Latest COVID update Feb. 18: 146 new cases, 109 vaccine doses given

Saskatchewan saw a bit of a rise in new COVID-19 cases compared to the previous report for the first time in five days.

According to the Ministry of Health’s daily update, there were 146 new cases reported.

There were 171 recoveries, bringing the active caseload in Saskatchewan down to 1,516.

There were no new deaths reported, keeping that total at 362.

The new cases reported are located in the far north west (seven), far north central (10), far north east (five), north west (15), north central (seven), north east (10), Saskatoon (41), central west (four), central east (10), Regina (34), south central (one) and south east (one) zones and one case has pending resident information

The seven-day average of daily new cases has risen to 164, or 13.4 per 100,000 population. Saskatchewan now has had 27,099 cases since the pandemic began.

The recoveries reported on Thursday increased that total to date to 25,221.

The number of hospitalizations in the province dropped once again to 174, down from 178 on Wednesday.

Twenty-three people are in intensive care, with 11 in the Saskatoon area, eight in the Regina region, two in the north-central area, one in the north west and one in the central east region.

There were 2,206 tests processed Wednesday, increasing the total to date to 551, 283.

Vaccination update

Health-care professionals administered 109 vaccine doses in Saskatchewan on Wednesday, increasing the total so far to 50,465.

The 109 doses were administered in the far north west (11), far north east (30) and north central (68). The south east zone has reported an additional 10 doses administered on Feb. 5, and the far north east has reported an additional 20 doses administered on Feb. 16.

The province said a reduction in Moderna vaccines originally scheduled for next week means approximately 900 people will receive their second dose after the recommended 42-day period. The province added seniors living in congregate living arrangements and residents 70+ will receive their second dose within the 42 day period.

It says the remaining long term care and personal care home staff and health care providers will receive their second dose on the basis of age as close to the 42 day interval as possible. People who have had a delay in the administration of their second dose will not have to restart the series.