SHA warns of increase in variant cases in southwest Sask. due to large gatherings

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said Wednesday large outdoor gatherings are to blame for an increase in cases of COVID-19 variants of concern in the southwest part of the province.

In a media release, the SHA said there was an increased risk of variants of concern in and around Rosetown, Kindersley, Maple Creek, Swift Current, Davidson and Moose Jaw.

“The increase is related to a number of recent large outdoor gatherings and failure to comply with current public health measures,” the SHA release said.

No further details were provided about the get-togethers.

The authority urged residents in those areas to follow the public health orders, which were updated Tuesday to include limiting private indoor gatherings to members of immediate households only.

As well, all in-person worship services will be capped at 30 people as of Friday morning.

The SHA reminded people in all areas of the province to wear masks, practise physical distancing and proper hand hygiene, seek testing if they feel ill and work from home if possible.

According to the Ministry of Health, 3,901 variant cases have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan. That includes 2,532 cases in the Regina region, 378 in the southeast, 333 in the south-central zone, 328 in the Saskatoon area, and 48 in the southwest zone.

The number in the southwest has nearly doubled since Saturday, when there were 26 cases identified. But other regions have seen larger increases in the past five days, including the Regina (279), Saskatoon (138), southeast (77) and south-central (48) areas.

“COVID-19 variants of concern are highly contagious, transmitting quickly within the community and can result in more severe disease and should be considered dangerous,” the SHA said.

“The increased spread of COVID-19 and its variants could result in more illness, hospitalizations and deaths, with many of those falling ill younger than previously seen during the pandemic.”