The Saskatchewan government says four new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 have been made. This brings the total number of people in the province to have the virus to six
One resident is a health care worker in their 30’s who has a recent history of travel to Nigeria and Germany, as well as Alberta. The individual is recovering in northern Saskatchewan.
Two presumptive cases are in their 40’s and live in the same household in Regina. One recently travelled to Vancouver for a dental conference at which an attendee was later confirmed to have COVID-19. The two were tested March 13th and are self-isolating while they recover.
The other new case is an individual in their 20’s who has a history of travel to Tennessee. That individual was tested in Regina and is now self-isolating in their home community.
Public Health officials are following up with individuals who had close contact with all of these cases and who may be at risk of developing COVID-19. You will be notified if you are a close contact and need to take further measures.
In all, the province says it has tested 349 people as of Friday. Tests are by referral only with people being referred by either HealthLine or family doctors who can both do assessments over the phone.
On Friday, The SHA opened two standalone assessment and testing centres for the virus in Regina and Saskatoon. Another one will open Monday in Prince Albert.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab will be speaking more on the four latest cases at a Sunday morning news conference in Regina.
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is implementing visitor restrictions immediately for SHA-operated hospitals, clinics and continuing care facilities in an effort to minimize and contain the spread of COVID-19.
Visitor restrictions are now in place, effective immediately, at all SHA-operated hospitals, clinics, community and continuing care facilities to help minimize and contain the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for cooperating.
Read full details:https://t.co/8wGJ36HIEh
— Saskatchewan Health Authority (@SaskHealth) March 15, 2020
For patients who are in critical care or high acuity units in SHA hospitals, visitors will be restricted to one at a time, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
All community, foundation and other public and spiritual gatherings within any SHA-operated facility are on hold effective immediately until further notice.
Services provided by community volunteers who are 65 years of age or older, in non-essential service areas are being suspended as proper measures must be taken to limit non-essential community interaction in our facilities. Non-essential volunteer service areas are determined by each individual facility.
The SHA is also asking you delay any visits if you have any respiratory or gastric symptoms like ones for the common cold or diarrhea/vomiting and if you have travelled outside Saskatchewan within the last 14 days or have flu-like symptom
