The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has declared a multi-jurisdictional community transmitted outbreak. Dr. Khami Chokani, Medical Health Officer for Prince Albert, officially declared the outbreak on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The SHA said that the outbreak appears to trace back to a series of Full Gospel Outreach events in Prince Albert from September 14 to October 4.
“It is being declared an outbreak as it involves numerous individuals with close contacts from multiple areas across the province,” the release said.
The increased exposure at the events was announced on Tuesday, October 6 by the SHA.
The contact tracing investigation currently involves more than 100 people across the province.
The release by the SHA explained that for every single positive case of COVID-19, Public Health interviews the case to determine with whom they have had contact during their infectious period.
Due to the large number of positive cases that have been traced to these events, Public Health officials are advising individuals who were at these events on the specified dates to self-isolate immediately and contact 811 for a referral. They should remain on isolation until assessed by their local Public health unit. It is important to note that individuals may develop symptoms from two to 14 days following exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Possible COVID-19 exposure at mass gatherings in Pelican Narrows and Waterhen Lake
Also on Wednesday afternoon the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority notified the public of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 attending wake/funeral events in Pelican Narrows and Waterhen Lake.
The Pelican Narrows event was on October 4 and 5 and the event in Pelican Narrows was on October 5.
Public Health officials are advising individuals who were at these events on the specified dates to self-isolate immediately if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and contact 811 or their community health clinic for a referral.
