There are 34 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on October 13, bringing the total to 2,174 cases.

The new cases are located in the North Central (9), Saskatoon (8), Central West (4), and Regina (11) zones. Two cases have locations pending.

Public health investigations continue to follow up on all new cases to determine if they have links to known events or if they are new transmissions within the community.

With the increasing rise in cases throughout Saskatchewan, linked to public and private social gatherings, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab is amending the Public Health order on gathering sizes in private residences. As of Thursday night (12:01 am Friday, October 16), the maximum allowable gathering size for private gatherings in the home will be 15.

“Even with increasing community transmission rates we still have the power to effect change, to flatten that curve, but it means all residents have to do their part to help keep their friends and family safe,” Shahab said.

Dr. Shahab is also strongly recommending masks be worn in all indoor public locations where physical distancing of two metres is not possible or predictable. Above all, stay home if sick.

Of the 2,174 reported cases, 238 are considered active. A total of 1,911 people have recovered.

Nine people are in hospital. Seven people are receiving inpatient care; 4 in Saskatoon, 1 in Regina, 1 in North Central, and 1 in Central East. One person is in intensive care in Regina and one person is in intensive care in Saskatoon.

2037 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan on October 13.