The latest report from the Saskatchewan health ministry reveals a concerning increase in COVID-19 cases in the province, along with low vaccine uptake. The Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program (CRISP) report shows that positive tests rose to 96 between September 3 and September 9, up from an average of 66 over the previous three weeks.
While these numbers only capture a portion of COVID-19 cases due to limited testing outside of hospitals, they still indicate a worrisome trend. The report also notes that one person died from COVID-19 during this time, bringing the total number of deaths for the year to 156.
Additionally, the report highlights the low vaccination rates in Saskatchewan. Less than half of the population over the age of five, specifically 46 percent, have received a primary COVID-19 vaccine series and at least one booster. Furthermore, only slightly over two percent of people aged five and up have received their latest vaccine dose in the past six months.
The importance of booster shots is emphasized in the report, stating that having a COVID-19 booster in the last six months significantly reduces the risk of death compared to those who are unvaccinated or have not received a booster dose.
During the reporting period, the most commonly detected variants were the EG.5 Omicron sub-variant and its related lineages. This further emphasizes the need for vaccination to protect against the evolving COVID-19 variants.
To address the increasing viral activity in the province, Saskatchewan plans to switch from monthly to bi-weekly reporting on COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses this fall.
Overall, the rise in COVID-19 cases and the low vaccine uptake in Saskatchewan highlight the ongoing need for vaccination and adherence to public health measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Definitions:
– COVID-19: An infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
– CRISP: Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program, a reporting system for monitoring respiratory illnesses.
– Variants: Different versions or strains of a virus that have undergone genetic mutations.
Sources:
– Saskatchewan health ministry
– Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program report
