Saskatchewan has eight new cases of COVID-19 as of March 31, bringing the provincial total to 184.
Four people are in the hospital, with three receiving inpatient care in Saskatoon. One person is in the ICU in Regina.
The number of cases considered local transmission — not spread from travel or from a large group gathering— has risen to nine.
Ninety, or about half, of the cases, are from the Saskatoon area. Thirty-nine are from Regina, 37 from the north, nine from the central region, six from the south and three from the far north. men make up 55 per cent of cases, with women making up the remaining 45 per cent.
Six of the cases are in kids aged 19 or under, 83 in the 20-44 age range, 64 in the 45-64 range and 31 in the 65-plus range.
There were no new deaths reported Tuesday. So far, two residents, both in their 70s, have died due to complications from COVID-19.
Seven more people have recovered from the virus, bringing the provincial total to 21.
So far, 10,216 tests have been performed int he province, an increase of 475 since yesterday. Saskatchewan has the second-highest rate of testing per capita among provinces.
The province is encouraging residents to stay vigilant.
“Today’s number of new cases may be the lowest in a week, but it’s important not to get complacent with precautions for COVID-19,” the province wrote in a press release.
“It’s as important as ever to stay home whenever possible, and to avoid close contact (a minimum of two metres) with others to prevent spreading the virus.”
The province said that reports of people disregarding directives to self-isolate if exposed to COVID-19 will only increase the amount of time it takes to flatten the curve.
“Do your part to help protect yourself, your neighbours and your community,” the press release said.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab is not scheduled to speak to media today. The province will have a press conference at 3 p.m. to discuss supports through the Ministry of Social Services.
The province provided the following tips to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);
- Wash your hands often with soap and water;
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Maintain safe food practices;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Avoid unnecessary travel – inside and outside your community;
- Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited and you must practice social distancing; and
- If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or breathing issues) use the self-assessment tool at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 to determine if you should contact HealthLine 811.
