249 new cases of COVID-19 were reported Tuesday, as well as 236 recoveries.

Of the new cases, 7 are in the south-central zone, 102 are in Regina, 55 in Saskatoon. 19 in the northwest, 17 in the north-central zone, 16 in the southeast, 13 in the central-east, seven in the southwest, six in the central-west, two in the far northwest, two in the far northeast, and one in the northeast. Two cases are pending resident information.

2,640 cases are considered active, with 119 of those located in the sub-region 'south-central 2' which is made up of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area.

195 people are in hospital with 134 receiving inpatient care, and 51 are in intensive care

All Public Health Measures Extended to May 10

The provincial government also announced on Tuesday that all public health measures would be extended to May 10 as a result of increased COVID-19 transmission throughout the province. The orders will be reviewed again at that time. 

Currently, all private indoor gatherings are restricted to immediate household members only, and outdoor gathers are limited to 10 people. Physical distancing of at least two metres must be in place. 

Travel is also not recommended in or out of Regina unless absolutely necessary. Those who are able to work from home are also advised to do so. 

All residents are urged to adhere to the best personal protective measures:

  • Wear your mask in all public places including all workplaces
  • Wash non-medical masks daily
  • Maintain physical distancing
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Reduce activities outside of your home.
  • Order take-out or curbside pick-up. If you are able to work from home, work from home at this time.
  • Avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the province at this time

Variants

As of April 19, 5,027 variants of concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the Far North West (35), Far North East (2), North West (89), North Central (64), North East (6), Saskatoon (497), Central West (71), Central East (185), Regina (2,990), South West (118), South Central (404) and South East (500) zones. There are 66 cases with residence pending.

There are one hundred and forty-two (142) new lineage results reported today. Of the 2,060 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 2,046 are B.1.1.1.7 (UK), nine (9) are B.1.351 (SA) and five (5) are P.1. (Brazilian). These are the first P.1 (Brazilian) variants detected in the province. The Regina zone accounts for 1,475 (72 per cent) of the VOC cases with confirmed lineage reported in Saskatchewan.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 5,278 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 357,447.

The 5,278 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following regions: Far North West (29), Far North Central (2), Far North East (56), North West (154), North Central (540), North East (86), Saskatoon (2,503), Central West (166), Central East (392), Regina (657), South West (32), South Central (262) and South East (256). There were 143 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Fifty-one per cent of Saskatchewan residents age 40+ have received their first dose.