The Saskatchewan Health Authority issued a warning on Saturday afternoon asking residents of Moose Jaw and area to be extra vigilant when it comes to the ongoing pandemic, due to increased detection of COVID-19 variants.
The South Central region, which includes Moose Jaw, has seen the highest increase in new cases in the province outside of Regina and Saskatoon the last two days, with 18 new cases detected on Friday alone and 78 active cases now in the region.
The warning comes as a number of those new cases are variants -- B1.1.7 (United Kingdom) being the most prevalent, while B1.351 (South Africa) has also been detected.
Variants of Concern have the same transmission method and symptoms as the original strain of COVID-19 virus. However, evidence indicates that variants are 36 to 70 percent more transmissible, meaning it spreads more easily. Older residents and those with underlying health conditions continue to be those at greatest risk of severe illness and death.
The South Central region has seen a total of 80 variant cases, the highest outside of Regina (1,041).
The SHA says Moose Jaw area residents are strong encouraged to do the following:
- Only gather indoors with your immediate household. In particular, for those that are over the age of 50, you should consider NOT increasing your household bubbles to include 2-3 households up to 10 people.
- Limit travel and shopping to essential only.
- Opt for take-out and curbside pick-up.
- Stay home with even mildest symptoms. Stay home if you have been in contact with anyone with mild symptoms.
- Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms.
- Continue practicing physical distancing, frequent handwashing and wear a mask when in public places.
For more information, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19. You can find the maps and the breakdown of cases by region on the government's website.
