Doctors caution Sask youth against COVID-19 complacency

Saskatoon doctors say they're concerned about the rise in COVID-19 cases among young people, particularly with Halloween approaching.

With record daily case counts across the province, including a record total 619 active cases in the province, they're urging young people to remember the basic safety measures including hand washing, physical distancing and staying home when sick.They said complications aren't as common in youth as in seniors, but it still happens.

"I think it would be a mistake to say that if you're young you're not going to end up having any sort of serious complication from COVID," said Gary Groot, a Saskatoon surgical oncologist who teaches at theUniversity of Saskatchewan.

More than 400 young people under the age of 20 have been diagnosed in Saskatchewan. That includes 83 children under age five.

Saskatoon pediatrician Mahli Brindamour saidshe's concerned about the sharp increase this fall. She saideveryone needs to remain vigilant.

"The more children get the virus, the more family members will get sick, more mortality, more morbidity we'll see both in this young population, but also in their vulnerable family members," Brindamour said.

Groot said he's had several conversations with his teenaged sons about COVID-19, especially with Halloween coming up.

"If you're going to go out and party and trick or treat, maybe it would be good to not see your grandparents for the next couple of weeks. Bethoughtful about the impact you as a young person could have on those around you," Groot said.