The spread of COVID-19 variants in Regina and its surrounding bedroom communities is of growing concern to the provincial government
The topic was the focus of much of the discussion during the regular COVID-19 briefing at the Legislature on March 16.
Premier Scott Moe said that public health measures across the province would be extended from March 19 to April 5. And while other areas of the province will be allowed to enlarge attendance in worship services to one-third capacity, or 150, whichever is lower, Regina and area will have to keep attendance down to 30.
According to the daily COVID-19 report from the Ministry of Health, “As of March 16, there are 66 new confirmed variants of concern (VOC) cases being reported in the Saskatoon (1), Central East (1), Regina (61), South Central (1) and South East (2) zones. This brings the provincial total to 136: 130 B1.1.1.7 (UK) and six B1.351 (SA). The Regina zone accounts for 122 (or 90 per cent) of the confirmed VOC cases reported in Saskatchewan.”
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said that, as expected, the COVID variants are having their impact. While the rest of the province was trending downward, “Regina is the opposite of the rest of the province.”
That city’s cases are now 21 per 100,000 people. The active case rate is high and the test positivity rate is 9.1.
“The bulk new cases in Regina are variants of concern,” Shahab said, noting it have become the dominant strain.
Additionally, small pockets have shown up in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Saskatoon and Prince Albert area.
Those variants are 70 per cent more transmissible, he said. Whereas the initial strain of COVID-19 might infect two-thirds of an infected person’s household, Shahab said the B1.1.1.7 strain infects almost 100 per cent.
He said three households totaling up to 10 people can form a bubble, but especially cautioned those over 50 to hold off until vaccinated. He stressed reducing the number of people shopping, and perhaps ordering takeout from restaurants.
“Obviously if case numbers keep rising, then you know, further restrictions may be considered,” Shahab said.
Moe said, “While province wide case numbers and hospitalization numbers are much lower than they were just a couple of months ago, we are seeing an increase in the number of cases, and in particular, the number of varying cases, right here in our capital city of Regina. As a result, on the recommendation of Dr. Shahab and his team, all of the current public health orders which were set to expire on March the 19th have been extended hold until April 5.”
NDP lays blame for Regina COVID-19 variant outbreak at government’s feet
In response to rising COVID-19 variants in Regina and area, Official Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat said in an emailed statement on March 16, “Today we are seeing the consequences of the Premier’s failures on COVID-19.
“This afternoon the Premier and Dr. Shahab addressed the media for the first time since the government’s decision to relax household bubble limits and worship service limits last week.
“The Premier made that decision despite the fact that the Saskatchewan Health Authority had warned against it, citing concerns with high community transmission, low testing and increased cases of variants of concern - particularly in Regina.
“The huge explosion in confirmed and suspected variants of concern in Regina has forced the government to urge people in Regina not to do what they were just told they were allowed.
“The Premier’s chaotic handling of COVID-19 has led to mixed messages and confusion for Saskatchewan families. Not to mention the worst results in the country for the majority of 2021.
“Scott Moe failed to act to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 when it hit the province. And Saskatchewan families are paying the price.
“At every step of the way, particularly since November, the government has done the bare minimum while missing opportunities to reduce the spread of COVID-19. All while the Premier has pointed fingers and refused to take responsibility for his handling of COVID-19.
“Scott Moe’s poor decisions meant we have been left with the worst of both worlds: a crumbling economy with 23,000 more people unemployed and the worst COVID-19 results in Canada.
“The Premier must be accountable for these decisions, and the impact they have had on families that have sacrificed so much to keep each other and their loved ones safe.”
