Five more cases were reported June 22, with four of those cases in the far north region.
Some bad news and good news came on the COVID-19 front over the last week. A new outbreak, found in two Hutterite communities in southwest Saskatchewan, was reported last week. At least 14 positive cases of COVID-19 have been linked directly by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to that outbreak.
On the positive side, a possible community outbreak in Saskatoon after a pair of large gatherings was officially considered over by the SHA June 22. The outbreak was originally called May 27 after several cases of COVID-19 were linked to the gatherings, held in early May.
Saskatchewan has now reported 751 total cases of COVID-19 province-wide. Ninety-five active cases of COVID-19 remain active as of June 22. Just over half of those cases - 50 in total - are reported in northern communities.
Schools are expected to return to in-class normal in Saskatchewan this fall, as early as Sept. 1. The provincial government announced a new slate of rules for pre-K to Grade 12 schools to follow, contained in an eight-page document sent out to school officials, teachers and staff.
Handwashing and hand sanitizer use will be encouraged, while mask use will not be mandated beyond being used by staff “as part of their regular precautions for hazards normally encountered in the workplace.” Physical contact with children is discouraged and school staff are encouraged to stagger recess, snack times and lunch times to provide more space and less chance of creating crowds. Social distancing is encouraged at all times.
The opposition Saskatchewan NDP pressed the ruling Saskatchewan Party for more information on the provincial reopening plan, how it may be funded and whether existing issues with some Saskatchewan educational facilities will be fixed along with the provincial plan.
“Parents, teachers, kids - everyone wants to see schools reopen safely this fall,” said Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili in a June 22 statement.
“We’ve seen from other places that it is going to take a lot of thought, a lot of work and some dedicated resources. It’s important we get this right.”
