Sask. sees increase in COVID-19 shots ahead of proof-of-vaccination policy
Saskatchewan is nearing another milestone in its effort to get COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of residents.
As of Friday, approximately 79.72 per cent of eligible people in the province have received their first shot. When it comes to second doses, 71.2 per cent of those eligible have the double dose and are fully vaccinated.
“The hope is that if 80 per cent of people get their first dose, then also that 80 per cent of people will decide to get their second dose,” said ICU physician Dr. Hassan Masri.
“At that point, it may show some significant difference (in ICU admissions).”
According to Health Canada, the province ranks last in the country for vaccination rates.
Masri said low vaccination rates directly translate into what he sees in Saskatoon’s intensive care units.
“Almost all of our patients are unvaccinated,” Masri said.
“Our ICUs are full and we expect the situation to worsen quite a bit over the next few days.”
Saskatchewan did see a bump in COVID-19 immunizations after Premier Scott Moe announced on Sept. 17 that a proof-of-vaccination policy would come into effect on Oct. 1.
From Sept. 18-24, health-care workers administered nearly 25,000 total doses of vaccine – an increase of about 9,500 from Sept. 11-17. The average number of first shots given each day doubled, jumping from just over 1,000 to 2,114 the next week.
“It won’t be until a good six weeks from now that they will be fully protected with the two doses of vaccine,” said epidemiologist Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine.
“Six weeks in a Delta variant-driven surge is a long time.”
Second doses also saw a slight boost. The average number of second shots per day was 1,187 for Sept. 11-17; that rose to 1,437 for Sept. 18-24.
“Vaccination is an important way out of this pandemic, but it is not the only way,” Muhajarine said.
“We also need several layers of protection.”
Muhajarine said employee proof of vaccination should extend beyond government workers to places like schools and private corporations. He added, it is also time to reintroduce restrictions on social gatherings.
Premier Scott Moe has previously encouraged businesses to follow suit in regards to the proof of vaccination requirements for government employees. Health officials have said they are monitoring hospitalization and new case numbers weekly, and further measures could be introduced, if necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.