The Saskatchewan Health Authority [SHA] is warning that ICU's in the province have nearly reached their capacity.

If cases continue to surge, the SHA says they will be required to create about 200 more beds for COVID patients, as well as look at slowing down select services to divert workers to the 'frontlines'.

That, along with increased contact tracing, hospitalizations, healthcare workers needing to self-isolate due to exposure, and the need for long-term care employees, the SHA will need to add much more staff to be ready to help.

Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO, Scott Livingstone.

"As we see cases surge here in the province, I think there's no better time to remind people that while we do have checks in place, they need to be abided by, and we need Saskatchewan residents to do everything they can to help us fight COVID-19. Like the Roughriders, we need our '13th Man'. We need help from the public to help us control and contain the virus."

If the province is unable to stifle the number of COVID-19 cases, the SHA may need to convert hospitals into select 'COVID' and 'non-COVID' hospitals.

"Let's double down." said Livingstone, "Let's start supporting public health orders, let's start crushing this virus, and lower our contacts. We need your help. If the number of cases does not shrink, the health system is surely going to struggle with respect to both our COVID and our non-COVID patients. It would be inevitable for us to be overcome if we do not get this virus in check as quickly as we can."

With the recent surge in cases, the SHA is reminding the public that the primary factor in enabling the health system to meet the demand created by the COVID-19 virus is actions taken by Saskatchewan residents to stop the spread.  Please help us by:

  • Physical distancing;
  • Washing your hands regularly;
  • Limiting your bubble as much as possible;
  • Abiding by all public health orders;
  • Wear a mask whenever you are in public indoor settings;
  • Stay home if you are feeling even the mildest symptoms as an increasing number of cases are residents going to work when sick; and
  • Download the Government of Canada COVID Alert App and use it to protect yourself and your loved ones.

You can read Thursday's statement from the Saskatchewan Health Authority by clicking here.