December 2020 Updates

December 1 - 4

December 1

• The province recorded 181 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 8,745 cases.
  • Four residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died - one resident was in their 70s and three residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 264 (21.8 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (12), Far North East (15), North West (10), North Central (8), North East (1), Saskatoon (41), Central West (3), Central East (2), Regina (67), South West (5), South Central (4) and South East (7) zones and six (6) new cases have pending residence information. 
  • As of December 1:
    • 3,819 cases are considered active.
    • 4,875 people have recovered.
    • 121 people are in hospital; 24 people are in intensive care.
    • 117 cases in long-term care and personal care homes.
    • 51 deaths reported to date.
    • 261 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 347,918 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 2

• The province recorded 238 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 8,982 cases.
  • Two residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died - one resident was in their 60s and one resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 274 (22.6 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (6), Far North Central (3), Far North East (16), North West (17), North Central (25), North East (3), Saskatoon (109), Central East (4), Regina (36), South West (8), South Central (1) and South East (3) zones and seven (7) new cases have pending residence information. 
  • As of December 2:
    • 3,970 cases are considered active.
    • 4,959 people have recovered.
    • 132 people are in hospital; 26 people are in intensive care.
    • 119 cases in long-term care and personal care homes.
    • 53 deaths reported to date.
    • 268 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 350,391 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Drive-Thru Testing Now Available in Prince Albert
  • The drive-thru testing site is The Cone Shop Car Wash (890 6th Avenue East) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.
  • This new site will be in addition to the drive-thru testing sites already operating in Saskatoon, Regina and Yorkton.  Referrals for COVID-19 testing are also available from HealthLine 811 or your local health care provider.

December 3

• The province recorded 259 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 9,244 cases.
  • One resident who tested positive for COVID-19 have died - the resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 269 (22.2 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (9), Far North East (1), North West (21), North Central (20), North East (2), Saskatoon (50), Central West (3), Central East (3), Regina (112), South West (21), South Central (10) and South East (6) zones and one (1) new case has pending residence information.
  • As of December 3:
    • 4,017 cases are considered active.
    • 5,173  people have recovered.
    • 128 people are in hospital; 24 people are in intensive care.
    • 146 cases in long-term care and personal care homes.
    • 54 deaths reported to date.
    • 285 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 353,638 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Children and Youth Weekly Monitoring
  • For the week of November Nov 23-29, there are 834 active COVID cases among children or youth (aged 0-19). Click here to access report
  • November 17-December 1 comprehensive list of all schools with any COVID-19 positive staff or students, click here to view (pdf).  
• SHA Activates Next Phase of Surge Plan (Health System Slowdown)
  • Highlights
    • Creating capacity for 64 COVID patients requiring ICU care by mid-December to try to keep pace with projected demand.  
    • Creating capacity for 250 COVID patients requiring inpatient hospitalization by mid-December to try to keep pace with projected growth in demand.  
    • Creating capacity for contact tracing of approximately 560 average cases per day to try to keep pace with projected growth in demand. 
  • Service Impact
    • Over the coming days, services will be affected at varying levels in various locations, depending on local plans and needs.
    • Services affected that will be slowing down include some primary health care services, elective surgeries in urban centres, endoscopy/cystoscopy procedures, Women and Children’s Programming, diagnostics, therapies, ambulatory care, registration resources, environmental and food and nutrition services, rehab services and home care services.
  • Read full release

December 4

• The province recorded 283 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 9,527 cases.
  • One resident who tested positive for COVID-19 have died - the resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 262 (21.7 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:   Far North West (9), Far North East (11), North West (12), North Central (47), North East (7), Saskatoon (50), Central West (7), Central East (9), Regina (83), South West (12), South Central (9) and South East (9) zones and 18 new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 4:
    • 4,116 cases are considered active.
    • 5,356  people have recovered.
    • 126 people are in hospital; 25 people are in intensive care.
    • 152 cases in long-term care and personal care homes.
    • 55 deaths reported to date.
    • 297 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 357,142 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 5 -11

December 5 & 6

• The province recorded 617 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, bringing the provinical total to 10,139 cases.
  • Four residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away over the weekend - two residents were in their 60s and two residents were in their 70s. 
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 272 (22.4 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • As of December 6:
    • 4,550 cases are considered active.
    • 5,530  people have recovered.
    • 135 people are in hospital; 26 people are in intensive care.
    • 59 deaths reported to date.
    • 317 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 364,392 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 7

• The province recorded 274 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 10,412 cases.
  • One resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away - the resident was in their 60s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 264 (21.8 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (21), Far North Central (1), Far North East (6), North West (26), North Central (28), North East (6), Saskatoon (72), Central East (7), Regina (80), South West (8), South Central (4) and South East (12) zones and 3 new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 7:
    • 4,763 cases are considered active.
    • 5,589  people have recovered.
    • 143 people are in hospital; 26 people are in intensive care.
    • 60 deaths reported to date.
    • 367 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 367,396 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 8

• The province recorded 183 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 10,597 cases.
  • Six residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away - five residents were in their 80s and one resident was in their 30s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 264 (21.8 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (13), Far North East (10), North West (18), North Central (30), North East (5), Saskatoon (62), Central West (7), Central East (4), Regina (25), South West (4), South Central (1) and South East (1) zones and 3 new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 8:
    • 4,663 cases are considered active.
    • 5,868  people have recovered.
    • 144 people are in hospital; 27 people are in intensive care.
    • 66 deaths reported to date.
    • 345 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 369, 755 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 9

• The province recorded 302 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 10,899 cases.
  • Five residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away - all residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 273 (22.6 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (14), Far North Central (1), Far North East (15), North West (26), North Central (35), North East (1), Saskatoon (59), Central West (4), Central East (2), Regina (131), South West (4), South Central (3) and South East (5) zones and two (2) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 9:
    • 4,707 cases are considered active.
    • 6,121 people have recovered.
    • 140 people are in hospital; 27 people are in intensive care.
    • 241 cases in LTC
    • 71 deaths reported to date.
    • 359 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 372,405 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Plan
  • The Vaccine Delivery Plan outlines Saskatchewan’s phased approach to delivering the COVID-19 vaccination to residents starting December, 2020, including an initial pilot of the delivery and storage of the Pfizer vaccine, a first phase focused on targeted vaccination of priority populations, and widespread access to the vaccine in the second phase.
  • Pilot delivery will begin the week of December 15, 2020, and will be administered to health care workers in ICUs, Emergency Departments and Covid Units at Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals and staff at testing and assessment centres. 
    • Pilot recipients will receive their second dose 21 days following the administration of the first dose (during Phase 1).
  • Phase 1 is anticipated to commence in late December 2020 with 202,052 doses expected within the first quarter of 2021. 
  • The second phase of the Vaccine Delivery Plan is anticipated to commence in April 2021 providing widespread vaccine access to immunize the general population. 
    • Distribution will occur throughout the province at public health clinics and other vaccination delivery sites.
  • Click here to view the full release
  • Click here to view SHA Vaccine Delivery Plan
• Extendicare Parkside - SHA & Extendicare enter into Co-Management Agreement 
  • The SHA has entered into a co-management agreement with Extendicare to co-manage the Extendicare Parkside in Regina. 
  • The SHA will assu​me responsibility for day-to-day operational control at Parkside, effective immediately and will continue until January 15, 2021, with an option for the SHA to extend 30 more days based on an assessment of the situation.
  • Read SHA press release

December 10

• The province recorded 324 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 11,223 cases.
  • Four residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away - 1 resident was in their 30's, 1 resident was in their 50's and 2 residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 283 (23.2 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (15), Far North Central (3), Far North East (15), North West (47), North Central (37), North East (9), Saskatoon (109), Central West (1), Central East (6), Regina (53), South West (15), South Central (2) and South East (8) zones and four (4) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 10:
    • 4,682 cases are considered active.
    • 6,466 people have recovered.
    • 138 people are in hospital; 31 people are in intensive care.
    • 250 cases in LTC
    • 75 deaths reported to date.
    • 376 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 375,881 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• FAKE NEWS -- Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine for HCW 
  • The SHA has advised that a memo circulating which makes claims of fines for unvaccinated staff. Please note that this memo is fake. 
  • The SHA’s vaccine rollout strategy does not include mandatory vaccination with fines to staff.

December 11

• The province recorded 246 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 11,475 cases.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 282 (23.3 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (19), Far North Central (1), Far North East (13), North West (24), North Central (34), North East (9), Saskatoon (65), Central West (3), Central East (6), Regina (50), South West (1), South Central (7) and South East (14) zones and no (0) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 11:
    • 4,547 cases are considered active.
    • 6,853 people have recovered.
    • 135 people are in hospital; 27 people are in intensive care.
    • 244 cases in LTC
    • 75 deaths reported to date.
    • 397 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 379,378 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• COVID-19 Pathway for Long-Term Care
  • Physicians and administrative leaders have launched a new COVID-19 Pathway.
  • All steps will be taken to ensure that COVID-19 positive residents are primarily managed in their current setting by establishing consistent monitoring and assessment of their condition. 
  • The Long-Term Care Pathway applies to all long-term care homes in the province and includes links to works standards, order sets and protocols.

December 12 - 18

December 12 & 13

• The province recorded 496 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, bringing the provinical total to 11,971 cases.
  • 14 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away over the weekend - 1 resident was in their 50's, 1 resident was in their 60's, 2 residents were in their 70's and 10 residents were in their 80s.
    • The seven-day average of daily cases is 264 (21.8 new cases per 100,000 population).
    • As of December 13:
      • 4,188 cases are considered active.
      • 7,694 people have recovered.
      • 117 people are in hospital; 23 people are in intensive care.
      • 89 deaths reported to date.
      • 415 cases are in healthcare workers. 
      • 385,948 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 14

• The province recorded 269 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 12,238 cases.
  • 2 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - both residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 282 (23.3 new cases per 100,000 population),.
  • Located:  Far North West (8), Far North Central (3), Far North East (14), North West (30), North Central (50), North East (17), Saskatoon (51), Central West (2), Central East (16), Regina (59), South West (1), South Central (5) and South East (6) zones and seven (7) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 14:
    • 4,380 cases are considered active.
    • 7,767 people have recovered.
    • 124 people are in hospital; 27 people are in intensive care.
    • 214 cases in LTC
    • 91 deaths reported to date.
    • 419 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 388,972 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• New Public Health Measures Implemented
  • These public health measures are in addition to those in effect as of November 27, 2020.  All public health measures will remain in effect until January 15, 2021. At that time they will be reviewed by the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer.
  • Effective December 17
    • Private, Indoor Gatherings
      • Private, indoor gatherings will be limited to immediate household members only.
      • Single individuals are permitted to meet with one, consistent household of less than five individuals for the duration of the order. 
      • Co-parenting arrangements are permitted to continue. 
      • Caregivers and support services in the home are permitted to continue. 
    • Outdoor Gatherings
      • People may meet and greet outdoors with up to 10 people only, provided physical distancing between households can be maintained.
  • Effective December 19
    • Personal Services and Event Venues
      • Casinos and bingo halls must close.
      • Personal services may operate at 50 per cent capacity, including staff and clients. Personal services include hairdresser/barber, esthetics, massage therapy, acupuncture, tattooing, etc. For a complete list of personal services, see https://www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.
      • Event venues, conference facilities, arenas, arts venues, museums, movie and live theatres and banquet facilities may still have events up to 30 individuals.  During events in these venues, all guests must be seated for the duration.  Food and drink are not permitted unless explicitly stated in the order. 
    • Note that the guidance for weddings and funeral ceremonies and places of worship is 30 individuals only.  Concurrent services may not occur within multiple locations within one facility.
  • Effective December 25
    • Retail
      • Retail services must reduce their capacity to 50 per cent.
      • Large retail locations are required to limit their capacity to 25 per cent capacity. Large retail locations are defined as retailers with a square footage larger than 20,000 square feet.
  • For details see Public Health Orders at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-health-orders
  • Read full government release

December 15

• The province recorded 194 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 12,432 cases.
  • 7 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - 1 resident was in their 20's, 1 resident was in their 50's, and 5 residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 282 (23.3 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (13), Far North Central (1), Far North East (11), North West (28), North Central (21), North East (2), Saskatoon (53), Central East (5), Regina (37), South West (1), South Central (5) and South East (14) zones and three (3) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 15:
    • 4,204 cases are considered active.
    • 8,130 people have recovered.
    • 124 people are in hospital; 26 people are in intensive care.
    • 98 deaths reported to date.
    • 477 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 391,410 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• COVID-19 Immunications
  • The first recipients of the vaccine through the pilot started receiving vaccines today.
  • The pilot includes health care workers in ICUs, Emergency Departments and Covid Units at Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals and staff at testing and assessment centres.  The immunizations will take place over a number of days.  Pilot recipients will receive their second dose 21 days following the administration of the first dose.
  • Phase 1 of the Vaccine Delivery Plan focuses on immunizing priority populations who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus as well as those more at risk of serious illness, and will begin later this month.

December 16

• The province recorded 169 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 12,594 cases.
  • No new deaths were reported today.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 242 (20.1 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (3), Far North Central (2), Far North East (13), North West (35), North Central (28), North East (2), Saskatoon (38), Central West (1), Central East (2), Regina (30), South West (1), South Central (2) and South East (1) zones and 11 new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 16:
    • 4,213 cases are considered active.
    • 8,283 people have recovered.
    • 124 people are in hospital; 30 people are in intensive care.
    • 98 deaths reported to date.
    • 514 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 393,680 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Family Presence Level 2 updates in acute care sites 
  • Beginning Dec 18th, all inpatients and outpatients in acute care sites can designate one essential family member/support person to support care and/or quality of life needs. Circumstances where more than one individual can be designated include end of life/palliative care, critical care, and maternal/children’s services.
  • Essential family member/support person may use a temporary replacement as required (i.e. for caregiver burnout), especially for those supporting extended care inpatients.
  • Note that Level 2 Family Presence was previously described as “compassionate care reasons only.”
  • Key Details for Level 2 Family Presence:
    1. The current level of visitor restrictions in your area(s) remains in effect.
    2. All inpatients and outpatients in acute care sites can designate one essential family member/ support person to support care and/or quality of life needs. (Circumstances where more than one individual can be designated include end of life/palliative care, critical care, and maternal/ children’s services.)
    3. Timing, frequency, and duration of family presence to be determined in collaboration with the patient and essential family/support person based on patient needs and considerations of care team/service area. 
    4. Essential family members/supports will be required to wear a medical grade mask and any additional PPE as required, complete screening, practice proper hand hygiene, and limit movement within the facility. 
    5. There may be exceptional situations or circumstances within facilities where family presence is temporarily suspended due to operational constraints or space limitations not permitting physical distancing from other patients, staff and essential family/support persons. In these situations, care teams will work together with families to support connections and provide updated information on care. Virtual options can also be provided.

December 17

• The province recorded 238 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 12,832 cases.
  • 7 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - 1 resident was in their 40's, 1 resident was in their 60's, and 5 residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 230 (19.0 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (5), Far North Central (1), Far North East (15), North West (26), North Central (32), North East (9), Saskatoon (81), Central East (7), Regina (40), South West (3), South Central (7) and South East (3) zones and nine (9) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 17:
    • 3,978 cases are considered active.
    • 8,749 people have recovered.
    • 126 people are in hospital; 22 people are in intensive care.
    • 204 cases in LTC
    • 105 deaths reported to date.
    • 534 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 396,555 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Self-isolation period changing
  • The isolation period for COVID-19 positive individuals is being reduced from 14 to 10 days effective immediately.
• Vaccination Plan Underway 
  • The immunization pilot in Regina is expanding to include key frontline staff in the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and anesthetists. 
  • Phase 1 of the Vaccine Delivery Plan will begin next week (Dec 21) as 1,950 health care workers in Saskatoon ICUs, Emergency Departments, Covid Units, testing and assessment centres.
  • Phase 1 focuses on immunizing priority populations including health care workers, staff and residents of long-term care facilities, those in the 80 plus range, residents over 50 in northern and remote areas and as the supply of vaccine allows, those 70 to 79 years of age.
• Update on COVID-19 Surge Activation
  • The SH​​A has posted a status update​ on the first phase of the COVID-19 surge activation announced December 3, 2020. 
  • Read SHA Dec 17 press release
  • Update on Phase One of Surge Plan - Presentation
  • Surge Activation Update
• New Public Health Measures In Effect Today 
  • These public health measures are in addition to those in effect as of November 27, 2020.  All public health measures will remain in effect until January 15, 2021. At that time they will be reviewed by the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer.
  • Effective Today:
    • Private, Indoor Gatherings
      • Private, indoor gatherings will be limited to immediate household members only.
      • Single individuals are permitted to meet with one, consistent household of less than five individuals for the duration of the order. 
      • Co-parenting arrangements are permitted to continue. 
      • Caregivers and support services in the home are permitted to continue. 
    • Outdoor Gatherings
      • People may meet and greet outdoors with up to 10 people only, provided physical distancing between households can be maintained.
  • For details see Public Health Orders at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-health-orders
  • Read full December 14 government release

December 18 

• The province recorded 245 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 13,077 cases.
  • Two residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - 1 resident was in their 70s, and one resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 230 (19.0 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (12), Far North Central (1), Far North East (28), North West (53), North Central (16), North East (14), Saskatoon (46), Central West (5), Central East (4), Regina (42), South West (2), South Central (7) and South East (5) zones and 10 new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 18:
    • 3,736 cases are considered active.
    • 9,234 people have recovered.
    • 121 people are in hospital; 17 people are in intensive care.
    • 107 deaths reported to date.
    • 551 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 399,726 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 19 - 24

December 19 & 20

• The province recorded 478 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, bringing the provinical total to 13,555 cases.
  • 11 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away over the weekend - 1 resident was in their 50s, 1 resident was in their 60s, 3 residents were in their 70s and 3 residents were in their 80s.
  • As of December 20, the seven-day average of daily cases is 227 (18.7 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • As of December 20:
    • 3,762 cases are considered active.
    • 9,452 people have recovered.
    • 127 people are in hospital; 20 people are in intensive care.
    • 118 deaths reported to date.
    • 567 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 403,054 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• New Public Health Measures In Effect December 19
  • These public health measures are in addition to those in effect as of November 27, 2020.  All public health measures will remain in effect until January 15, 2021. At that time they will be reviewed by the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer.
    • Personal Services and Event Venues
      • Casinos and bingo halls must close.
      • Personal services may operate at 50 per cent capacity, including staff and clients. Personal services include hairdresser/barber, esthetics, massage therapy, acupuncture, tattooing, etc. For a complete list of personal services, see https://www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.
      • Event venues, conference facilities, arenas, arts venues, museums, movie and live theatres and banquet facilities may still have events up to 30 individuals.  During events in these venues, all guests must be seated for the duration.  Food and drink are not permitted unless explicitly stated in the order. 
    • Note that the guidance for weddings and funeral ceremonies and places of worship is 30 individuals only.  Concurrent services may not occur within multiple locations within one facility.
  • For details see Public Health Orders at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-health-orders
  • Read full December 14 government release

December 21

• The province recorded 245 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 13,077 cases.
  • Four residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - 1 resident was in their 50s, 1 resident was in their 60s, 1 resident was in their 70s and 1 resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 219 (18.0 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:  Far North West (10), Far North East (13), North West (37), North Central (38), North East (12), Saskatoon (46), Central East (10), Regina (26), South West (1), South Central (6) and South East (4) zones and 3 new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 21:
    • 3,990 cases are considered active.
    • 9,649 people have recovered.
    • 131 people are in hospital; 20 people are in intensive care.
    • 122 deaths reported to date.
    • 551 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 408,444 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 

December 22

• The province recorded 181 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 13,942 cases.
  • Three residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - all three residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 215 (17.7 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:   Far North West (8), Far North Central (2), Far North East (14), North West (35), North Central (36), North East (3), Saskatoon (35), Central West (1), Central East (3), Regina (43) and South West (1) zones.
  • As of December 22:
    • 3,945 cases are considered active.
    • 9,872 people have recovered.
    • 124 people are in hospital; 21 people are in intensive care.
    • 125 deaths reported to date.
    • 589 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 410,616 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Immunization Update
  • As of December 22, 1,597 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been provided to health care workers in Regina as part of the initial pilot and Saskatoon as part of Phase 1.
  • The vaccine is also being made available to select staff at Parkside Extendicare, who will be among the remaining 431 health care workers to be immunized in the coming days in Regina. 
  • Saskatchewan is anticipating 4,900 doses of the Moderna vaccine to arrive in the province the week of December 28.
  • Moderna vaccinations will target long term care and personal care home residents and staff; front-line health care workers most at risk for COVID-19 exposure; residents 80 years and older; and all residents 50 years and older living in northern and remote communities, as supply allows.
  • Read full government release

December 23

• The province recorded 159 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 14,101 cases.
  • Five residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - two residents were in their 70s, and three residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 217 (17.9 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:   Far North West (14), Far North East (8), North West (24), North Central (24), North East (8), Saskatoon (21), Central East (1), Regina (50), South West (3) and South East (2) zones.  Four new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 23:
    • 3,850 cases are considered active.
    • 10,121 people have recovered.
    • 125 people are in hospital; 21 people are in intensive care.
    • 130 deaths reported to date.
    • 610cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 413,147  COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Immunization Update
  • As of December 21, 1,519 health care workers have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine through the pilot in Regina. 
  • The vaccine is also being made available to select staff at Parkside Extendicare, who will be among the remaining 431 health care workers to be immunized in the coming days in Regina. 
  • Today (Dec 22), Phase 1 of the Vaccine Delivery Plan began with the immunization of healthcare workers in Saskatoon.

December 24

• The province recorded 154 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the provinical total to 14,255 cases.
  • Four residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - one resident was in their 70s, and three residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 203 (16.7 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located:   Far North West (10), Far North East (14), North West (17), North Central (28), North East (3), Saskatoon (30), Central West (2), Central East (10), Regina (25), South Central (3) and South East (3) zones. Nine (9) new cases have pending residence information. 
  • As of December 2:4
    • 3,346 cases are considered active.
    • 10,775 people have recovered.
    • 125 people are in hospital; 21 people are in intensive care.
    • 134 deaths reported to date.
    • 620 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 415,541 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• New Public Health Measures in Effect Tomorrow (Dec 25)
  • These public health measures are in addition to those in effect as of November 27, 2020.  All public health measures will remain in effect until January 15, 2021. At that time they will be reviewed by the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer.
  • Effective December 25
    • Retail
      • Retail services must reduce their capacity to 50 per cent.
      • Large retail locations are required to limit their capacity to 25 per cent capacity. Large retail locations are defined as retailers with a square footage larger than 20,000 square feet.
  • For details see Public Health Orders at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-health-orders
  • Read full government release

December 25 - 31

December 25, 26 & 27

• The province recorded 559 new cases of COVID-19 were reported for Dec 25-27, bringing the provinical total to 14,814 cases.
  • Seven residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - one resident was in their 30s, two residents were in their 70s, and four residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 180 (14.9 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (25), Far North East (44), North West (41), North Central (104), North East (22), Saskatoon (126), Central West (2), Central East (21), Regina (70), South West (2), South Central (4) and South East (11) zones.  Eighty-seven (87) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 27:
    • 3,398 cases are considered active.
    • 11,275 people have recovered.
    • 182 people are in hospital; 156 in acute care, 26 people in intensive care.
    • 141 deaths reported to date.
    • 653 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 420,620 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Reconciliation of Hospitalized Residents
  • Saskatchewan has updated definitions of the COVID-19 infectious period to align with national definitions.  This resulted in the number of individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 being under-reported.  Validation of case numbers is underway for patients in hospital. 
  • These are not new hospitalizations.  They are residents who are not infectious and are considered recovered, but who are still receiving care for complications of COVID-19 illness.  

December 28 & 29

• The province recorded 208 new cases of COVID-19 were reported for Dec 28 & 29, bringing the provinical total to 15,022 cases.
  • Ten (10) residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - one resident was in their 20s, two residents were in their 60s, one resident was in their 70s, and six residents were in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 154 (12.7 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (4), Far North East (36), North West (13), North Central (33), North East (8), Saskatoon (39), Central West (4), Central East (7), Regina (39), South West (1) and South East (15) zones.  Nine (9) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 29:
    • 3,191 cases are considered active.
    • 11,680 people have recovered.
    • 175 people are in hospital; 143 in acute care, 32 people in intensive care.
    • 151 deaths reported to date.
    • 674 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 423,058 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Immunization Update
  • As of December 28, 2,371 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been provided to health care workers in Regina as part of the initial pilot and in Saskatoon as part of Phase 1.
• Family Presence During a Pandemic
  • The SHA has updated their directive regarding Family Presence During a Pandemic.
  • Click here to view updated directive.

December 30

• The province recorded 147 new cases of COVID-19 were reported today, bringing the provinical total to 15,160 cases.
  • Three residents who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - one resident was in their 30s, one resident was in their 60s, one resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 152 (12.5 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (4), Far North East (25), North West (9), North Central (10), North East (5), Saskatoon (13), Central East (7), Regina (44), South West (2), South Central (3) and South East (17) zones.  Eight (8) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 30:
    • 2,949 cases are considered active.
    • 12,057 people have recovered.
    • 151 people are in hospital; 119 in acute care, 32 people in intensive care.
    • 154 deaths reported to date.
    • 710 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 424,533 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Immunization Update
  • As of December 29, 2,942 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been provided to health care workers in Regina as part of the initial pilot and in Saskatoon as part of Phase 1.
  • Prince Albert will receive 3,900 doses of Pfizer vaccine the week of January 4
    • Priority health care workers will start to receive the vaccine upon delivery; SHA will communicate with priority staff the details.
  • Far North Central and Far North West regions will receive 4,900 doses of the Moderna vaccine the week of January 4 and 11. 
    • The following priority populations will receive these doses:
      • Long term care residents and staff
      • Personal care home residents and staff
      • Priority health care workers including those assigned to COVID-19 wards, COVID testing and assessment staff
  • Click here to download Dec 30 presentation/update
  • Click here to download Vaccine Delivery Strategy (Dec 9)

December 31

• The province recorded 190 new cases of COVID-19 were reported today, bringing the provinical total to 15,350 cases.
  • One resident who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away - the resident was in their 80s.
  • The seven-day average of daily cases is 157 (13 new cases per 100,000 population),
  • Located: Far North West (9), Far North East (22), North West (12), North Central (37), North East (2), Saskatoon (47), Central West (2), Central East (4), Regina (23), South West (3), South Central (8) and South East (10) zones.  Eleven (11) new cases have pending residence information.
  • As of December 31:
    • 2,699 cases are considered active.
    • 12,496 people have recovered.
    • 142 people are in hospital; 112 in acute care, 30 people in intensive care.
    • 155 deaths reported to date.
    • 723 cases are in healthcare workers. 
    • 426,731 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan to date. 
• Immunization Update
  • As of December 30, 3,458 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been provided to health care workers in Regina as part of the initial pilot and in Saskatoon as part of Phase 1.