1 new case of COVID-19 in Sask., no new recoveries

Risk of COVID-19 at rallies, province says Watch: Taylor Rattray has more on the risk of COVID-19 at rallies, according to provincial health officials.

REGINA — Saskatchewan is reporting one new case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 647 cases.

The new case is from the far north region.

Of those cases, 34 are considered active. Health officials aren’t reporting any new recoveries on Wednesday. The province sits at 602 recoveries.

There are two people in hospital, both in the ICU in Saskatoon.

The province has reported 257 cases from the far north, 169 from Saskatoon, 112 from the north, 80 from Regina, 17 from the south and 12 from the central region.

There have been 142 cases from travelling, 389 from community contacts, 77 with no known exposure and 39 still under investigation.

Health officials have reported 96 cases in people under 19, 230 between 20 and 39, 197 between 40 and 59, 106 between 60 and 79, and 18 over the age of 80. The cases are 52 per cent female and 48 per cent male.

Eleven people have died from COVID-19 complications in the province.

Saskatchewan has performed 49,132 COVID-19 tests to date.

SASK. GOVERNMENT WARNS ABOUT RISK OF COVID-19 AT LARGE GATHERINGS, RALLIES

The Government of Saskatchewan is warning people about the risk of COVID-19 at large gatherings or rallies.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s Chief Medical Health Officer, said these types of public gatherings increase the risk of transmitting the virus.

“While peaceful public protests are a part of our democracy, please be aware of the elevated risk to yourself and your loved ones, particularly those in your extended household who may be more vulnerable,” the government said in a release.

According to the province, many as 40 per cent of people are capable of being infected with COVID-19, without showing symptoms.

Attending large gatherings makes contact tracing difficult for health officials, in the case that someone has been exposed to the virus.

On Tuesday, hundreds of people rallied in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building as part of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The province says several outbreaks have been linked to large gatherings here in Saskatchewan and around the world. The release also reminded people that any gatherings over 10 people are in violation of the Public Health Order.

The maximum gathering size will increase to 30 on June 8.

Organizers are being encouraged to have gatherings in vehicles. People must still stay at least two metres apart for on foot events.

Mask use is also encouraged.