saskatoon –
While Saskatchewan has not followed other provinces in tightening COVID-19 measures to limit the spread of Omicron, its chief physician has issued a stern recommendation against unnecessary contacts during the current surge in coronavirus cases.
“I think the election is getting very tough, Omicron transmission is increasing exponentially,” Medical Director of Health Dr. Saqib Shahab said during an update Thursday.
“We really need to duck down and do only the essentials and minimize other non-essential contacts for the next few, I would say at least two to four weeks,” Shahab said.
Shahab said Saskatoon in particular is seeing “a huge increase and the broadcast of Omicron in the community.”
There were 1,790 active cases reported in the Saskatoon region as of Thursday afternoon, a number that does not include self-diagnosed cases. through rapid tests at home.
The Regina reporting area had the second highest number of reported active cases, with 1,422.
The medical director of health told reporters that a single “major transmission event” can easily generate hundreds of cases that can lead to thousands of cases in a week.
“I think it’s a phase where it’s not just about hospitalization, that will be the biggest challenge,” Shahab said.
“In all sectors, essential small businesses, nonessential, large workplaces, you know, keeping the work going is going to be a challenge.”
Shahab said wearing best mask available and getting a COVID-19 booster are key to preventing the spread of Omicron in workplaces and schools.
“Obviously, we have to go to work. Risks in the work environment have to be managed by occupational health and safety teams, which includes the cohort of staff and units. If it’s shift work, you know, make sure that people change the different shifts does not overlap, “said Shahab.
Shahab recommended not making non-essential travel between the communities of the province, to avoid a simultaneous increase in cases and to keep the overall numbers low.
He said the Omicron variant is five to eight times more transmissible than the delta variant, adding that “Omicron is less severe, (but) by no means something we should ignore.”
The senior physician emphasized that ultimately it is up to the province to decide whether additional health measures are required.
“The government has historically relied on the people of Saskatchewan to change behavior and do the right thing,” Shahab said.
“It would be up to the government to decide if that is enough or if more measures are required through public health orders.”
If gatherings are being held, such as weddings or funerals, Shahab asks that it be done safely with quick tests of attendees before arriving and that everyone wears a mask throughout the event.
Reference-saskatoon.ctvnews.ca