The City of Martensville and the City of Warman met virtually to get an update from the SHA on the state of COVID in our communities.  The Report was provided by Dr. Allison Adamus, Area Division Lead Family Medicine for Saskatoon North.

Public health has noticed meaningful changes in attitudes in our communities. This has been supporting the changes needed to reduce COVID-19 in our communities.  We continue to remind everyone to keep their bubbles to a bare minimum right now as this is critical in reducing transmission. Public health also notes that there are fewer close contacts per new case, which means people are doing just that. We cannot thank each of you enough who have made such sacrifices and we continue to ask that everyone keep up the effort.

The rise in our community continues to be exponential. This still isn’t the news we are looking for, but we can’t let our guard down. Public health continues to see community transmission across both communities of Martensville and Warman which is increasing the risk to our most vulnerable, including those living in congregate settings (eg. Group homes, care homes, etc).

Interesting statistic: there is approximately a 55% overlap between the hockey and high school outbreaks in Martensville and unfortunately, the data shows that these outbreaks clearly began with ADULT cases.

It is important to stay vigilant about testing if you have any symptoms compatible with COVID 19 (new headache, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, fever/chills, fatigue, feeling weak or unwell). In order to prevent further spread, we need to know where the virus is. We saw how fast this spread when we didn’t know it was here…. Let’s keep our knowledge current and continue to find the cases so we can slow this down! Testing is currently available at the north end of Saskatoon through either the drive-through or with a booked appointment. Booked appointments can be arranged through 811 or through a physicians office. Please remember that testing is most meaningful after symptoms have been present for 48 hours and even if your test is negative if it important to continue to self-isolate (ie stay home!) until your symptoms have been gone for 48 hours.