COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan took a sudden, unwanted step up Wednesday with the province's sixth reported death and 17 new cases diagnosed province-wide.
Most of the new cases - 11 in total - were reported from the far north portion of the province, specifically in the community of La Loche. An outbreak in the community was first reported April 17 and has been linked by the provincial government to an outbreak at a northern Alberta oil sands camp.
Fifty-seven people in the far north region, which includes Creighton and other Saskatchewan communities near Flin Flon, have tested positive for COVID-19. Out of the 57, 52 people still have the disease according to the province.
Another outbreak in western Saskatchewan was mentioned by the province April 29, this time in Lloydminster. Five people in the north region, including four in Lloydminster, were reported to now have the disease. Four people in Lloydminster are now receiving in-patient care in hospital, though it is unclear if the four people in hospital are the same people who make up the four new cases.
The outbreak in Lloydminster is centred around the local hospital, where 13 individual cases have been identified, including five health care workers and eight patients. Patients with COVID-19 being looked after at the hospital have been moved to separate areas of the hospital. While the hospital will continue to take in COVID-19 patients, non-COVID-19-related cases may be moved to another medical facility.
A public health risk assessment is in the works for the site.
Mass gatherings are still banned by provincial decree, despite at least two public events being held within Saskatchewan in recent days. All gatherings indoors and out have been limited to 10 people only while maintaining a distance of two metres.
