409 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Saskatchewan, 14 more deaths reported

Saskatchewan reported 14 new COVID deaths in Thursday's weekly update. Ten occurred between April 17 and April 23. Four occurred in previous weeks (Feb. 20 to April 15), but were reported this week.

Almost half (six) of the newly reported deaths were in the Saskatoon zone, according to the province.

Twoof the newly reported deaths were among those 59 years and younger. Five were 60 to 69. Seven of the newly reported deathswere among those 70 years of age or older.

More than60 per centof the total deaths were recorded among males, according to the province.

BetweenMarch 8, 2020 andApril 23, 2022, there were 1,310 COVID-19 cases that ended in death.

More than one in five deaths were in the 70 to 79 year age group, and close to one half were in the 80 years and older group.

New cases, hospitalizations, outbreaks

From April 17 to April 23, 829 new COVID-19 cases were laboratory confirmed.

Hospitalizations are still high at 409, down eight from April 20. There are five fewerpeople in ICUs, with the number sitting at 20. The average daily admissions over the last week has been 32.

Meanwhile, there were 22 confirmed new COVID-19 outbreaks in long term care homes and personal care homes from April 17and April 23.

Booster uptake still low,AstraZenecaunavailable

Booster shot uptake is still low in Saskatchewan.Among the population 18 years and older, less than 52 per cent has received at least one booster vaccination.

During the week of April 17 to 23, 15,711 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered, of which 508were pediatric doses and 14,886 were booster doses.

The province said that rates of hospitalization, ICU admission and death are higher in every age group among unvaccinated people compared to those who have received two or three vaccine doses.

The province also said that as of April 30, theAstraZenecavaccine is unavailable to residents, because the doses expire.

The Government of Canada will not be securing additionalAstraZeneca doses. If a resident isseeking AstraZeneca to complete theirprimary, two-dose vaccination series or for a booster dose, they are asked to contact 1-833-SaskVax (727-5829) to book anappointment immediately.

However, the province is reminding people that anyone who received AstraZeneca is eligible to receive an mRNA or protein-based vaccine for additional doses.