The provincial government reported 470 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, and five more deaths linked to the virus. This brought the total number of deaths to 700 since the start of the pandemic. 

Hospitalizations were up by 6, to 313, which is a new record in Saskatchewan. Of those who are hospitalized, 68 are in intensive care.  

Of the new cases that were reported, 404 were those who are not fully vaccinated – 84 under the age of 12. Sixty-one new cases were in the 12-19 age group, 154 in the 20-39 age group, 89 in the 40-59 age group, 57 in the 60-79 age group and 25 over the age of 80. 

Geographically, the new cases were spread throughout the province, with 85 in the Saskatoon region and 83 in the Regina region. There were 48 in North Central, 44 in North West, 37 in South East, 33 in South Central, 32 in Central East, 23 in South West, 18 in Far North West, 17 in North East, 12 in Central West, 11 in Far North East, and one in Far North Central. 

There were 3,144 first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine administered, and 2,430 second doses. This brings the total percentage of people with at least one dose up to 70.1 percent, and with a second dose to 62.5 percent. With the provincial government’s proof of vaccination policy taking effect Friday, many are anticipating the number of people who are vaccinated to continue to rise.  

Details of the proof of vaccination policy for employees of the Saskatchewan Health Authority were also explained Friday. Dr. Kevin Wasko, Physician Executive for Rural Health, stated roughly one in five SHA employees are not fully vaccinated. They will phase in their requirement starting with a two-week period where staff and contracted workers will submit a declaration of the vaccination status. Those who aren’t vaccinated can opt for monitoring through an ongoing testing program.