people have died in Saskatchewan due to complications from COVID-19.

The number of active cases stands at 235, with 132 in the south, 56 in the central region, 23 in the Saskatoon area, 10 in the far north, nine in the north and five in the Regina region.

It’s the first time Saskatchewan’s number of active cases has exceeded 230.

There are 14 people in hospital in the province, including 10 (five in Saskatoon, two in the south, one in the north, one in Regina and one in the central region) who are receiving inpatient care. Four people — three in Saskatoon and one in the south — are in intensive care.

Of the total number of cases, 571 are community contacts, 216 don’t have any known exposures, 197 are travellers and 115 are under investigation by local public health officials.

The total includes 59 health-care workers.

To date, there have been 347 cases in the far north, 220 in the south, 218 from the Saskatoon area, 129 in the north, 97 from the central region and 88 in the Regina area.

The total includes 364 cases in the 20-to-39 age range, 345 ranging in age from 40 to 59, 187 between the ages of 60 and 79, 169 involving people 19 and under, and 34 in the 80-and-over category.

A new single-day high of 1,604 tests were performed, increasing the province’s total to date to 87,988.

The government didn’t hold a media availability Friday to discuss the numbers.

Businesses in northwest move into next phase

The government also announced that, effective Friday, businesses, services and events in northwest Saskatchewan could join other regions in Phase 4 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

The list of critical services and allowable businesses is available here.