As the province deals with its second presumptive case of COVID-19, the Sask. government is taking measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.
A resident is in their 60s with travel from Oregon State. The test was conducted in Saskatoon on March 10 and the individual has been well enough to self-isolate at home.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab stated he does not believe there was community transmission, as public contact was little.
Effective Monday there will be no public gathering of over 250 people in any one room take place.
This does not include settings where people are distributed into multiple rooms or buildings, such as schools, universities or workplaces.
No events of over 50 people with speakers or attendees who have travelled internationally in the last 14 days take place, yet retail locations and Faith based organizations are exempt.
Libraries, public facilities and fitness areas are not included in the ban, but businesses are encouraged to examine ways to help decrease the threat.
As for going out in the public, residents are asked to assess their own risk and to make the decision accordingly.
Government travel internationally will be prohibited and domestic travel will be restricted.
These restrictions will be in place until further notice and may be amended based on the threat level.
The government is expected to ramp up testing in the coming days and open assessment sites as well.
To avoid a backlog of testing, only people experiencing symptoms should get tested and immediately begin self-isolation.
More than 300 people in Sask. have been tested with much more anticipated.
“Reduce the risk where we can,” said Premier Moe. “We can’t eliminate the risk.”
The restrictions and heightened concern follows a conference call Friday with the Prime Minister, other Premiers and top health officials.
The underlying message is to as a precaution self-isolate if feeling ill, avoid large gatherings, handshaking and wash your hands.
The 811 health line’s recent call volume has seen calls drop or people wait unusually long times to speak with a health professional.
Health Minister Jim Reiter said the Sask. Health Authority has doubled the amount of phone lines from 32 to 69, employed more staff and anticipates the need to get greater.
Dr. Shahab said he is paying special attention to First Nations, and rural and remote communities to ensure residents have timely access to testing.
Fond Du Lac First Nation Chief Louis Mercredi said his community is not prepared for a Coronavirus outbreak and does not have the proper medical supplies.
The budget, slated to be delivered Wednesday will see no invited guests and public tours of the Legislative Assembly have been cancelled.
(Photo: Premier Moe announcing new public restrictions due to COVID-19. By Dan Jones)