April 2020 Updates

Below are COVID updates from local, provincial and national authorities:

April 1-4, 2020

April 1, 2020

• As of 18:45. EST on April 1, 2020, there are 9613 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. One-hundred-and-nine people have died from the virus. 
• A third individual has died in Saskatchewan as a result of COVID-19, the province announced on April 1. This person was between the ages of 80 and 89. 
• As of April 1, 2020, nine new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in Saskatchewan. This brings the province's total to 193. 
  • Four people are in hospital receiving care: three in inpatient care and one in ICU. 
  • Of the 193 cases:
    • Eighty-seven cases are travel related. 
    • Forty-one are community transmissions. 
    • Eight have no known exposures. 
    • Fifty-seven are under investigation by public health. 
  • Regarding the age demographics:
    • Six cases are individuals age 19 or younger. 
    • Eighty-seven cases are individuals age 20-44. 
    • Sixty-nine cases are individuals age 45-64. 
    • Thirty-one cases are individuals age 65 and older. 
  • Nine more people have recovered from COVID-19, bringing the number of recoveries to 30. 
  • So far 10,528 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan. 
• The Government has announced that in group living facilities, such as long-term care homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities or seniors condominiums, large gatherings of residents (10 people or more) must be avoided.
• The Government of Saskatchewan has extended its state of emergency for two more weeks, ending April 15, 2020. 

April 2, 2020

• As of 11:00 EST on April 2, 2020, there are 10,132 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 127 people have died from the virus. 
• As of April 2, 2020, 13 new cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 206. 
  • Two people are receiving inpatient care and two are in ICU. 
  • Six health care workers have become infected with the virus, bringing the total number of infected health care workers to 17. The six new health care worker cases are under investigation -- it's not clear where these individuals were exposed. 
  • Of the 206 cases:
    • 96 cases are related to travel;
    • 44 cases are community transmission;
    • 10 have no known exposures; and,
    • 56 are under investigation by public health. 
  • Regarding the age demographics:
    • 93 cases are in the 20-33 age range; 
    • 74 cases are in the 45-64 age range; and,
    • 33 cases are in the age 65+ range.
  • Thirty-six people in Saskatchewan have recovered from COVID-19. 

April 3, 2020

• As of 19:15 EST on April 3, 3030, there are 12,537 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 187 people have died from the virus. 
• The Government of Saskatchewan announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 on April 3, 2020, bringing the province's total to 220 cases. 
  • Three people are in hospital: two in inpatient care and one in ICU. 
  • Twelve more people have recovered from the virus. As of April 3, 48 people have recovered in Saskatchewan. 
  • Of the 220 cases in Saskatchewan:
    • 102 cases are travel-related;
    • 52 are from community transmission;
    • 10 have no known exposures; and,
    • 56 are under investigation.
  • So far, 12,112 COVID-19 tests have been completed in Saskatchewan. 
• An employee of the Eden Care assisted living facility in Regina has tested positive for COVID-19. The facility is now closed to admissions, discharges and transfers, and residents who have been in close contact with the employee are isolated and monitored for 14 days. 
• Beginning today, before employees working at long-term care facilities begin their shifts, they will have their temperature checked and will be checked for COVID-19 symptoms.

April 5-11, 2020

April 6, 2020

• As of April 6, 2020, Saskatchewan has four new confirmed cases of COVID-19, making the provincial total 253. Of these cases, 169 are considered active (confirmed cases minus the number of recovered or deceased).
  • Currently, four people are in hospital: two in inpatient care and two in ICU. 
  • Fourteen more people have recovered from COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 81 recoveries. 
  • Of the 253 cases:
    • 112 cases are travellers;
    • 77 are community transmission;
    • 14 have no known exposures; and, 
    • 50 are under investigation by public health. 
  • So far, 14,178 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• On April 5, the province warned residents to avoid contact with pets if the resident has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Transmission to and from pets has not been confirmed, and the measure was recommended as a precaution. 
• As of 11:30 EST on April 6, 2020, there are 15,822 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 293 people have died from the virus. 

April 7, 2020

• As of April 7, 2020, there are seven new cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 260. Of these cases, 169 are considered active (confirmed cases minus recovered and deceased). 
  • Seven people are currently in hospital: two in inpatient care and one in ICU in Saskatoon, and one in inpatient care and one in ICU in Regina. 
  • Seven more people have recovered from COVID-19. In total, 88 people have recovered in Saskatchewan. 
  • Of the 260 cases:
    • 115 are travel-related;
    • 80 are community transmissions;
    • 13 have no known exposures; and, 
    • 52 are being investigated. 
  • Twenty-five cases of COVID-19 are health care workers. 
  • So far, 14,722 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• As of 18:45 EST on April 7, 2020, there are 17,897 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 380 people have died from the virus. 

April 8, 2020

• As of 10:45 EST on April 8, 2020, there are 18,447 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 401 people have died from the virus.
• As of April 8, 2020, 11 new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 271.
  • One-hundred-sixty-five cases are considered active. 
  • Eight people are in hospital: six are receiving inpatient care and two are in ICU. 
  • Fifteen more people have recovered. So far, 103 people have recovered in Saskatchewan. 
  • Of the 271 cases, 26 are health care workers. 
    • One-hundred-nineteen are travel-related.
    • Ninety are community transmissions.
    • Sixteen have no known exposures. 
    • Forty-six are under investigation. 
  • To date, 15,621 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• On April 8, 2020, the Saskatchewan Health Authority released its next phase of COVID-19 response, along with modelling data. You can read the report and download the modelling presentation here.
  • A few key points from the response plan are:
    • Designated spaces within facilities to cohort COVID-19 patients will be created.
    • Twenty out of 65 hospitals will be designated COVID-19 hospitals if required.
    • Field hospitals in Regina and Saskatoon will be created to add acute care capacity. 
  • In the modelling data:
    • In scenario one, wherein Saskatchewan continues at the current levels of testing, tracing, and physical distancing, and basing the rate of transmission of early Canadian estimate, at the peak 4,265 COVID-19 patients will require acute hospital care simultaneously -- 1,280 of whom will need to be in the ICU. 
      • Scenario one has a cumulative number of deaths of 8,370, and a cumulative number of cases of 408,000.
    • In scenario two, wherein Saskatchewan continues at the current levels of testing, tracing, and physical distancing, and basing the rate of transmission seen in Italy (low range), at the peak 1,265 COVID-19 patients will require acute hospital care simultaneously -- 380 of whom will need to be in the ICU.
      • Scenario two has a cumulative number of deaths of 5,260, and a cumulative number of cases of 262,000.
    • In scenario three, wherein Saskatchewan continues at the current levels of testing, tracing, and physical distancing, and basing the rate of transmission seen in Wuhan, at the peak 390 COVID-19 patients will require acute hospital care simultaneously -- 120 of whom will need to be in the ICU.
      • Scenario three has a cumulative number of deaths of 3,075, and a cumulative number of cases of 153,000. 

April 9, 2020

• As of April 9, 2020, seven new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 278. 
  • One-hundred-sixty cases are considered active. 
  • Twelve more people have recovered. So far, 115 people have recovered in Saskatchewan. 
  • There are eight people in hospital: six in inpatient care and two in ICU. 
  • Of the 278 cases in Saskatchewan:
    • 112 are travel-related;
    • 96 are community transmissions;
    • 20 have no known exposures; and, 
    • 40 are under investigation. 
  • Twenty-seven cases are health care workers. 
  • So far, 16,672 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.
• As of 11:03 EST on April 9, 2020, there are 19,774 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 461 people have died from the virus. 
• Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) released a position statement on pregnant health care workers and COVID-19, saying CFNU "recommends that pregnant health care workers who are concerned about their health – especially those with co-morbidities – seek an accommodation from their employer if they are asked to care for presumed or confirmed COVID-19 patients in COVID-19 ‘hot zones’". Read their statement here. 

April 12 - 18, 2020

April 12-13, 2020

• Over the Easter long weekend, 22 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Saskatchewan. As of April 13, the province's case total was 200. 
• An individual in their 60s died from COVID-19-related health complications over the weekend. In total, four people have time from COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. 
• Between April 10-13, 63 people recovered from COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the number of recoveries to 178. 
• As of April 13:
  • 118 cases were considered active. 
  • 8 people were receiving care in hospital. 
  • 33 cases are health care workers. 

April 14, 2020

• As of April 15, 2020, all health care staff will be required to participate in daily screenings as they enter any SHA or affiliate site. 
  • All staff who work in care areas or travel through those areas will be required to wear a mask at all times
    • For more information, click here and scroll to the Daily Fitness for Work Screening.  
• As of April 14, 2020, at 11 EST, there are 26,163 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 823 people have died from the virus. 
• SUN is hosting COVID-19 Member Information Sessions on April 15 & 16. 
• There is one new case of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, as of April 14, 2020, bringing the provincial total to 301. Nine more people have recovered from the virus. Of the cases, 110 are considered active. 
  • Seven people are being treated in hospital. 
  • Thirty-four cases are in health care workers. Nineteen have recovered. 
  • To date, 20,282 tests have been conducted in Saskatchewan. 

April 15, 2020

• As of 11:00 EST on April 15, 2020, there are 27,557 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 954 people have died from the virus. 
• Three new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Saskatchewan on April 15, bringing the provincial total to 304.
  • As of April 15:
    • 95 cases are considered active
    • 18 more people have recovered, bringing the number of recoveries to 205. 
    • Eight people are receiving in patient care in hospital. 
    • 34 cases are in health care workers. 
  • So far, 20,907 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• The Government of Saskatchewan has extended the state of emergency for two more weeks. 

April 16, 2020

• As of April 16, 2020 at 11:00 EST, there were 28,899 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 1,048 people have died from the virus. 
• SHA staff are now able to complete a self-assessment online to determine if they're cleared for their shift. You can find the tool here. The screening tool must be completed within two hours of starting a shift. The final screen of the assessment will indicate if someone is permitted to work. 
• One new case of COVID-19 was reported in Saskatchewan on April 16, bringing the provincial total to 304. 
  • Eighty-two cases are considered active. 
  • Fourteen more recoveries were reported, for a total of 219 recoveries. 
  • Seven people are receiving treatment in hospital. 
  • To date, 34 COVID-19 cases are in health care workers. 
  • So far, 21,569 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 

April 17, 2020

• As of April 17, 2020 at 11:00 EST, there were 30,670 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 1,250 people have died from the virus.  
• Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saskatchewan on April 17, bringing the provincial total to 307. Of those cases, 75 are considered active. 
  • As of April 17:
    • Six people are in hospital. One is in ICU. 
    • 35 cases are in health care workers. 
    • Nine more people have recovered, for a total of 228 recoveries. 
    • 22,207 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• Saskatchewan's Public Health Order has been amended: As of April 28, long-term care and personal care homes must ensure that all staff work in only one facility. Read the entire order here. 
• The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) has released a position statement on the need for transparency regarding PPE. Read it here. 
• SUN, other healthcare unions and the SHA have signed a Letter of Understanding. Learn more here and read the LOU here. 

April 19 - 25, 2020

April 20, 2020

• As of 11:03 EST on April 20, 2020, there are 35,392 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 1,611 people have died from the virus. 
• Over the April 18-19 weekend, eight new cases of COVID-19 were announced in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 315 reported cases. Six more people recovered, for a total of 234 recoveries. 
  • As of April 19:
    • four people are in hospital, including one person in ICU. 
    • 35 cases are health care workers. 
    • 23,909 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• As of April 20, 2020, one new case of COVID-19 was been reported in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 316. In Saskatchewan, 74 cases are considered active. 
  • Four more people have recovered, for a total of 238 recoveries. 
  • As of April 20:
    • four people are in hospital, with one person in ICU.
    • 35 cases are in health care workers.
    • 24,412 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan so far. 
• On April 18, 2020, a precautionary health advisory was released for Northern Saskatchewan after new COVID-19 cases were linked to travel between northwest Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Medical Health Officers are advising against all non-essential travel between north-west Saskatchewan and northern Alberta effective immediately and until further notice. All northern Saskatchewan residents are also advised to self-isolate for 14 days upon return from northern Alberta. 
• SUN is holding six information sessions for members focussing on the Letter of Understanding between SUN, SHA and other healthcare unions. Learn more here. 

April 21, 2020

• Four new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Saskatchewan on April 21, 2020, bringing the provincial total to 320. Fourteen more people have recovered, for a total of 252 recoveries. 
  • As of April 21:
    • 64 cases are considered active. 
    • 35 cases are in health care workers. 
    • 24,811 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• As of 11:00 EST on April 21, 2020, there are 37,382 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 1,728 people have died from the virus. 

April 22, 2020

• As of 11:00 EST on April 22, 2020, there are 38,932 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 1,871 people have died from the virus. 
• Six new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Saskatchewan on April 22, 2020, bringing the provincial total to 326 cases. Nine more people have recovered, increasing the number of recoveries to 261. 
  • As of April 22:
    • five people are in hospital. One is in ICU. 
    • 36 cases are in health care workers.
    • 25,321 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.

April 23, 2020

• The Government of Saskatchewan has released its Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, which can be found here and also on the government's website saskatchewan.ca/covid19
• Five new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saskatchewan on April 23, 2020, bringing the provincial total to 331. Nine more people have recovered, for a total of 270 recoveries. Fifty-seven cases are active. 
  • As of April 23:
    • six people are in hospital. One is in ICU. 
    • 36 cases are in health care workers. 
    • 25,872 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• As of 11:00 EST on April 23, 2020, there are 40,824 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 2,028 people have died from the virus. 

April 24, 2020

• Ten new cases of COVID-19 were announced in Saskatchewan on April 24, 2020, bringing the provincial total to 241. Ten more people have recovered from the virus, for a total of 280 recoveries. 
  • As of April 24:
    • 57 cases are considered active.
    • five people are in hospital. Two are in ICU. 
    • 36 cases are in health care workers. 
    • 26,586 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• As of April 24, 2020, Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer has signed a Public Health Order restricting all non-critical travel into Northern Saskatchewan. It is also strongly recommended not to travel between northern communities for non-essential reasons. 
• As of 11:00 EST on April 24, 2020, there were 42,750 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 2,197 people have died from the virus. 

April 26 - 30, 2020

April 27, 2020

• On April 27, 2020, there are 12 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Saskatchewan, 11 of which are located in northern Saskatchewan. 
  • A fifth person has died in Saskatchewan from COVID-19. 
  • As of April 28:
    • No new recoveries. The number of recoveries sits at 288. 
    • 72 cases are active. 
    • Seven people are in hospital. Two are in ICU. 
    • 38 cases are in health care workers. 
    • 28,296 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• Over the April 25-26 weekend, 12 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Saskatchewan. Eight individuals recovered from the virus, bringing the number of recoveries to 288. Sixty-one of the 353 cases in Saskatchewan are considered active. The majority of new cases are in the far north. 
  • As of April 26:
    • five people are in hospital. Two are in ICU. 
    • 38 health care workers have COVID-19.
    • 27,884 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• In Canada, as of 11:00 EST on April 27, 2020, there were 47,327 cases of COVID-19. To date, 2,617 people have died from the virus. 

April 28, 2020

• The Saskatchewan Health Authority released new modelling data on April 28. The SHA is now plannning for a scenario with 254,756 cases of COVID-19 and 3,050 deaths. Read the presentation here. 
• On April 28, 2020, one new COVID-19 case was reported in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 366. Three more people have recovered, for a total of 291 recoveries. 
  • As of April 28:
    • 38 cases are in health care workers. 
    • 28,632 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
    • 70 cases are considered active. 
• As of 11:00 EST on April 28, 2020, there were 49,025 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 2,766 people have died from the virus. 

April 29, 2020

• As of 11:00 EST on April 29, 2020, there were 50,373 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 2,904 people have died from the virus. 
• On April 29, 2020, Saskatchewan reported 17 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 383. Of the new cases, 11 are in the La Loche area, and four are in Lloydminster. 
  • The province also reported its sixth virus-related death: an individual in the far north in their 80s. 
  • As of April 29:
    • 86 cases are considered active. 
    • 38 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 10 people are in hospital. Three are in ICU.
    • The number of recoveries remains unchanged at 291.
    • 29,106 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• On April 29, 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan:
  • Extended the province's state of emergency. 
  • Announced that the community of La Loche and the surrounding communities will not be included in Phase One of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. Phase One will continue as planned on May 4 for the rest of the province. 

April 30, 2020

• As of 11:00 EST on April 30, 2020, there were 52,056 cases of COVID-19 in Canada. To date, 3,082 people have died from the virus. 
• On April 30, 2020, six new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saskatchewan, bringing the provincial total to 389. 
  • As of April 30:
    • 88 cases are considered active. 
    • 39 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 10 people are hospitalized. Three are in ICU. 
    • 29,642 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. 
• On April 30, the Government of Saskatchewan announced:
  • anyone working now or returning to work in Phase One and Two of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan will have access to child care services within Saskatchewan schools. Interested parents can find the application form here.
  • the Public Health Order has been updated to restrict all non-critical travel (including those with primary residences) into and out of the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District, with some exceptions. Read more here.
    • $350,000 approved to help communities establish, staff and maintain community checkpoints. An additional $20,000 will go to La Loche to help foster food security and launch educations programs to encourage safe behaviour. 
  • Between 50-100 more health workers are being sent to the north to help with testing, assessment and contact tracing.
  • Some low-income essential workers currently making less than $2,500 per month will be eligible for a new $400 per month supplement for up to 16 weeks (March 15-July 4). The application process will be explained in the coming days. You can read more here.