Here’s the Thursday, March 19th morning COVID-19 pandemic update.

*In Saskatchewan: 8 new presumptive cases, bringing the total as of Wednesday to 16 presumptive or confirmed.

*The Saskatchewan government has declared a State of Emergency which, in part, bans gatherings of more than 50 people.

*In Manitoba: 2 new presumptive cases Wednesday, bringing the total to 17 presumptive or confirmed.

* SIGN in Yorkton is making program changes, including postponing all non-essential group sessions and meetings.

*Canada and the U.S start closing the border to non-essential travel.

*China reported no  new local infections for the first time since the crisis began in  December.