17th COVID-19 death announced in Saskatchewan, nine new cases

The Saskatchewan government is announcing a 17th person is dead from COVID-19 as the province adds nine new cases on Tuesday.

The person who died was in their 70s in the south region of the province.

Tuesday’s nine new cases include three in the south, two in the Saskatoon region, two in the north, one in the central area and one in Regina.

Saskatchewan also saw 21 new recoveries, bringing the active case count down to 294 after a one-day spike over 300.

The numbers note 13 cases of COVID-19 being treated in hospital, with five of those patients in intensive care — three in Saskatoon and two in Regina.

A total of 907 people have recovered from the virus out of the 1,218 total cases to date.

The provincial government said 873 COVID-19 tests were conducted in Saskatchewan on Monday.

Caution advised over August long weekend

The COVID-19 news release on Tuesday warned people to keep following public health orders through the upcoming August long weekend.

The provincial government is advising groups be kept within extended households or their own families. It notes people should maintain good hand hygiene and two-metre distancing.

It also notes masks should be worn when physical distancing can’t be maintained.

“There may be social or peer pressure to attend events that you feel pose an unacceptable amount of risk to you and your family,” the release notes.

“Decisions not to attend are your own, and are not cause for ridicule or shame. Family and friends should understand and respect measures that people are taking to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The provincial government said anyone can receive a COVID-19 testing appointment by calling 8-1-1, regardless of symptoms.