A second presumptive case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan has been announced by the provincial health ministry.
The resident is in their 60s. They travelled from Oregon in the U.S. The test was conducted in Saskatoon on March 10 and the individual has been well enough to self-isolate at home.
Public health officials said they have begun their contact investigation to follow up on anyone who may be at risk of developing COVID-19 because of contact with this individual.
“If you do not receive a call from public health, you are not at risk of transmission of COVID-19 from this individual,” the media release said.
The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory reported the positive lab sample March 13, 2020, and has forwarded it to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmation.
“All travelers – including those to the U.S. – need to monitor their health for 14 days upon return to Canada and be prepared to stay home if you have a fever or cough,” said Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer.
According to current research on COVID-19, 80 per cent of individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience only mild symptoms, says the provincial government. They will be able to self-isolate and recover at home. Monitoring for symptoms and staying home when you are sick is important to prevent transmission and ensure acute care resources are reserved for those at highest risk of severe illness.
