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New presumptive COVID-19 case in far north Sask. tied to care home

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Saskatchewan, including one presumptive case in the far north. The new far northern case is the first new case in the region reported since April 13.
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Two new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Saskatchewan, including one presumptive case in the far north.

The new far northern case is the first new case in the region reported since April 13. Only two new cases of the disease were reported April 17, with one reported in the far north region and the other reported in Regina. Both cases have been tied to care homes.

In an April 17 media briefing, Saskatchewan chief medical officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said a staff member in a long-term care facility in the far north had previously tested positive for the disease. Shahab said an additional three cases of COVID-19 have been tied to that initial case, including one in a resident at the home.

"We have just been informed this afternoon of three additional cases - two are from household contacts and one, unfortunately, is a resident of the long-term care facility," Shahab said, referring to the situation as an outbreak.

"We have an outbreak situation in the north, which is being actively managed by the medical health officers and the staff at the assisted living facility."

No information was given regarding which northern community the cases were reported in. 

Shahab emphasized the need to look after the elderly in the April 17 briefing.

"While our overall cases are low, we need to emphasize testing of the most vulnerable people," Shahab said.

Province-wide, nine more recoveries from COVID-19 have been reported, bringing the number of overall active cases in Saskatchewan down to 75.

"This is very good news," said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe in the briefing.

"While our cases are still very low, we can still expect some localized outbreaks from time to time."

The province plans to bring into effect one key change meant to disrupt transmission of the disease through seniors' housing. Effective April 28, staff at long-term care homes will no longer be able to work at more than one facility. Care homes will need to seek approval from a medical health officer to allow staff members to work at more than one facility during the outbreak. All long-term care staff members will have to undergo health screenings and temperature checks before entering facilities.

Restrictions on visitors to care homes and hospitals are continuing. Visits have been restricted to family members or designates for compassionate reasons during the outbreak. Visitors will now need to undergo health screening befor being allowed inside.

"Together, we are reducing the spread. Together, we are flattening the curve," Moe said.

A total of 22,207 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan during the outbreak.

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