The number of COVID-19 deaths was higher over the last week in Saskatchewan than the previous week, while the test-positivity rate and number of hospitalizations also increased.

Thursday's figures from the Saskatchewan Health Authority included 24 new deaths, which was up from 20 the previous week.

The test-positivity rate increased week-over-week from 12.3 per cent to 13.2 per cent.

A map of the seven-day rolling average for daily COVID-19 hospitalizations from the Saskatchewan governmentA map of the seven-day rolling average for daily COVID-19 hospitalizations from the Saskatchewan government

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 rose from 324 to 354, week-over-week.

COVID-19 related illnesses increased from 120 to 145, while incidental illnesses dropped from 184 to 177. Thirty-two patient cases were under investigation (20 were still being investigated the previous week).

The rate of COVID-like illness patients per 1,000 emergency department visits was 38.6. The rate over the previous six weeks was 32.8.

There were 440 new lineage results reported over the week, including 21.4 per cent of the BA.2 subvariant (up from 15.5 per cent the week before).

The province also reported 20 outbreaks were declared in long-term care and care home settings over the week.