82 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saskatchewan Thursday, with 37 located in Saskatoon, 13 in Regina, 11 in the north-central zone, seven in the central east, six in the north west, three in the northeast, two in the southeast, two in the south-central zone and one in the southwest.

707 cases are considered active.

There were 41 new recoveries, and 20 people are in hospital, with 14 receiving inpatient care and 6 in intensive care.

There are 569 additional active cases in the province compared to September 29 of this year. 

Public Health also provided additional information and clarity on the Public Health Order regarding nightclubs that was released Wednesday;

Yesterday, the Chief Medical Health Officer announced a new Public Health Order (PHO) for nightclubs in the City of Saskatoon.  The order was made following multiple outbreaks associated with night clubs in Saskatoon.  The need to restrict activities in these establishments is necessary to prevent ongoing transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Below are two points of clarification:

  • For the purposes of this order, a “nightclub” means an establishment at which the main activities are selling liquor and providing music to which patrons can dance.
  • This order is not intended to capture lounges, pubs, restaurants, or liquor manufacturing facilities that have tasting rooms. This order will come into effect on Friday, October 30 at 9:00 am.

The new order states:

  • The consumption of alcohol in all nightclubs is prohibited from the hours of 10 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. for all persons, including patrons, staff and owners; Nightclubs must be closed to patrons at 11 p.m. until at least 9:30 a.m. the following day.  Takeout food services are permitted.

The existing order also requires all nightclubs in Saskatchewan to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Six patrons to a table or booth.Static seated groupings – no mingling among groups/tables.
  • Karaoke and dance floors remain prohibited.
  • Business owners and operators must ensure physical distancing within their establishments.
  • As outlined in the Re-open Saskatchewan Guidelines, mask use is required for staff.  It is strongly encouraged for patrons until they are seated.

It is recommended that all bars/nightclubs/licensed establishments in Saskatchewan take names and contact information of all patrons to assist contact tracing in the event of possible transmission.