Sask. health care staff 'can’t keep up' during 4th wave of COVID-19
Regina infectious disease expert Dr. Alex Wong is warning about the strain being put on the health care system as COVID-19 case numbers grow.
“We can see, obviously that our hospitalizations and our ICU admits with COVID are continuing to rise very quickly,” Dr. Wong said.
“This is not a huge surprise because, again, our case loads are rising really quickly as well.”
As of Friday, active cases in the province are up to 2,755 - up more than 500 per cent from the 449 active cases one month ago.
COVID-19 hospitalizations are also climbing, up more than 130 per cent with 135 current hospitalizations compared to 58 a month ago.
Wong said the burden on the health care system is getting to a point where the workers are beginning to suffer.
“Our case numbers are at the point right now where our public health people can’t keep up,” Dr. Wong said
Wong is calling for the re-introduction of mandates to the province to slow the fourth wave.
“It is a real concern because it’s not like we’re shutting stuff down, so people are coming into hospital, needing support for everything non-COVID related,” Wong told CTV News.
“This is why we’ve been calling very aggressively for additional mitigation measures like masking, and certifications and so fourth.”
He said getting the vaccine is one way to help keep numbers down.
“Anything that’s going to help push more first and second doses into arms I think is going to make a big difference."
Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs for Parkland Ambulance Care, said paramedics have also been taking on increased workloads since the start of the pandemic.
“With the increased workload of the pandemic that has resulted in paramedics having to don additional protective equipment, take additional protective steps, and continue to care for patients in new and innovative ways.”
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Email us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'