REGINA -- Saskatchewan reported 34 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday alongside 12 recoveries, increasing the province's active case count to 161.

It's the largest single-day case increase in the province since 38 cases were reported on July 30.

Of the new cases, 11 are in the central east region, seven in north central, four in the far north east, three each in Saskatoon and Regina, two in the central west and south east, and one in the north west.

Thirteen of the active cases in northern zones have been linked to the Gospel Revival outbreak while nine of the active cases in the central east are connected to a single workplace.

Six people are in hospital, two of them in intensive care.

To date 211,320 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province.

REGIONALLY

Saskatchewan's 2,068 total cases to date were reported in the following regions:

  • 462 cases are from the south area (225 south west, 207 south central, 30 south east)
  • 428 cases are from the Saskatoon area
  • 371 cases are from the far north area (354 far north west, 0 far north central, 17 far north east)
  • 306 cases are from the central area (182 central west, 124 central east)
  • 298 cases are from the north area (134 north west, 94 north central, 70 north east)
  • 203 cases are from the Regina area

Since the first case of the virus was reported in Saskatchewan, 1,883 people have recovered.

Twenty four people have died.

 

FINES POSSIBLE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER VIOLATIONS

In Saturday's COVID-19 update, the province issued a warning and reminder to residents that with increased transmission rates resulting from failure to follow guidelines in Saskatchewan and across Canada, particularly as a result of public and private gatherings, fines could be handed down.

"There can be very serious consequences for not following Public Health Orders, including fines. Fines may be $2,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations, plus a victim surcharge," the release states.

Following a campaign announcement in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe reiterated the goal is not to fine people, but to keep everyone safe.

"It's upsetting to see the actions of just a select few people jeapordize the efforts of the overwhelming majority of Saskatchewan residents," Moe said. "We've done so very well thus far. Please don't be one of the selfish individuals whose reckless actions put everything we've collectively achieved at risk."

THANKSGIVING LONG WEEKEND

Provincial health officials are encouraging residents planning gatherings for Thanksgiving to carefully consider pandemic precautions, including some specific to the holiday.

General restrictions like limits on gathering sizes, physical distancing and staying home if feeling sick also apply.

CASES DETECTED AT LLOYDMINSTER SCHOOLS

The SHA has confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 have been found within the Lloydminster Catholic School Division.

The affected schools are Ecole St. Thomas and St. Mary's Elementary School, according to an update from the division posted online.

MANDATORY MASKS AT SASKATOON HEALTH FACILITIES

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has placed universal masking policies at all SHA facilities in Saskatoon.

The move follows a spike in community transmission of COVID-19 within Saskatoon.

OUTBREAK DECLARED AT U OF S COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine by the SHA.

The university has not received any confirmation that any affected individuals have been involved in community-based clinical learning during the reported timeframes.