Saskatchewan Health Authority
701 Queen Street S7K 0M7 Saskatoon, SK, Canada

The Saskatchewan Health Authority uses its social media channels to provide accurate information. Inaccurate and misleading comments, myths and propaganda will be deleted from SHA channels. The SHA also has a Terms of Public Use for our social media channels (including Facebook). It establishes guidelines and expectations for members of the public to engage the SHA in social media dialogue responsibly including being respectful to others and not using profane words. Thank you. A copy of these terms of use can be found here - https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Terms-of-Use-Social-Me

Health and mental health concerns and questions come up. If you need to speak to your doctor about changes in your health, don't delay. Virtual care appointments with your family physician or healthcare provider are there for you. HealthLine 811 is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your health takes a sudden turn and you need help, don't delay. Emergency departments and hospitals are safe and there for the care you need.

When you call 911 during the COVID-19 pandemic, please give us the space to put on our personal protective equipment (PPE).We know medical emergencies are scary, but keeping us safe, keeps you safe too. #skhcw

Government of Saskatchewan COVID-19 Update for February 4: 36,527 Vaccines Delivered, 250 New Cases, 232 Recoveries, Seven Deaths

Feeling unwell? Stop the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan and stay in bed! Or at least stay home. Use the COVID-19 self-assessment tool at saskatchewan.ca/covid19 to determine if you should be tested. Remember - wash your hands + wear a mask + clean common surfaces + stay home if you're feeling ill.

The SHA has a Terms of Public Use for our social media channels (including Facebook). It establishes guidelines and expectations for members of the public to engage the SHA in social media dialogue responsibly including being respectful to others and not using profane words. Thank you. A copy of these terms of use can be found here - https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Terms-of-Use-Social-Me

Disposable masks and gloves belong in garbage bins, not the environment. Please remember to dispose of yours responsibly. Remember to wash your hands after you touch your mask.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Is it safe? Yes. COVID-19 has radically changed daily life. Although there have been other pandemics, the world has not seen a global pandemic of this scale since the Spanish Flu of 1918-19. Our response to the pandemic bears some similarity to 100 years ago in terms of mandatory masking, self-isolation and physical distancing, but the most significant difference is the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. Technological and scientific advances have made the ...rapid development of a COVID-19 vaccine possible, while ensuring all regulatory and safety requirements have been met, said Dr. Tania Diener, EOC COVID 19 Immunization Co-Chief, Saskatchewan Health Authority. This is attributable to a collaborative international effort to share information and compare research, while adhering to rigorous testing requirements and approval standards. Developing the COVID-19 vaccine in slightly under a year may have some people questioning if it’s safe. While global research collaboration and administrative prioritization is responsible for the timeline, there have been no shortcuts taken on the regulatory requirements to ensure that the vaccine meets all prerequisite safety standards. In Canada, the scientific evidence from human clinical trials is reviewed by Health Canada to ensure quality and safety. There is also the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which is comprised of experts in the field of pediatrics, infectious diseases, immunology, medical microbiology, internal medicine and public health. NACI is responsible for evaluating how effective and safe the vaccine is among other aspects, who would most benefit and how other countries are using the vaccine. The recommendations of NACI are made available to healthcare providers once the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has approved the vaccine for use. Once the vaccine is approved, manufacturers are also required to submit three to five consecutive lot samples to Health Canada’s laboratories to ensure that high quality vaccines are being consistently produced. Read the whole article - https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//COVID-19-Vaccine-Is-it

"When trailers with PPE were stuck (in the November snowstorm in Saskatoon), I reached out to our partners at @cityofsaskatoon - Russell Laidlaw, SHA Director of Protective Services & Health Emergency Management. Laidlaw attributes success that day to important relationships long established. Read the full story: http://www.3shealth.ca//fighting-the-snowstorm-together-to

COVID-19 vaccination of long term care residents and health providers began this morning in Saskatchewan’s Far North. The first Moderna vaccinations were provided in Île-à-la-Crosse to Registered Nurse Brittany Favel and her grandfather Jimmy Favel who is a resident in Île-à-la-Crosse Long Term Care. COVID-19 vaccinations also started in La Loche this morning, as part of the roll-out in the Far North West zone

We know that many residents want to show their gratitude for all that health-care workers are doing each day. Here are some suggestions on how you can show your support and encouragement throughout the holidays during the pandemic: Donate to your local health foundation - https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/Pages/Donate.aspx Show your gratitude virtually. On your personal social media channels, use the hashtag #SKHCW, and give a shout out to our staff, physicians and volu...nteers. Tag the SHA on Facebook or Twitter (@saskhealth) to help spread the gratitude. We encourage everyone to thank the health-care worker in your life, publicly or privately, and show Saskatchewan’s health-care providers and health-care support staff how much you appreciate everything they have done throughout the pandemic. Your kind words will mean so much.

COVID-19 Update: 4,254 Vaccines Delivered, 153 New Cases, 120 New Recoveries, Five New Deaths There are 153 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on J...anuary 5, 2021, bringing the provincial total to date to 16,520 cases. Five Saskatchewan residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. The individuals were from the North Central (1), North East (1), South Central (1) and Regina (2) zones and all in the 80+ age group. The new cases are located in the Far North West (8), Far North East (6), North West (13), North Central (14), North East (5), Saskatoon (33), Central West (1), Central East (13), Regina (39), South Central (1) and South East (6) zones. Fourteen new cases have pending residence information. Fifteen previously reported cases with pending residence information have been assigned to the North Central (11), North East (2), South Central (1), and Saskatoon (1) zones. A total of 13,298 individuals have recovered and 3,057 cases are considered active. One hundred and sixty-six people are in hospital. One hundred and thirty-five people are receiving inpatient care: one in the Far North West; one in the Far North East; six in the North West; 25 in the North Central; three in the North East; 40 in the Saskatoon; five in the Central East; 42 in the Regina; two in the South West; two in the South Central; and eight in the South East zones. Thirty-one people are in intensive care: two in the North West; four in the North Central; 10 in the Saskatoon; one in the Central East; 14 in the Regina zones. The seven-day average of daily new cases is 214 (17.7 new cases per 100,000 population) and is now available on the COVID-19 dashboard: https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca//seven-day-average-of-ne. This chart compares today’s average to data collected over the past several months. As of January 5, a total of 4,254 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been provided in Saskatchewan. The majority of those doses are accounted for within our pilot project, which is completed in Regina and nearing 90 per cent completion in Saskatoon. Planning for second dosages in the pilot program is well underway and further details will be released in the coming days. The province expects a shipment of vaccines to be received in Prince Albert this week to allow vaccinations for eligible health care staff, long term and personal care home residents in the area to begin. Vaccination of long term care residents and health providers began this morning in Saskatchewan’s Far North. The first Moderna vaccinations were provided in Île-à-la-Crosse to Registered Nurse Brittany Favel and her grandfather Jimmy Favel who is a resident in Île-à-la-Crosse Long Term Care. Vaccinations also started in La Loche this morning, as part of the roll-out in the Far North West zone. Learn more at https://www.saskatchewan.ca//covid19-update-4254-vaccines-. Learn more about COVID-19 case, test and hospitalization numbers and the 7-day average of daily new cases in Saskatchewan at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness. To find your community, use the list at www.saskatchewan.ca//cases-and-risk-o/index-of-communities.

COVID case information for January 25, 2021.

River Heights Lodge is a long-term care home located in North Battleford, and is home to 97 residents. A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the home on November 12. The Environmental Services department provided enhanced cleaning during the outbreak, and a number of new staff had to be hired when some staff members were off work because they tested positive for COVID-19, or were found to be a close contact of a positive case. These are their thoughts now that the outbreak has been declared over. Read the rest of the story here: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Faces-of-the-Fight-The

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: COVID-19 Outbreak Declaration for Stanley Mission Monday, January 4, 2021 16:00HRS Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) p...ublic health officials have declared an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community of Stanley Mission following an increasing number of confirmed cases linked to private family gatherings on December 25th & December 31st. Contact tracing investigation is underway. Public health officials are advising individuals who were at these events during the specified dates listed above to immediately self-isolate if they have had or currently have symptoms of COVID-19 and to call HealthLine 811 or their community health clinic to arrange for assessment and testing. All other individuals who are not experiencing symptoms should self-monitor for 14 days from the date of last exposure. It is important to note that individuals may develop symptoms from two to 14 days following exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. Symptoms may also vary in different age groups. Some of the more commonly reported symptoms include: new or worsening cough shortness of breath or difficulty breathing temperature equal to or over 38C feeling feverish chills fatigue or weakness muscle or body aches new loss of smell or taste headache gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting) feeling very unwell For more information on self-monitoring and self-isolation, visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19

Today is World Cancer Day. On this day we're reminded that on average 15 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in Saskatchewan. The image shows four of tho...se people from right here at home. Cancer touches everyone. But along with our partner the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency we want you to know there is hope. We and the Agency are dedicated to providing and supporting the very best in patient treatment, care, education, awareness and research to improve cancer patient outcomes in our province. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3axogUq #CancerFoundationSaskatchewan #StrongerTogether #Saskatchewan #WorldCancerDay Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

Public Health reminds everyone that no single public health measure is perfect at preventing #COVID19sk. Instead, these measures need to be used together to minimize risk.

Question: Long-term care homes in Saskatchewan are restricted to compassionate care visitation only as part of the Public Health Order. Does that mean visitation is not allowed? Answer: Compassionate care visitation restrictions means that two family members or support persons can be identified to support residents in long-term care facilities who have care needs or quality of life needs unmet. Only one family member or support person can be present in the facility at a time. Learn more: https://www.saskatchewan.ca//guidance-for-health-care-faci

The Saskatchewan Health Authority would like to take this opportunity to thank Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, and all the province’s medical health officers, for their tireless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud to work closely as a provincial team when it comes to safeguarding and improving the health of Saskatchewan residents during an unprecedented global pandemic. COVID-19 is everywhere in Saskatchewan. Now is not the time to divide as a province. We are stronger, together. Thank you Dr. Shahab and team.

Thank you for your visit Santa! And thank you Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation

Sharing the daily case count from the Government of Saskatchewan.

Staff at the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre knew they needed to do something special to raise spirits during the Christmas season this year and they came up with some fresh ideas, including a resident Christmas portrait session in early December. We needed something special during these times, to lessen the feeling of isolation and loneliness for the residents and their families, said Pamela Bahnuick, Recreation Worker with Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre. More here: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Shaunavon-Hospital-and

Latest COVID-19 cases as shared by the Government of Saskatchewan

Latest COVID-19 cases from the Government of Saskatchewan

COVID-19 Faces of the Fight: Andrea By Andrea Kosloski, BSN RN, CCCN My name is Andrea....Continue reading

Increased COVID-19 in Unity: visitor limitations in place The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is alerting the public of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Unity area and is urging Saskatchewan residents to follow public health measures and personal safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including maintaining a physical distance of two metres from others and masking when that's not possible, frequent hand hygiene and self-isolating if you develop any sym...ptoms of COVID-19. In order to keep everyone in SHA facilities and care homes safe during this time, family presence/visitation is being limited to compassionate reasons only in the Unity Health Centre effective Saturday, December 12th at 8:00am. The measure will be reassessed in four weeks. The decision to restrict family presence is not taken lightly. These measures are in place to keep you, your loved ones, and health care workers safe. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking the public for their support and cooperation in order to contain the spread of the virus. Read the full announcement on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Increased-COVID-19-in-

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites wait times are now available on our website! Wait times are updated 3 to 4 a day. Visit the website and click on "View COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Wait Times". https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//COVID-19-Drive-Thru-Wa

Faces of the Fight COVID-19 Jennifer Lowe, RN, MICU Regina, COVIDLine811 (HealthLine 811), System Flow Coordination Centre As part of work on the COVIDLine 811 team (HealthLine 811), I have spent thousands of hours counselling the sick and the scared, helping them navigate testing, isolation and mental health. I’ve worked more 16-hour shifts than I can count.... Now, as the fight against COVID-19 grows, my role has grown as well. When I’m not working COVIDLine811 and picking up shifts in Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Regina General Hospital to support the sickest of the sick, I’m helping physicians and nurses across the province navigate their patients through the system in the System Flow Coordination Centre (SFCC). Today, my 40th birthday, I am sad that all of my work, and the work of my colleagues seems to be for not. The numbers have risen drastically and instead of celebrating a milestone in my life with my closest family and friends, I am painfully navigating online learning for my two kids because Regina schools are out until January 11. I’m not alone in this fight. We are all in this together. This Christmas will be unlike any we have ever experienced. Please, be smart this holiday season. Please obey the Public Health Orders. Please stop the spread. Please think about all of us working over Christmas to keep you safe. Please help keep us safe, too. Read her full message: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Faces-of-the-Fight-Jen

Students of STEM looking to branch out...we are looking for lab specialists to join our team! The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is hiring for a wide range of positions across Saskatchewan. Visit https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/Careers to learn more!

Sharing from Nitha Saskatchewan: increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases with community transmission in Pelican Narrows.

New travel rules from the Government of Canada come into effect November 21...

Even mild symptoms can be a sign of COVID-19. It is important to know so you can take precautions to protect those around you. Use the self-assessment tool to determine if you should be tested: https://www.saskatchewan.ca//2019/covid-19-self-assessment.

Question: Is the SHA calling people to enroll in COVID-19 vaccine trials? Answer: No. Unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of fears and confusion and scamming people with phone calls. Currently making the rounds are callers claiming to be enrolling people in vaccine trials. Saskatchewan Health Authority employees are not calling anyone in regards to vaccine trials. The vaccine that is now being administered to health-care workers in the province has already been granted approval. We will actively communicate with the public as the vaccine rollout takes place in the coming weeks and months. More: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Fact-Check-What-to-exp

Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Susan Shaw has once again reached out to the people of Saskatchewan with important words... "Every person in Saskatchewan needs to really understand that their behaviour is having real consequences. Every small breach (in the public health measures) adds up and the virus continues to spread. And as COVID spreads, we have to further restrict family presence and visitation. Those who are not committing to all the public health measures are denyin...g loved ones a chance to sit with their sister, mother, father or brother, possibly in their final moments. This is heartbreaking for our patients and their families, but also for our physicians and staff. Abide by all the public health restrictions. Wear a mask, save a life, and be kind."

Regina and Saskatoon Drive-thru Testing to expand in January The Saskatchewan Health Authority is expanding drive-thru testing hours in Regina and Saskatoon beginning in the New Year when appropriate staffing is able to be mobilized. REGINA - starting SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021: ... International Trade Centre at Evraz Place, Hall C, 1700 Elphinstone Street (11th Avenue entrance from Lewvan Drive on the west side of the complex) New Hours as of January 2: 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week CURRENT HOURS until January 2: 1:00-7:00 p.m., 7 days a week SASKATOON - starting Monday, January 4, 2021: 3630 Thatcher Avenue New hours and days as of January 4: Monday - Friday from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CURRENT HOURS AND DAYS until January 4: Tuesday - Thursday from 12:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. To access a drive-thru test, a referral is not required. You must wear a mask and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. In your vehicle, everyone should be members of the same, immediate household. You need a valid Health Card or an alternate government-issued form of identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport). Every person in the vehicle who has these documents can get tested. Drive-thru testing sites are first-come, first-serve basis and waits should be expected depending on the demand for services. There are also safety protocols, patient registration, specimen collection and cleaning which can affect wait times. Currently, peak times are typically when the site location opens. You can consider arriving at the location later in the day to try to avoid a significant wait, though you should still be prepared for a delay. View the full announcement on the Saskatchewan Health Authority site: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Regina-and-Saskatoon-D

With pandemic fatigue increasing, public health experts are reminding people of the importance of using personal safety precautions in an unusual metaphor: cheese. The Swiss Cheese Model uses slices of cheese to visualize how interventions work together to prevent transmission of infections. The PERSONAL and SHARED interventions shown in the graphic physical distancing + mask wearing + hand washing + disinfecting common surfaces in our homes + testing + isolation + more as imperfect barriers to virus transmission by the holes in the cheese. However, by putting the slices together, we minimize risk.

Layoffs, job loss, lost income of any kindthese can create great stress and anxiety. For help exploring income support options available, call or text 2-1-1, or visit online and chat: www.sk.211.ca.

Provincial news conference for November 17

If you, or someone you know, has not considered the SHA as a potential employer, take a closer look. We offer comprehensive benefits and rewarding careers opportunities focused on improving the health and well-being of the people of Saskatchewan. Visit https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/Careers to learn more! Apply through the webpage...do not send your resumé through Facebook.

Advisory for Northern Saskatchewan Residents: Avoid Non-Essential Travel Outside the North The Office of the northern Medical Health Officers for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Athabasca Health Authority and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority are advising all northern residents to avoid travel outside their communities unless it is for essential services. This strong recommendation has been prompted by increasing COVID-19 case numbers in the north, many of w...hich are linked to travel outside the north to areas in the south, and out-of-province. Regional Medical Health Officers are specifically advising: Against all non-essential travel outside the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District effective immediately and until further notice. That travel between communities within the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District be limited to only that for essential services, effective immediately and until further notice. Examples of essential services can be found on the Critical Public Services list available on the Government of Saskatchewan website. This advisory is an evidence-based recommendation by the regional Medical Health Officers, and not a restriction under the current Chief Medical Health Officer’s Provincial Public Health Order. Read the rest of the advisory on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//Advisory-for-Northern-

Sharing the latest COVID-19 cases from the Government of Saskatchewan

Find a copy of the full public health order here - https://www.saskatchewan.ca//provincial-order-december-14-

No single public health measure is perfect at preventing COVID-19. Instead, they need to be used TOGETHER to minimize risk. wash your hands properly & often physically distance don’t share food/drink clean common surfaces regularly... wear a mask in public avoid touching face with unclean hands stay home if you are ill See more

We are all part of the solution when it comes to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. Please be patient. Please be kind. And follow public health advice and the Public Health Order. We are #InThisTogether. www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19

Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) is notifying of a COVID-19 outbreak declaration for James Smith Cree Nation with evidence of community transmission.

LIVE: Dr. Shahab and Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone provide an update on COVID-19 in Saskatchewan.

Sharing from the Government of Saskatchewan

The latest COVID-19 cases and information from Government of Saskatchewan.

-SHA provides update on first phase of COVID-19 surge activation- The SHA has posted a status update on the first phase of the COVID-19 surge activation announced December 3, 2020. The status update highlights that the key challenge facing the SHA is the high volume of outbreaks threatening continuity of care for patients and care home residents in need. Our teams have responded extremely well to a very difficult situation, said Scott Livingstone, CEO. But sustained h...igh caseloads and high numbers of outbreaks are straining staff capacity and requiring us to mobilize and redeploy high numbers of staff quickly, severely testing our ability to keep up with this virus. More here: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca//SHA-provides-update-on

Public Health has advised that the drive-thru testing site in Regina currently has a wait time of about 45 minutes.

Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone and Dr. Shahab will be providing an update today (Thursday, December 17, 2020) on COVID-19 in Saskatchewan a...t 3:00pm. You can watch this live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SKGov/live/ or view it afterward on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist.

Public health reminds everyone that no single public health measure is perfect at preventing #COVID19SK. Instead, they need to be used TOGETHER to minimize risk. www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19