The health care system in Saskatchewan could be stretched beyond the breaking point if the current growth of COVID-19 is not stemmed.

A document from the Saskatchewan Health Authority warns that demand for acute services will outstrip the current ability of hospitals to handle patients, pointing to a shortage of ICU beds, and ventilators. It says the province currently has 109 ICU beds with plans coming together to expand that number.

The document further states that time is of the essence and preparations must start right away. 

Tuesday afternoon the Saskatchewan Health Authority issued a statement saying it was expanding capacity to meet the demand for future phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Based on what we know from other jurisdictions, it is critical we act immediately to expand acute care capacity to mitigate the impact of COVID-19,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said in the release.

“Demand will exceed capacity. All jurisdictions are facing this challenge. We are not alone. We are acting immediately to ensure Saskatchewan residents get the care they need from the right provider, at the right time, with the right supports in place.”

More accurate modelling of the growth of the pandemic in the province is expected in the coming days. 

To this point, the government reports 72 cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan.  The government said 5,757 COVID-19 tests have been performed by the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory in Regina.

The SHA reminds us to wash our hands regularly, practice social distancing, follow local provincial and local travel, self-isolation and gathering restrictions, and refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities.