Phase 2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan saw more businesses across Prince Albert open including malls such as the Gateway Mall and other retail operations opening the province is cautiously optimistic. With only nine new cases over the Victoria Day long weekend including seven today Premier Scott Moe saw the news as positive in his first press conference since last Thursday.

“A significant number of Saskatchewan businesses will reopen today and a significant number of Saskatchewan people will have an opportunity to return to work and I know many people in Saskatchewan are looking forward to getting a haircut and I count myself among one of them,” Moe said.

Places reopening in Phase 2 include hair salons, clothing stores, shoe stores, flower shops and other businesses. Moe also on to playfully poke fun at the popularity of Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab whose fashions have become a popular item throughout the pandemic.

“…or maybe visiting their favourite clothing stores and pick up a new shirt or a new cardigan possibly. I expect that cardigans popularity has gone up substantially in this province over the past few weeks and for good reason,”
All of these things have to be done with new social practices in place.

“And of course each and every one of those businesses and their employees and their customers must continue to follow the safe physical distancing practices that have worked so well to date,”

Moe emphasized that the people of the province will have to continue to be responsible and do the excellent practices they have thus far.

“And I am confident that will happen and that we can continue to safely and successfully reopen our province Saskatchewan and giving Saskatchewan people the opportunity to return to work,” Moe said.

When Shahab addressed the issue of safe practices such as going on days when there is less crowding and there are items you need.

“I think just like when grocery stores were opened good information that was given out in terms of try to go at times when the crowding is less and really try to go at the same time and the same can apply to malls and other businesses as they open and the same goes for hair salons and other businesses if there is an appointment system in place the waiting times will be long but I think we all need some patience with that ,” Shahab said.

“Go to the malls really to shop for what you need and support businesses in that way and obviously comply with whatever measures are in place to minimize crowding in those settings as well.”

As far as Phase 3 of the plan the province is taking a careful approach but if things continue to go well Moe expects it to start sometime in June. Phase 3 would include opening of some restaurants and increasing numbers of people allowed in groups. Moe note that businesses have changed how they operate and that has been successful.

“I think in fairness what we have seen with the businesses that are open and have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and now open today or opened in Phase 1 have had to change how they are operating,” Moe said.

He emphasized that businesses have already changed and that restaurants would have to join them. The businesses in Phase 3 would need some time to prepare and would need lead time.

“We will move forward with setting a target date for opening and we need to continue to monitor the numbers of infections, we are in a very critical stage and we are opening up Phase 2 here today. I am confident in Saskatchewan people that we will be able to continue to the flatten the COVID-19 infection curve here in the province but it is necessary for us to be very vigilant in our personal physical distancing measures in order for that to happen,” Moe said.

Moe explained that they will “rough out” a target date in the days and weeks ahead to give the businesses in Phase 3 some kind of clarity.

“We will watch the numbers in the days ahead so that we are able to adjust that target date if necessary but the hope would be that we wouldn’t have to adjust that target date,” Moe said.

According to Shahab you would need a minimum of two weeks or three weeks in between phases and possibly longer.

“I think we need to let Phase 2 reopen and then start planning for Phase 3,” he explained.

Shahab continued his theme of maintaining proper practices as Phase 2 begins.

“And again as we re-engage in this Phase 2 of Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan maintaining that social distancing while you are out and about during the outdoor weather or while shopping or going to work is really important,” Shahab said.

The Government of Saskatchewan amended the public health order and the travel restrictions in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration Districtas the risk of transmission of COVID-19 has decreased. Travel restrictions will remain applied to the northwest region.

Travel to and from all other areas of the north – commercial, domestic and recreational as outlined in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan is now permitted. At Tuesday’s news conference, Premier Scott Moe explained that the situation around La Loche continues to improve.

“There are still 107 active cases in the far north and virtually all of those cases are in the northwestern portion of our province,” Moe said.

Following consultation with leaders in the area, the restrictions will be lifted in areas including La Ronge and Air Ronge. He explained that it will remain in place in the northwest including La Loche.

“Volunteers, healthcare workers, public safety officers and many others continue to do a great job in La Loche and in many other northern communities as they work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. We hope to be able to safely lift the travel restrictions in those communities as well in the not too distant future,” Moe said.

The public health order will include clarity for northwestern community leaders, residents and checkpoint staff to ensure that people can obtain essential goods and services when travelling for medical purposes.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab explained that this shows how quick moving changes can be based around information around outbreaks and that they hope the northwest restrictions can soon be resided.

“We have to recognize that these kinds of steps may be required anywhere in the province if we see a cluster an outbreak and it is hard for communities when something like this happens. But again, we can see that once it is applied you can get ahead of the outbreak as long as all of the other inputs that are required which include staying in your home if there is an outbreak,” Shahab said.

Shahab explained that as testing continues to ramp up this will improve the situation.

“In terms of testing again we are seeing a bit of an increase in testing we really hope that people continue to seek testing for any symptoms over the next few months and if people have concerns as they are out and about and we are reopening businesses in terms of testing capacity that is available in Saskatchewan any mild symptoms you can seek testing and if you have concerns you can seek advice in terms of concerns you may have or your employees may have,” Shahab said.

Municipalities, First Nations and recreational subdivisions that will remain under the current public health order restricting non-essential travel are: Bear Creek, Beauval, Birch Narrows, Dene Nation, Black Point, Buffalo Narrows, Buffalo River, Dene Nation, Canoe Lake First Nation, Clearwater River Dene Nation, Cole Bay, Descharme Lake, Dillon, Dore Lake, English River First Nation, Garson Lake, Green Lake, Ile a la Crosse, Jan’s Bay, Lac La Ronge, La Loche, Little Amyot Lake, Michel Village, Patuanak, St. George’s Hill, Sled Lake, and Turnor Lake.

This list will be updated as the risk of COVID-19 transmission changes.

Province lifts supply limit on prescription drugs

Effective Wednesday, the Saskatchewan government is lifting the supply limits on prescription drugs that were introduced to guard against drug shortages the province announced in a release on Monday.

Saskatchewan residents who have prescriptions for long-term medications will be able to fill prescriptions as they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, except in limited situations where a specific drug remains in short supply.

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in significant shortages for certain drugs and uncertainty regarding the overall Canadian drug supply. To manage drugs in short supply and prevent further shortages, Saskatchewan took decisive action to manage the drug supply to ensure that all patients, especially those most vulnerable, would have continued access to necessary medications.

On March 18, Saskatchewan, along with many other provinces and territories, limited prescription fills to one month to ensure the continued supply and to prevent the stockpiling of prescription medications with some exceptions for drugs on a specified maintenance list.

“As we navigate the unknowns presented by COVID-19, ensuring the availability of medications for all Saskatchewan residents is a priority,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said.

“Today, the drug supply is in a more stable position due to the actions of pharmacists, patients and other stakeholders in response to the prescription limits.

“We sincerely thank them for their support and understanding.”

“We continue to support the Ministry of Health’s careful management through this challenge to ensure Saskatchewan residents get the medications they need,” Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan CEO Dawn Martin said.

“Front-line pharmacists work hard every day for their patients, and will continue to do so through this difficult and unpredictable time.”

The supply limits did not affect most Saskatchewan residents, as 87 per cent of Saskatchewan prescriptions are filled for a 34-day supply of medication.

“As the pharmacy regulatory body, we are supportive of the decision to remove the restrictions that were put in place to support the drug supply chain during the early days of COVID-19,” Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals Registrar Jeana Wendel said. “As a result of these measures, the drug supply chain has stabilized; however, it remains critical for pharmacists to ensure they are being stewards of the drug supply to ensure all Saskatchewan residents can continue to receive the medications they need.”

Though the majority of the Canadian drug supply is more stable, some drugs (e.g. salbutamol inhalers) and drug classes (e.g. sedatives and antibiotics) are in short supply. For these medications, pharmacists will use their judgement and dispense appropriate quantities.The drug supply is being actively monitored, at federal and provincial levels, as the pandemic evolves.

Province announces seven new active cases in the far north Monday

After recording no new cases yesterday for the first time since March 15 the province of Saskatchewan is reporting seven new active cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday which leaves the provincial total at 599.

All of the new cases are in the far north region with four cases in Beauval and three in La Loche.

There are currently 470 recoveries and six cases resulting in deaths, 123 cases are considered active, which is a drop of eight cases from the Monday update.

Fifteen more recoveries have been reported for the second consecutive day.

There are still five people in hospital with illnesses related to COVID-19. Two are receiving inpatient care, with one each in the Saskatoon and Regina, there are also three people in Saskatoon in intensive care. The province is emphasizing that these areas are where the patient is hospitalized, not the regions where they live. Active cases are included in the number for their region of residence.

There are currently 48 cases who are health care workers; however, the source of the infections is not related to their work environments in all instances, 226 of the cases are from the far north, 164 are from the Saskatoon area, 106 are from the north, 76 are from the Regina area, 15 are from the south and 12 are from the central region.

Of the 590 cases in the province: 139 cases are related to travel, 323 are community contacts, which includes mass gatherings, 69 have no known exposures and 68 are under investigation by local public health.

The age breakdown shows 84 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, 216 cases are in the 20-39 age range, 182 are in the 40-59 age range, 99 are in the 60-79 age range and 18 are in the 80-plus range.

Fifty-one per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.

As of May 19, 41,606 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province.

On Tuesday the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) began to resume some health services in varying parts of the province as a cautious first step toward re-opening the health system. Calling into the daily press conference on Tuesday afternoon SHA CEO Scott Livingstone explained that the ‘new normal’ in the healthcare system would take some time.

Livingstone also thanked healthcare workers across the province.

“I am proud of the work they are doing each and every day and I am sure they will provide safe and quality care to the people of the province,” Livingstone said.

The system will be reopening slowly and cautiously and each part of the province may look different but services will begin returning.

Tuesday marked the first day of phase one, with a focus on resuming a few everyday services such as outpatient physiotherapy appointments, kidney health services, some laboratory services, home care (e.g. bathing services) and expanded immunizations.

“We will also see surgical services slowly increasing to accommodate more patients who are on our waiting lists, as well as lab services and diagnostic imaging are also expanding their volumes as well,” Livingstone said.

As part of taking an approach that is tailored to health system readiness in various areas of the province, it should be noted that not all services listed in phase one will begin immediately on May 19.

There will also be an increase in mental health face to face services and placements rescheduled for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

“While we know that some parts of the province are still experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks we also know that there are several people across this province that are needing these services that have been on hold for a number of weeks. During the first phase of resumption we plan on balancing both sides of the equation by being both flexible and adaptive and we will not move further to expand services until we are confident that we can safely take care of patients at the same time as managing COVID response,” Livingstone said.

The services listed in phase one of the plan are those that may start beginning May 19, subject to an approval process that ensures service resumption is undertaken in a considered, thoughtful and safe manner.

Some areas of the province will be ready to resume services, while others are not yet ready. In many cases, the public can expect that their health care experience will be different than prior to the pandemic because of additional measures in place to protect patients and staff. These include adaptation of waiting room practices to promote physical distancing, additional emphasis on virtual care, wherever possible, and additional screening at health care facilities.

The SHA is asking for patience, as these practices are necessary for safety reasons but may cause delays and inconveniences for patients seeking care as services resume. Phase one will also include an expansion of surgeries beyond “three week urgent and emergent cases” to now include “six week urgent cases”.

“I need to stress that just because some of the services are returning we are in no way going back to normal and we are a long way from our normal volume in terms of healthcare and we continue to monitor it in upcoming weeks,” he explained.

A pause on non-urgent and elective surgeries two months ago was necessary to minimize risk to those not needing emergent care, while ensuring hospitals had capacity for a surge in COVID patients. While that need has not changed, the SHA also recognizes the importance of cautiously increasing surgeries for the physical and mental well-being of those on waiting lists

“The public can expect that their healthcare experience is going to look different than it was prior to the pandemic because of the additional measures we will have to put into place to protect both patients and staff.

This will include adoptions of waiting room practices to promote physical distancing, emphasis on virtual care and screening at all healthcare facilities.

“The SHA is asking for patience as these practices are necessary for safety reasons but they may cause some inconveniences for patients as we start to get into this new routine of normal monitoring for COVID as we expand services. I would also like to remind the public that these new restrictions are still in place at our facilities which include long term care homes,” Livingstone said.

A pause on non-urgent and elective surgeries two months ago was necessary to minimize risk to those not needing emergent care, while ensuring hospitals had capacity for a surge in COVID patients. While that need has not changed, the SHA also recognizes the importance of cautiously increasing surgeries for the physical and mental well-being of those on waiting lists.

“A patient’s priority on the surgery list will be determined based on a clinical assessment by their physicians, in consultation with the patient,” SHA’s Physician Executive of Integrated Health Urban Dr. Rashaad Hansia said in a release.

“It’s not based only on the type of surgery needed. Given the complexity of the work involved to resume surgical services in as safe a manner as possible, we won’t see a significant increase right away. What we are seeing is surgeons working with their patients to assess their needs and determine who qualifies for the six week urgent category, then scheduling those for today and in the weeks ahead.”

The priority of surgeries resumed is being done in collaboration with surgeons, and based on their assessments of patients and recommendations. The availability of surgical bookings for each provider is being balanced across all the surgical specialties, and considers the availability of appropriate post-surgical care such as nursing and therapies. Medical Imaging departments are also cautiously increasing CT, MRI and other diagnostic testing to enable non-urgent and elective exams.

However, surgery bookings and the other every day health services resuming today, and in the days ahead, will not be resumed based on a one size fits all approach. Service resumption will vary based on a multitude of factors, including considerations around localized outbreak status, capacity, requirements around adhering to public health orders and other factors used to ensure safety and readiness.

“On behalf of our healthcare teams I would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through these changes together and make every effort to provide the best healthcare we can for Saskatchewan residents,” Livingstone said.