2 new COVID-19 cases in Sask., 15 more recoveries

Restaurants, gyms can open June 8 Watch: Restaurants and gyms have a targeted opening date of June 8 under phase three of the reopening plan. Marc Smith explains.

REGINA — Saskatchewan confirmed two new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 622.

The two new cases are in the far north region.

The province announced that phase three of the reopen Saskatchewan plan will begin on June 8.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s Chief Medical Health Officer, said phase two of the reopen Saskatchewan plan has been going smoothly.

The province has received some reports of overcrowding or people not following physical distancing. Shahab said it’s important for people to continue following all the health and safety guidelines, not just for themselves, but also for Saskatchewan businesses.

“We really need to work with business owners who have gone a long way to reopen in a safe manner and support them in terms of shopping locally,” said Shahab. “Being considerate in terms of picking what we need, not trying on a lot of materials, having a lot of materials being moved on and off the shelf, and now crowding with each other when we need to get a particular item.”

Of the 622 total cases, 106 are active. The province recorded 15 more recoveries from the virus. In total, 509 people have recovered.

Five people are currently in hospital, including four in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

There are currently 139 cases linked to travel, 348 are community contacts, 72 have no known exposures and 63 are under investigation by local public health.

The far north region leads the province with 244 cases. There have been 165 cases recorded in the Saskatoon area, 110 in the north region, 76 in the Regina area, 15 are from the south region and 12 are from the central region.

There have been 233 cases in people aged 20 to 39 age range, 188 are in the 40 to 59 age range, 104 are in the 60 to 79 age range, 89 are in people aged 19 years or younger and 18 are in the 80-plus age range.

Men make up 51 per cent of cases while women make up 49 per cent.

Seven people have died from COVID-19 complications.

To date, 42,443 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.