The province of Saskatchewan is reporting another nine cases province-wide Thursday, reaching a total of 95.
One of three northern Saskatchewan COVID-19 cases has been confirmed as a case of community transmission.
The number of cases reported in northern Saskatchewan has stayed at three, all confirmed. In total, tests have been ordered for 102 patients in northern Saskatchewan, all testing negative except for three. None of the three people who have tested positive currently require hospitalization.
Three of the 95 total COVID-19 cases - one in central Saskatchewan, one in the south and one in Saskatoon - have been considered "recovered". Five cases, including three in Regina and two in Saskatoon, have led to hospitalization, while two cases in total, one in Saskatoon and another in Regina, have led to people who have tested positive being in intensive care.
Five cases in Saskatchewan are currently believed to be a case of local transmission.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, just under 7,000 tests have been conducted in Saskatchewan.
Any indoor or outdoor gathering in Saskatchewan has been limited to no more than 10 people, barring critical services.
In response to the growing numbers, the province has suspended residential eviction hearings temporarily. The Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies will not accept any more applications for eviction because of missed rent or late payments during the COVID-19 situation. Previously scheduled non-urgent hearings have been cancelled.
“Under the circumstances, we want to ensure that tenants facing hardship as a result of COVID-19 can remain in their homes and follow all orders and recommendations from the Chief Medical Health Officer,” said provincial justice minister and attorney general Don Morgan in a March 26 press release.
“An essential part of flattening the curve is staying home and self-isolating. We want to provide piece of mind that those taking the necessary precautions as a result of this unprecedented situation will still have a roof over their head.”
A government press release stated, "Government is specifically concerned that evicted tenants will be unable to self-isolate or physically distance themselves from others, potentially increasing the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19."
The province also suspended in-person fine payments at provincial court offices, including late payment fees and fees to Canada Revenue Agency, collection agencies and to SGI for driver's license suspensions. Fines can still be paid online at finepayment.saskatchewan.ca, via mail or through the Fine Collection branch at 1-888-935-5555.
