Sask. spread tied to snowmobile rally
REGINA
Saskatchewan health officials reported 30 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, saying more than half of them are connected to a snowmobile rally that was held earlier this month.
Provincial health officials announced 16 more cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the Lakeland Snowmobile Club Wilderness Rally Supper, for a total of 18. They said all of the new patients were self-isolating at home.
“This really demonstrates why we have been reducing the size of gatherings in Saskatchewan and why we emphasize that while we really love celebrating and getting together in Saskatchewan, this is not the time,” chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab told a news conference in Regina. “This is the time for social distancing.”
The news came days after health officials announced two people – including a server at the rally’s supper, attended by 110 people – had tested positive for the virus. They warned anyone who had attended the rally on March 14 between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. to begin immediate self-isolation.
The club’s president, Tom McKnight, told CKBI radio in Prince Albert on Thursday that at the time of the rally there were no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan, and up to 250 people were still allowed at public gatherings.
He said if organizers had known how it was going to turn out, they would have cancelled.
Dr. Khami Chokani, the region’s medical officer of health, told the news conference that in addition to the two original cases identified at the rally, the investigation has found there were three others who were symptomatic while they were there and who have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Chokani said officials have been able to track down 76 people who were at the supper, but noted there isn’t a comprehensive list of attendees. Anyone who was there and hasn’t been contacted needs to reach out, he said.
“This is extremely important to help contain the spread. If you attended the rally and have not yet been contacted and are experiencing symptoms, please call the healthline to be assessed,” Chokani said.
He said around 250 participated in the rally itself.
Premier Scott Moe declared a provincial state of emergency on March 18, and public gatherings are now limited to no more than 10 people.
There were 134 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan as of Saturday. Six people are in hospital, including three in acute care and three in intensive care units.
Shahab said that in hindsight, maybe Saskatchewan should have imposed a stricter size limit on gatherings sooner, but noted the province was “leading in terms of limits on limits on gatherings.”
He also asked people not to put blame on organizers of events.