Premier Scott Moe announced Wednesday during a press conference there were 11 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 15 more recoveries in Saskatchewan.
“The physical distancing measures that we are taking together are working,” Moe said.
“So far, our case numbers and hospitalizations have remained relatively low and somewhat manageable. While the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] continues to plan for a surge in cases and hospitalizations, as they should be, we have an opportunity to ensure that those projections do not become a reality,” he added.
As of April 8, there are now 103 recoveries in the province, which works out to be 38 per cent of total positive cases in Saskatchewan so far.
Moe also said the province plans on expanding testing and contract tracing. He said he has asked the SHA to set a target of 1,000 tests per day as soon as possible and 1,500 tests a day by the end of April.
“We can always do better, and we will,” Moe said.
Moe said to ensure the capacity is there to boost numbers for contact tracing, the province is utilizing the University of Saskatchewan’s medical students. If more capacity is needed, the province plans to also work with two nursing schools in the province.
“Ongoing testing and contact tracing will be key measures, not only to control the spread of COVID-19 today, but also will be key measures in the weeks ahead,” Moe said.
Moe said as more people start to recover and new case numbers remain low, the province can begin to look at the potential of lifting restrictions and reopening parts of the Saskatchewan economy.
“We are still several weeks away from even beginning that process,” Moe said.
“When it does start, it will occur slowly. It will occur incrementally, and it will occur thoughtfully and methodically,” he added.
Chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab added during the press conference, with April having many religious observances such as Easter, Passover and Ramadan, it is critical to minimize face-to-face contact.
“It’s really important that we continue to practise physical distancing over the next few days and weeks and find ways of celebrating within our household, but celebrate with others virtually,” Shahab said.
To date, Saskatchewan has 271 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 165 cases being considered active.
Currently, there are eight people in hospitals across the province. Six are receiving inpatient care, while two are in ICU. To date, 15,621 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.
