SHA declares COVID outbreak in connection with events in Prince Albert

The Saskatchewan Health Authority declared Wednesday what it called “a multi-jurisdictional community transmitted outbreak” of COVID-19 that appears to be linked to a series of events in Prince Albert.

In a media release, the SHA said a number of positive cases have been traced to Full Gospel Outreach events in Prince Albert from Sept. 14 through this past Sunday.

“It is being declared an outbreak as it involves numerous individuals with close contacts from multiple areas across the province,” the SHA release said.

The authority added contact tracing has involved more than 100 people across the province.

According to the SHA, because of the large number of positive cases traced back to the events in Prince Albert, health officials are advising everyone who attended to self-isolate and contact HealthLine to arrange a COVID-19 test.

“They should remain on isolation until assessed by their local public health unit,” the release said. “It is important to note that individuals may develop symptoms from two to 14 days following exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.”

SHA releases more information on outbreak

According to the SHA, six positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed from the Full Gospel outbreak from Sunday to early in the afternoon Wednesday.

A full contact tracing investigation is underway. Close contacts have been identified in several communities within Saskatchewan, including First Nations communities.

The number of positive cases linked to the event is expected to rise in the coming days.

The public health investigation is continuing.