Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 situation is finally beginning to slow down.
Only one new case of the disease, found in Regina, was reported in Saskatchewan June 1. Cases in the far north and northern regions of the province have gradually slowed, seeing only one case reported in the past four days.
Saskatchewan has reported 646 total cases during the outbreak, but only 47 remain active. Six people who were previously sick were announced June 1 as having recovered.
The province has made testing available to any people working outside their home or anyone heading back to work as part of the provincial Reopen Saskatchewan plan.
Testing criteria in Saskatchewan will be expanded June 5 to include anyone who has been admitted to acute care for more than 24 hours, including expectant mothers, and to immunocompromised people. Residents of northern Saskatchewan communities near Flin Flon are able to access testing in Flin Flon at the R.H. Channing Auditorium.
While one new case was found June 1, the provincial total remained the same - a previously reported positive test was retested and found to be negative.
The province explained the false positive by saying any tests that are in question are retested and an additional sample is taken from the subject.
“When no symptoms are present, testing one day doesn’t mean you’re negative for COVID-19. False negative results may occur early in the course of the infection, for example if someone was tested too soon after being exposed to COVID-19. Get tested again if symptoms develop,” read a statement from the province.
“This is why it is crucial for Saskatchewan residents to continue to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 at all times.”
The province is on track to enter phase three of its Reopen Saskatchewan plan next week.
