'Nip it in the bud': Sask. expert warns against unravelling of COVID-19 success
As Saskatchewan's new COVID-19 infections increase, Nazeem Muhajarine says it’s time for the government to intervene with public health measures - but not widespread lockdowns.
“Nip it in the bud,” said Muhajarine, a University of Saskatchewan professor of epidemiology and community health.
“We need to take those steps today.”
On Tuesday the number of new cases was 24 – down from 141 on Feb. 28.
According to the Ministry of Health, new cases of COVID-19 and new hospitalization are made up of mostly unvaccinated people.
- In June, the province reported 2,032 cases of the disease.
- Of those, 1,641 people who tested positive were unvaccinated; 355 had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 32 cases were fully vaccinated.
- Of 102 hospitalizations in June, 66 were among unvaccinated people, 31 patients had a first dose and five were fully vaccinated.
- Of the 21 ICU admissions in June, 17 were unvaccinated.
With Saskatchewan’s case numbers over a seven-day average now increasing, Muhajarine said the province needs to consider public health restrictions and encourage more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
“We need a more cautious approach. We need to keep up messaging that COVID-19 is still with us, it hasn’t gone away, we’re not completely in the clear.
“We don’t want to go back, we don’t want to unravel what we have achieved in terms of vaccinations and suppressing COVID-19.”
Muhajarine said 25 per cent of the population hasn’t received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, something he’s concerned about with the opening of the CFL season on Friday and the province allowing 30,000 spectators to attend the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ home opener at Mosaic Stadium.
“This could easily be a super-spreader event,” he said.
According to an email from the Ministry of Health, as of Aug. 3, 75 per cent of people 12 years and older have received their first dose and 64 per cent of eligible people are fully vaccinated.
“The number of people being vaccinated is steadily increasing and we would encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated,” the statement said.
Muhajarine said another point of concern is around the province’s move to lift the mandatory self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19.
Last week Health Minister Paul Merriman told reporters that while the mandatory order is not in place, people who test positive should do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19 to others.
As of Tuesday, the province said there are 449 active cases in Saskatchewan, 70 in Saskatoon and 44 in Regina.
58 people are in hospital and there have been 578 deaths related to COVID-19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.