New restrictions announced as Sask. COVID-19 cases rise to 6

Saskatchewan now has six cases of COVID-19.

The government confirmed four new presumptive cases Saturday night.

As a result, brand new measures have been announced to try and prevent further spread of the virus.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is implementing visitor restrictions effective immediately for SHA-operated hospitals, clinics, community and continuing care facilities.

• For patients who are in critical care or high acuity units in SHA hospitals, visitors will be restricted to one at a time, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
• All community, foundation and other public and spiritual gatherings within any SHA-operated facility are on hold effective immediately until further notice.
• We are suspending the services provided by community volunteers who are 65 years of age or older, in non-essential service areas. We appreciate their service and dedication, and thank them for their support. However, we need to ensure proper measures are taken to limit non-essential community interaction in our facilities. Non-essential volunteer service areas are determined by each individual facility.

​The SHA acknowledges “the importance of family support to both those who are healing within our hospitals and residents in long-term care homes. However, we are asking families recognize that our patients and long-term residents are higher at-risk group for illness, especially COVID-19.”

It is asking people to delay their visits under the following circumstances:

• If they have any respiratory or gastric symptoms such as a common cold symptoms, diarrhea/vomiting.
• If they have travelled outside the province within the last 14 days or have flu-like symptoms, do not visit long-term care homes, clinics or hospitals.

While the SHA isn’t restricting visitation at this point outside of critical care areas, it is asking all family members and visitors to be diligent with all illness prevention, which includes limiting the number of visitors to loved ones in hospitals or homes.

The SHA is asking people to consider virtual visiting through electronic applications such as Facetime, Skype and WhatsApp.

It adds: “While we understand the benefit that family and loved ones contribute to the overall comfort and care of patients, these steps are being taken to keep patients safe and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at this time.”

Travel restrictions

Along with the measures being implemented by the SHA, the federal government and Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer recommend returning to Canada and avoiding non-essential international travel until further notice.

All travellers returning from international destinations — including the United States — are asked to self-isolate and monitor their health for 14 days upon return.  Travellers returning from within Canada are advised to self-monitor for 14 days upon return.

Members of the public who have travelled outside the province in the previous 14 days should not visit hospitals or long-term care facilities.