Sask. records 7th COVID-19 case amid school closures

On the same day the Government of Saskatchewan announced there’s a seventh presumptive case of COVID-19 in the province, it also announced classes would be suspended indefinitely.

Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, said Monday a seventh individual tested positive for COVID-19 after travelling to Arizona. There weren’t any details about where the person was tested.

None of the cases reported so far has resulted in hospitalization, according to Shahab.

The province announced Monday that all pre-K-12 classes in the province will be suspended indefinitely starting Friday due to the threat of the virus. Classes were to start winding down Monday.

“This means that parents who are able to keep children home should do so immediately,” Premier Scott Moe said at the legislative building. “Parents with limited childcare options have a window to plan for these class suspensions.”

On Sunday, Shahab had said schools would remain open for the time being, but the government decided Monday to close the schools to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Moe said Shahab indicated school closures would be based on a number of factors: Evidence of sustained transmission within the community, a rapid increase in local cases, and transmission without a known link to travel or confirmed cases.

“While none of these criteria have been met to date in Saskatchewan, we believe a preventative approach of proactive school closures beginning on March 20 means that we will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our province,” Moe said.

According to the government, students will receive a final grade based on their current grade and will move on to the next level next year. All Grade 12 students who are eligible to graduate will do so.

In a media release, the government said the Ministry of Education and school divisions are to work with post-secondary institutions “to adapt entry requirements for programs commencing in the next academic year.”

As well, the ministry, school divisions and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation are to work together “to implement a supplemental curriculum program through distance and alternative learning methods.” It’s for students who want to keep learning for the rest of the school year.

The province noted the measures it announced apply to daycares that are located in schools, but not to licensed daycares.

“Further measures regarding licensed daycare facilities are being considered and will be implemented at a later date,” the government said.

Shahab noted all the provinces are at different stages when it comes to placing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We really are several weeks behind several other Canadian provinces. We just have seven cases, all linked to travel. We don’t want to be, as much as we can, in a place where some provinces are seeing a significant increase in cases,” Shahab said.

More from the government

Shahab ordered that faith-based organizations now must follow public gathering restrictions curtailing all gatherings of more than 250 people in any one room.

They had been exempt from that order until Monday.

As well, Shahab ordered that visitors to long-term care homes, hospitals, personal care homes and group homes are restricted to essential visitors only.

Meanwhile, SaskGaming has temporarily closed casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw until further notice.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging non-SaskGaming casinos operated by SIGA to voluntarily suspend operations until further notice, in line with the actions taken by SaskGaming,” the government said in a release.

While some people may still want to go out and take part in St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Moe is advising people against it.

“My advice would mirror the prime minister’s advice — this is a time for us to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary that you go out,” said Moe, referring to comments made by Justin Trudeau in Ottawa earlier Monday.

Moe said the budget will still be tabled on Wednesday.

“If there are resources that are required to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Saskatchewan, those resources will be provided by this government,” Moe said.

Moe added the government will make changes to the budget if the markets and expenses change in the weeks and months after it has been tabled.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Sarah Mills