NEW: Public Health Agency of Canada Coronavirus Fact Sheet (posted March 3, 2020)
Updated February 26, 2020:
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in other countries. The risk to Canadian travellers abroad is generally low but will vary depending on the destination. The latest affected areas and travel advice is available on the Health Canada - Latest Travel Health Advice page.
It is important for all travellers to monitor their health when they return to Canada. While abroad, you may have come in contact with COVID-19. Monitor for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada. If you have these symptoms, contact HealthLine 811 for assessment and direction.
The research and data on COVID-19 continues to grow and evolve. Advice for travellers will be updated based on the latest science available.
The public health risk associated with COVID-19 remains low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.
At this time Saskatchewan does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, and the risk to Canadians remains low.
People Tested for COVID-19 in Saskatchewan |
Cumulative counts as of March 2, 2020 |
Total people tested |
52 |
Pending results |
7 |
Negative results |
45 |
Presumptive confirmed cases |
0 |
Confirmed cases |
0 |
This table will be updated with information on the status of COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan every Wednesday.
Confirming a case requires that the specimen be tested at the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg. A presumptive positive indicates that a specimen has tested positive at a provincial public health laboratory (in Saskatchewan, the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory). Pending results indicates that the specimen is in the process of being tested.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
Common signs include respiratory symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Older people or those with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk for a more severe form of the disease.
Treatment of Coronavirus
Like most respiratory illnesses, most people with common coronavirus illness will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can and should be treated. If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see a health care provider or call Healthline at 811. If you are planning to see your health care provider or go to the emergency room, please call ahead and explain your symptoms and travel history so they can make appropriate safety accommodations.
How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus
Currently, there is no approved vaccine that protects against coronaviruses in humans.
As a respiratory illness, the best method to protect yourself against coronavirus is to practice everyday preventive actions, including:
- Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);
- Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Maintain safe food practices; and
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
There is no evidence that surgical masks protect persons who are not sick. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of any masks if you do not have a travel history and respiratory symptoms. If you have respiratory symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing and a relevant travel history you should wear a surgical/procedure mask when seeking medical care at a health facility. If you are going to a health care facility for treatment of your respiratory illness and do not have a mask, ask for one at the admission desk and one will be provided to you.
Learn more about coronavirus by visiting the Public Health Agency of Canada links or downloading the fact sheets below.
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Travellers Returning to Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Travellers Returning from Hubei, China and Iran
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Know the Facts About COVID-19
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Be Prepared Factsheet
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Coronavirus Infection
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Coronavirus Travel Advice
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Coronavirus Awareness Resources
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Coronavirus Fact Sheet