The Saskatchewan Health Authority  is alerting the public of an increased risk of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOC) in multiple communities in the South West including Rosetown, Kindersley, Maple Creek, Swift Current, Davidson, and Moose Jaw and surrounding areas.

The increase is related to a number of recent large outdoor gatherings and failure to comply with current Public Health measures.

Residents of these areas are strongly urged to strictly adhere to all current public health order and measures, including:

• Immediately seek testing if you suspect you may have been exposed or if you are symptomatic.
• Wear an approved mask and wear it properly.
• Keep 2 metres away from others when in public and wear a mask.
• Limit gatherings and ensure gathering sizes do not exceed public health orders.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth or mask with unwashed or unsanitized hands.
• Stay home if you are unwell; seek health care services when you need help.
• Regularly monitor your health for any COVID-19 symptoms.

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 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.