The novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19. (Canadian Press)

By paNOW Staff

surge in new cases

Saskatchewan records 48 new COVID-19 cases, many in North Central zone

Oct 12, 2020 | 2:49 PM

There are 48 new cases of COVID-19 being reported in Saskatchewan, 19 of which are in the province’s North Central zone, an area that includes Prince Albert. Meanwhile, the Premier is calling on the public to exercise increased vigilance.

The latest numbers brings the total provincial tally to 2,140 cases. The remainder of the new cases are located in the Far North West (one), North West (three), North East(one), Saskatoon (13), Central West(one), Central East (three), South West (one), South East (one), and Regina (five) zones.

There is a public health investigation underway to determine the source of exposure for the latest new cases. On Sunday, Oct. 11, 12 northern cases were reported to have links to the Gospel Outreach outbreak in Prince Albert. It is anticipated many of today’s reported cases will also have a connection to that event.

The province said there is an increase of cases throughout Saskatchewan with connections to public and private social gatherings at home and other venues.

Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab continues to call for vigilance and extreme caution for any gathering that includes anyone outside your extended household bubble. He continues to strongly recommend masks in indoor public locations where a two-meter distance is not possible or predictable. Stay home if you are sick.

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The province in its latest release to media is warning that contravening public health orders can result in fines in cases where negligence and misconduct are found. The fine can range from $2,000 for individuals and rise up to $10,000 for corporations, plus a victim surcharge.

Calls for vigilance

Premier Scott Moe also issued a media release, calling for all to increase vigilance and contain the virus from spreading.

“We have seen our case numbers rise on a number of occasions over the past few months and every time, Saskatchewan people have been able to bring those numbers back down again through our collective efforts,” Moe said, in part. “So let’s be especially vigilant in the days ahead. Keep physically distancing, wear a mask when distancing may not be possible, wash your hands often, stay home if you are feeling unwell at all, avoid any unnecessary out of province travel and try to limit your number of close contacts as much as possible.”

Moe added it only takes a few rule-breakers to lead to increased case numbers. The release specifically cited several new cases related to the Gospel Outreach outbreak in Prince Albert.

The premier himself is currently self-monitoring after attending a confirmed COVID-19 exposure location in the city earlier this month.

Of the total provincial cases, 215 are considered active. The province has recorded 1,900 recoveries.

There are eight people in hospital. Seven are receiving inpatient care with five in Saskatoon and two in Regina. There is one patient receiving intensive care in Regina.

Of the 2,140 cases, 314 are travellers, 1,061 are community contacts (including mass gatherings), 603 have no known exposures and 162 are under investigation by local public health.

Across the province, 78 cases are healthcare workers (although not all sourced their infections from work). There are 366 cases involving people aged 19 years old and younger.

There are 717 cases in the 20 to 39 age range, 645 in the 40 to 59 age range, 342 in the 60 to 79 age range and 70 in the 80-plus age range.

Fifty-one per cent of cases are females and 49 per cent are males.

There are 25 deaths related to COVID-19 reported to date.

The latest COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan as of Oct. 12. (submitted photo/SHA)

There are:

• 465 cases are from the south area (226 south west, 207 south central, 32 south east)
• 442 cases are from the Saskatoon area
• 375 cases are from the far north area (356 far north west, 0 far north central, 19 far north east)
• 329 cases are from the north area (140 north west, 118 north central, 71 north east)
• 310 cases are from the central area (183 central west, 127 central east)
• 219 cases are from the Regina area

To date, 217,606 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province, with 3,237 performed yesterday — the highest daily number of tests reported to date.

Testing is available to anyone who requests it, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.

The history of COVID cases in the province, as of Oct. 12. (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff)

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panow@jpbg.ca