REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Health Authority has declared an outbreak at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton Regional High School and Pumphouse Athletic Club.
The SHA said in a news release on Monday that 17 cases have been identified in the community, including three health care workers in the health centre.
It said all health care workers who have been identified as close contacts with the confirmed cases are being tested and the contact investigation continues.
The source of the outbreak appears to be community transmission, the SHA said.
"Initial findings suggest that most recent cases may share a common source of exposure at a local fitness facility, " the province said in a news release.
The SHA said services remain available at the health centre. It’s reminding the public to access services at the centre when required.
“The health and safety of our patients and the employees who care for them is of utmost importance to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and keeping the people we serve and our employees and physicians healthy and safe is paramount to the work we do each and every day,” the SHA said.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said on Monday the province has identified 100 close contacts of the people in Yorkton who have tested positive for COVID-19.
He said if measures fail to reduce case numbers in the area, the government may have to enforce further interventions.
Shahab said case numbers in the area will likely increase, but should flatten if people take safety measures seriously.
Despite the outbreaks, Shahab said the province has done well in keeping cases low over the last few months.
“Most of us are knowledgeable and comply with the guidelines, and we need to continue to pay attention to simple principles that keep us and keep others safe,” he said.
Shahab said there should be sufficient testing for people in the Yorkton area.
He said people in Saskatchewan should review the province’s fall guidelines, making sure people only meet others who are within their family bubble.
