REGINA — Saskatchewan’s weekly COVID-19 update showed a dramatic increase in positive cases reported, as the Omicron variant sweeps across communities.
The dashboard update released on Jan. 11 included both a weekly summary and analysis of data for the month of December.
New cases shared through the provincial dashboard only represent results from Saskatchewan Health Authority PCR tests, and don’t include any rapid test results from residents testing at home.
The provincial government has suspended the requirement to seek a PCR confirmatory test following a positive result on a rapid antigen test, meaning reported COVID numbers may not be completely accurate to true transmission rates.
From Jan. 5-11, the province recorded 6,862 new positive cases of COVID-19, with 2,084 recoveries. Active case totals have now reached 8,229.
As of today, 121 individuals are hospitalized, including 110 inpatient cases and 11 hospitalizations.
The provincial dashboard began breaking down hospitalization numbers to indicate the number of patients in care due to COVID-19. Of those currently in hospital, 57 inpatient cases and 10 ICU patients are receiving care due to COVID-related illness.
Comparatively, a total of 4,621 cases were reported in the month of December, with 29 per cent identified as unvaccinated or with one dose and 60 per cent fully vaccinated. Of the vaccinated cases, 9 per cent had comorbid conditions and 6 per cent were over the age of 65.
Hospitalizations totalled 65 in December, with 15 cases admitted into ICU care. The majority of those cases were unvaccinated.
Only one new death was noted since Jan. 5, bringing the provincial total to 961 individuals.
The seven-day average for new COVID cases is currently at 980, or 81.3 per 100,000.
Saskatchewan has now reached 84 per cent of its population 5 years and older having received a first dose of vaccine, and 77 per cent fully vaccinated. Booster delivery is also still underway, with 52,730 third and fourth doses delivered.
Approximately 39 per cent of eligible individuals have received a booster dose, said the data update.
Clinics across the province are continuing to deliver booster doses by appointments and walk-ins.
