Saskatchewan’s top doctor is saying “This is not the time for any gatherings at all.” that aren’t related to school or work for the next few weeks.

This comes as the province reported a new single-day record for new infections with 913 on Thursday.

The government dashboard reported 253 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant with 2,245 probable cases of the new, more transmissible variant. Provincial officials believe majority of the cases are that of the Omicron variant.

Saskatchewan currently doesn’t have any restrictions in place in regards to gathering sizes, however Dr. Saqib Shahab says nothing shouldn’t be off the table moving forward.

When asked if he was premier, if he would implement further restrictions, Dr. Shahab says he would not.

“I wouldn’t want to do that in my recommendations and conversations, but we have to understand that we need to communicate openly and understand the risk.”

Shahab pointed to COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots for keeping essential parts of life going such as school and work.

When it comes to implementing restrictions around gathering sizes, Dr. Shahab says that would be something the provincial government would have to agree on.

He adds that we’re in a transition period of the pandemic with the new variant transmitting differently and it’s something that can’t be managed using public health contact tracing and follow ups for the most part.

The top doctor says rapid antigen tests will be the bulk of the testing for those who are symptomatic. Currently in Saskatchewan, there is a mandatory mask mandate and proof of vaccination requirements.

Hospitalizations were down six Thursday from Wednesday’s daily report. There are 100 Saskatchewan residents receiving care in hospital, 12 of those are ICU admissions.

50 per cent of those receiving care in hospital were not fully vaccinated.

42 were admitted for a COVID-19 related illness while 39 residents tested positive for the virus while receiving care for another matter and are listed as “incidental, asymptomatic”. There are also seven cases that are undetermined.

(CJWW)