The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says there is an increased risk of COVID-19 variants of concern in Rosthern, Osler and Hague. As a result it is strongly urging residents to follow the health guidelines such as social distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding gatherings and unnecessary travel.

The SHA says variants of concern are highly contagious, transmitting more quickly and to more people within the community. And, many of those falling ill are much younger than previously seen during the pandemic.

The SHA is also reminding the public of an increased risk of COVID-19 in Regina and is strongly urging Saskatchewan residents to strictly adhere to all public health orders and measures there as well.

In order to keep everyone in SHA acute and long-term care spaces safe during this time, family presence/visitation continues to be restricted to Level 3 in the City of Regina, Emerald Park, Lumsden and Cupar. While some areas of the province will begin allowing more visitation to homes based on vaccination levels, Regina’s Medical Health Officers have discretion to maintain current restrictions, even if the thresholds are met.  Restrictions are reviewed weekly.

Level 3 Family Presence means that two family/support members can be present at same time for end of life care only in acute care facilities and long term care homes. One essential family/support person can be designated to assist with care if needed (self-care, mobility, nutrition and behavioural needs). Additional family presence can be supported for specific circumstances including critical care or intensive care units and maternal, postpartum or pediatric units. For more details on levels of family presence in acute care and long term care, review this at-a-glance guide.

No other visitors are allowed into the specified facilities or homes at this time.

The current public health order is in place for Regina area until May 10 due to heightened COVID-19 concerns.

Family Presence restrictions will be reviewed by the Medical Health Officers every week based on a set checklist, and will remain in place until it is safe to return to the previous level of family presence or allow for expanded visitation based on eligibility.

Family members and support people who are permitted must undergo a health screening prior to entering the facility or home. This includes a temperature check and questionnaire. The family member or support person will be required to perform hand hygiene (hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility or home and when entering and leaving the patient’s or resident’s room.  Point of Care testing will be made available and is strongly encouraged as an added screening measure.  Family members and support people will be required to wear a medical grade mask while inside the facility or home and potentially additional personal protective equipment if required. Family members and support people are not permitted to wait in waiting rooms or other common areas and movement in the facility/home is to be kept to essential movement only.

Detailed information about family presence during COVID-19 can be found at saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

All members of the public are reminded of the following:

• COVID-19 is transmitted through coughing and sneezing (droplet transmission), and by touching surfaces with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
• Memorize and recognize the symptoms:  fever, cough, headache, muscle and/or joint aches and pains, sore throat, chills, runny nose, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, dizziness, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite (difficulty feeding for children), loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. Stay home if you have symptoms and monitor yourself.
• Get tested: Learn more about testing and regularly take the online self-assessment at Saskatchewan.ca/COVID19. Call HealthLine 811 or your physician for a referral or visit your local drive-thru testing site.
• Care for yourself and others: Anyone at any age can contract COVID-19. Be kind to each other and to health-care workers.
• Download the COVID-19 Alert APP: The Health Canada COVID Alert app is available to all Saskatchewan residents at no cost in the Apple and Google Play app store. The app is another tool available to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 by letting people know of possible exposures without sharing any personal information. For more information, visit the COVID-19 Apps webpage.
• Get immunized once it’s available to you.