The latest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the province were more encouraging news for Premier Scott Moe at his daily news conference in Regina.
The province reported five new cases – four in La Loche and one in Regina. Of La Loche, Moe said the situation there “continues to stabilize.”
Regarding the Regina case, Dr. Saqib Shahab confirmed the case is of a patient at Pasqua Hospital there, and “because of that there is an investigation happening in the hospital,” he said. At this time there is no evidence of transmission, said Dr. Shahab.
It was also confirmed at the news conference the individual was a resident at an assisted living facility and public health is investigating. As for the hospital setting, out of an initial 60 individuals there were 20 potential close contacts who may be assessed further. But Dr. Shahab also noted that over time that list comes down quickly because health care workers are using masks most of the time.
Dr. Shahab also said there was a public service announcement to be issued for Lac La Ronge regarding several sites. There was a case in that area of an individual who on several days visited a gas station in Saskatoon, a Co-op bar in La Ronge, a Robertson’s store in La Ronge, a supermarket in La Ronge and a gas bar in La Ronge. The reason for the announcement is there is no record on who has come on those dates, so it is a flag for those who visited those locations on those dates.
The case was also involved in a gathering that may have been larger than 10 people, so an investigation is happening there as well.
“The risk remains and we really need to try and avoid any gatherings that can result in transmission beyond our immediate household or if you feel comfortable, two or three friends or two or three virtual households.”
Dr. Shahab also noted just because there is COVID-19 doesn’t mean other risks have gone away. He pointed in particular to a case of hantavirus reported this week, and he reminded people to be cautious and take hantavirus precautions.
