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The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is encouraging all Moose Jaw area residents to take additional precautions due to rising COVID-19 variants of concern in the area.
Saskatchewan reported a total of 80 variants of concern cases in the south-central area, where Moose Jaw is located, the most amount of cases outside of Regina.
“Variants of concern mode of transmission and the symptoms are the same as the original strain of COVID-19 virus. However, evidence indicates that these variants of concern are 36 to 70 per cent more transmissible, meaning it spreads more easily,” the news release from the SHA said.
“Older residents and those with underlying health conditions continue to be those at greatest risk of severe illness and death.”
While restrictions haven’t officially been introduced in Moose Jaw, the SHA is “strongly encouraging” residents to only gather with people inside their immediate household, especially for those 50 or older.
Limiting travel, shopping for essential items only and opting for take-out and curbside pickup were also encouraged in the SHA release.
“Stay home with even mildest symptoms. Stay home if you have been in contact with anyone with mild symptoms,” the release noted.
In an interview with Gormley on Friday, SHA Chief Medical Officer Susan Shaw said more younger people were being admitted to hospital in Regina for COVID-19 variants of concern.
“We know that five of the last 10 people admitted to the general hospital in Regina were under 40 years old. That is not what we saw in the fall at all,” Shaw said Friday morning.
Southeast, Southwest reminded to get tested, vaccinate when possible
At nearly the same time Saturday, the SHA issued another media release reminding people in southeast and southwest Saskatchewan to get tested for COVID-19 and book a vaccination appointment when they are eligible.
The patient booking system is currently available for people aged 62 and older.
“The past year has been a trying time for so many of our communities, it is nearly impossible to put into words,” Dr. Tanner Schatz, a family physician in Humboldt said in the SHA’s release.
“So let me speak plainly as someone who had dedicated their life to education, medicine and the health and well-being of others: COVID is real. Vaccines are safe and they work. Please, for your own safety and the safety of your family and community and the collective good follow the necessary precautions, get tested, and get vaccinated.”
Residents who have been vaccinated are reminded to follow public health orders. It can take up to two weeks to build immunity from the vaccine.
