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Moe reminds residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines

Message comes in the aftermath of recent incidents in province
COVID-19
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Rising COVID-19 numbers in Saskatchewan — and reports about people not following the rules — were a main focus of the provincial COVID-19 update in Regina.

“We’ve seen a number of examples of how one infected person at the wrong place at the wrong time can quickly lead to dozens of cases,” said Premier Scott Moe.

Moe’s remarks came on the heels of recent concerns about outbreaks, including: a recent gathering in Saskatoon where the organizer was fined $2000 for exceeding the 30-person limit; an outbreak at Brandt Industries in Saskatoon; and cases linked to meetings in Waskesiu including Métis Nation - Saskatchewan president Glen McCallum, who has tested positive.

When asked directly by a reporter about whether McCallum’s actions were irresponsible and should be investigated for possible fines, Premier Moe declined to comment on that particular case. He did say that when there are cases where persons have gone outside the public health orders, there are active contact tracing efforts as well as active investigations.

In his general remarks, Premier Moe noted many of the larger spreader events have been due to people “not following the guidelines”. But he also noted “the overwhelming majority” of Saskatchewan people were “doing their level best” to adhere to the advice and direction that has been provided.

“When we get in trouble, and where we get in trouble is when people step outside of this advice and direction,” Moe said. He noted instances of rules not being followed leading to outbreaks.

“So we need to be careful,” Moe said. He urged people to remain vigilant by washing their hands and social distancing, and urged people who were sick to stay home.

“I know people in this province are quite tough. When we feel under the weather we are used to just powering through it if you will. We’re still going to work and still going about our daily life. But at this point in time we are just not able to do this. The risk is just too large.”

Testing efforts continue to be ramped up. Moe noted Sask. Health Authority is increasing testing capacity and over the weekend recorded over 5,000 tests in two days, and SHA labs are hiring an additional 76 positions. New drive-thru testing sites are also up and running.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer, noted over the last few weeks how quickly numbers could go up. But he also noted that “if we all pull together and follow the guidelines” and follow the basic principles, the case numbers go down.

“We just need to revisit those basic principles as we move along,” said Dr. Shahab. He went on to stress the importance of staying home if you are sick and getting tested.