What you missed this weekend; a look at the COVID statistics

It was, overall, a good May long weekend in terms of the COVID-19 figures in Saskatchewan.

From Saturday to the holiday Monday, Saskatchewan gained 399 new COVID cases, but 635 recoveries in the same time period dropped the active caseload to 1,537 — the lowest it has been since March 23. The seven-day average now sits at 142 — the lowest that figure has been since March 20.

Three new deaths were recorded over the weekend, bringing the total to 527 thus far in the pandemic. Hospitalizations dipped from 137 on May 16 to 133 on the holiday Monday. Those in ICU grew from 24 on May 16 to 28 on May 24.

When it comes to vaccinations, that was the big news announced Monday. Step 2 in the province’s Reopening Roadmap was met, meaning 70 per cent of those 30 and up in Saskatchewan have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine.

This opens the door to even more restrictions being lifted in the province on June 20. That includes capacity thresholds being lifted at retail, personal care services, restaurants and bars. Places such as event facilities, casinos and theatres will be able to bring in 150 people maximum, as well. Youth and adult sports restrictions will also be lifted.

When looking at the numbers, 32,271 Saskatchewanians were vaccinated over the three-day stretch. That includes 14,801 on Friday.

Seventy-six per cent of those 40 and up in the province have received their first dose and now 63 per cent of people 18 and over have their first jab.

Once the 70 per cent mark is reached in the latter age category, Step 3 on the roadmap will be scheduled. The province said “most remaining restrictions will be lifted,” but no specifics were shared in its original rollout. Mask guidance has not been determined at this time.

Overall in Saskatchewan, 58,180 second doses of the COVID vaccine have been distributed, accounting for just under five per cent of the population. The age range dropped again Monday, with those 80 and up now eligible for their second dose, along with those who received their first dose before March 1.