COVID-19 recoveries far outpacing new infections in Saskatchewan

The number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in Saskatchewan continues to outnumber new cases as the province embarks on expanded testing.

The Saskatchewan government reported two new COVID-19 cases and 14 recoveries on Monday as testing expanded to include everyone who is working outside the home during the pandemic.

Over the past three days, the province registered seven new cases and 31 recoveries.

“Saskatchewan people returning to work can now be tested for

COVID -19, if they so choose,” a government news release said.

Total reported cases climbed to 632 on Monday, while recoveries jumped to 546. Active cases plummeted to 81, the lowest number since 70 on April 28, when the outbreak in the northern village of La Loche was beginning.

One of Monday’s new cases was diagnosed in the far north region that includes La Loche; one is in the north region that includes Prince Albert, North Battleford and Melfort. Six people diagnosed with COVID-19 remained in hospital, including four receiving intensive care in Saskatoon.

Active cases in the far north dropped to 68, down from a peak of 156 on May 10. Active cases in the province also peaked on May 10 at 209.

The Saskatoon region and the north region each had 10 active cases on Monday. Active cases in Saskatoon peaked at 100 on April 1.

Prior to Monday, 44,312 tests had been performed in Saskatchewan on 40,304 patients. Saskatchewan’s testing rate heading into expanded testing was 33,994 tests per one million people, lagging behind the national rate of 38,707 tests per one million.

People seeking tests must still get a referral from the province’s 811 Healthline, a doctor or a nurse practitioner. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) lists on its website 16 symptoms, including diarrhea and pink eye, for which testing is recommended.

There are 52 communities listed on the SHA website where testing is being conducted in the province.

The second phase of the province’s reopening plan began May 19 and included the return of retail stores. The third phase, which includes restaurants, bars and gyms, is set to start June 8.

The province did not hold a pandemic briefing on Monday, but the Saskatchewan Party government said talks continue with the NDP on a reopening of the legislature.

“In regards to legislative scrutiny of the provincial budget, our government agrees that the budget deserves to be scrutinized, debated and passed,” Premier Scott Moe’s press secretary Jim Billington said in an emailed statement. “To this end, productive discussions between the government and opposition house leaders are ongoing.”

Billington sent the email in response to questions raised earlier on Monday by NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon about a $56-million special warrant approved on May 20.

It will cover the Temporary Wage Supplement, a program that is shared by the federal and provincial governments to top up the salaries of lower-income essential workers, Billington said. The program covers people working at care homes, childcare facilities and shelters.

The province is expecting $53.2 million from the federal government for the program, he added, and a special warrant was needed.

Wotherspoon questioned the lack of information on the warrant prior to Billington’s response.

The NDP has yet to hear back from the government on its counter-offer to resume legislative sittings, Wotherspoon added.