As the coronavirus pandemic surges in Canada and across the world, deaths in the last two flu seasons in Saskatchewan have been outstripped by COVID-19, according to government statistics.
In the last flu season, Sept. 1, 2019 to March 21, 2020, Saskatchewan saw 15 hospital deaths from severe influenza. The flu season of 2018-19 saw 11 such deaths, totaling 26 over the two seasons.
Recorded COVID-19 deaths so far in Saskatchewan number 31, as of Nov. 15.
Officials have been urging the public to adhere to mask wearing guidelines, including Dr. Susan Shaw, Saskatchewan Health Authority’s chief medical officer. Shaw said recently, “...in the days ahead, I and my colleagues will have to tell more families that their loved one isn’t going to make it. Compared to that, I believe that we’re at what we are asking at the public isn’t so hard.” Shaw was referring to wearing masks in public indoor spaces and following other guidelines.
“When people come to the hospital, they often beg us to do everything we can. And now we are begging, in return, to do everything you can,” Shaw said. “Make your bubble the smallest possible. Wash your hands regularly. Comply with all the public health orders. And please, put on a mask whenever you’re in a public indoor space. Putting on a mask is not a political statement. It’s a scientific one. And it’s a statement of love.
“If you’re not willing to do it when it’s recommended, then I invite you to trade places or join me for those conversations with family members and loved ones are so sick and are dying. I assure you, that conversation is much more difficult than wearing a mask.” Shaw said.
