2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

UPDATED: Coronavirus Information for Saskatchewan Residents (March 12, 2020)
NEW: Saskatchewan COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (March 11, 2020)
NEW: COVID-19 Guidance : Mass Gatherings, Risk for Elderly Populations (March 11, 2020)
NEW: Self-Monitoring Information Sheet (March 11, 2020)
UPDATED: Self-Isolation Information Sheet (March 11, 2020)

Updated March 11, 2020

Risk of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population, but this could change quickly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians 65 and over, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

Public health officials continue to reassess the national and provincial public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.

Travel Guidance

The risk to Canadian travellers abroad will vary depending on the destination and there are some destinations where the Government of Canada recommends avoiding all travel or all non-essential travel.

All travellers should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) for 14 days after returning to Canada and avoid places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others if you become ill. If you have even mild symptoms, stay home and call HealthLine 811 for advice.

If you have travelled to a country with a level three travel advisory, limit your contact with others for a total of 14 days starting the day you began your journey to Canada. This means self-isolate and stay at home. Contact HealthLine 811 within 24 hours of arriving in Canada for direction.

All travellers are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and to contact the local public health authority in their province or territory if they feel sick.

Saskatchewan COVID- 19 Pandemic Plan (March 11, 2020)

At this time Saskatchewan does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, and the risk to Canadians remains low.

COVID-19 Laboratory Testing Summary for Saskatchewan
Cumulative counts as of March 10, 2020
Total Persons Tested	285
Persons with Pending Results	22
Persons with Confirmed Negative Results	263
Persons with Presumptive Positive Results	1
Persons with Confirmed Positive Results	0
Total Tests Performed¹	301

¹A person may have multiple tests performed

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 HealthLine 811 recommends you seek acute care, they will provide instruction to call ahead.

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.

1A person may have multiple tests performed

This table will be updated with information on the status of COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan every Wednesday.

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¹A person may have multiple tests performed