Sask. reports highest number of new COVID-19 cases since reopening
The Saskatchewan government reported 80 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, which is the highest number seen since the province fully reopened on July 11.
The new cases are in the Far Northwest (28); Far North Central (six); Far Northeast (two); Northwest (five); North Central (six); Northeast (one); Saskatoon (11); Central East (two); Regina (six); Southwest (two); South Central (one) and Southeast (seven) zones. Location information is pending for three cases.
The province also recorded 53 recoveries and no additional deaths.
There are 479 active cases across Saskatchewan, which continue to be concentrated in the northern half of the province. Forty-five per cent of active cases are in the Far North zones and 13 per cent of active cases are in Northern zones. Saskatoon accounts for 15 per cent of active cases, while Regina makes up 12 per cent.
On Friday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority issued warnings about increased COVID-19 activity in Lloydminster and Swift Current.
The province said there were 1,810 COVID-19 tests processed on Friday. The seven-day average of daily new cases is 50.
There are 46 COVID-19 patients are in hospital; 11 are in ICU in the North Central (one); Saskatoon (five); and Regina (five) zones.
VACCINATIONS
According to the province, health-care workers have administered an additional 5,308 vaccines since the last update.
As of Saturday, 1,411,497 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, including 761,397 first doses and 650,100 second shots.
The SHA said Sunday is the last opportunity for children between the ages of 12 and 17 to get their first dose if they want to be fully immunized before school starts.
According to public health, children should get the shot by Aug. 1, then wait the minimum 28 days to get the second. The SHA noted it takes around two weeks for the second dose to be fully effective.
VARIANTS OF CONCERN
The government said a total of 12,356 COVID-19 cases have been identified as variants of concern. Of those cases, 8,050 have been whole genome sequenced; 7,041 are Alpha (B.1.1.7), 573 are Delta (B.1.617.2), 426 are Gamma (P.1), and 10 are Beta (B.1.351).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.