No evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Sask., health authority says

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says there is no evidence of COVID-19 community transmission — meaning transmission by someone who did not contract the virus while travelling — in the province so far.

At a press conference Saturday afternoon, the health authority said there are two presumptive cases of COVID-19 in the province, both of which involve people who are believed to have contracted the illness while travelling outside the province. 

"There is no evidence of community transmission in Saskatchewan at this time," Dr. Julie Kryzanowski, a senior medical health officer, said. 

"Just like this virus affects individuals differently, it will not affect all of our communities in the same way. Our actual risk will depend on our strengths and weaknesses and our level of preparedness."

Dr. Susan Shaw, a chief medical officer with the health authority, said the SHA is taking a three-pronged approach in its response to COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

First, she said the health authority is trying to contain cases of COVID-19. Testing is being increased, hospitals are under active surveillance, and respiratory outbreaks in long-term care facilities are being tested for COVID-19.

WATCH | Sask. Health Authority's update on COVID-19:

Second, Shaw said the health authority is trying to delay community transmission for as long as possible. That strategy includes voluntary self-isolation and aggressive contact tracing, which involves investigations into who those with COVID-19 came into contact with while they were ill. 

The third approach is mitigation. Shaw said that involves preventing the spread of COVID-19 following its arrival in Saskatchewan.

Staff are being educated about what personal protective equipment to wear and how to care for patients who are suspected or confirmed to be COVID-19 positive.

8-1-1 concerns addressed

Kim McKechney, the SHA's executive director of community engagement and communications, said the province is aware of problems connecting with people through the 8-1-1 Health Line and those are being addressed.

"This has been an unprecedented challenge and other jurisdictions have had this same challenge… but we are making significant inroads in ramping up to address capacity," he said.

"By Friday morning we had already doubled staff, we had already doubled the IT capacity of the phone line to actually take calls. We've tripled that by this morning." 

He said the SHA will continue to ramp up staffing for the Health Line. 

McKecheny said right now, the line can hold up to 100 callers and through the weekend, he said he expects that to be increased to hold an "unlimited" number of calls so people don't have their calls dropped.

Firefighters in Saskatoon end self-isolation

On Friday afternoon, after consultation with the health authority, firefighters in Saskatoon ended their self-imposed isolation and are now taking self-monitoring measures.

"Self-monitoring is required for 14 days after any risk of exposure," a statement from the fire department said. 

"There are no restrictions on attending work or schools but an individual must avoid crowded spaces and vulnerable people."

Individuals who were under self-isolation must watch for new symptoms and continuously track their body temperature. 

The fire department's news release said the four staff members were under self-isolation for roughly 18 hours and in constant communication with the department. The fire station was closed to outside access and contingency plans were made to maintain response coverage. 

The fire station is now back in service.