The Saskatchewan Health Authority is alerting individuals of a possibility of COVID-19 transmission through a local business in Turtleford and is urging Saskatchewan residents to follow public health measures and personal safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including physical distancing of two metres, frequent hand hygiene and self-isolating if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19.
Although the risk of transmission to the general public is presently considered low, we are advising members of the public who visited the Turtleford Co-op Grocery Store on or after July 28, 2020 to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the last date they visited the store.
When an individual tests positive for COVID-19, a contact investigation immediately follows where public health reaches out to anyone who may be linked to that individual with COVID-19 and provide them with information on testing and self-isolation. If health officials are uncertain that they have identified all known close contacts, they may take further action to notify the community about possible locations where individuals with COVID-19 may have attended while infectious.
Visitor restrictions at Riverside Health Complex
As a precaution in view of the ongoing investigation of persons with COVID-19 in the Turtleford area, visitation will be limited at the Riverside Health Complex for both long-term care and acute care inpatient units. This means family members or support people will only be permitted for compassionate reasons. No other visitors are allowed into the facility at this time and these enhanced limitations will remain in place until further notice. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking the public for their support and cooperation in order to contain the spread of the virus.
Compassionate Care Visitation
Compassionate car e reasons may include, but are not limited to, family or support persons during end-of-life care, major surgery, intensive care/critical care or a care partner aiding in clinical care (at the discretion of the patient's care provider). Detailed information about Compassionate Care can be found at saskatchewan.ca/covid19.
Family member s and support people who are permitted under these exceptions must be verified and undergo a health screening prior to entering the facility or home. This includes a temperature check and questionnaire. The visitor will be required to perform hand hygiene (hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility or home and when entering and leaving the patient's or resident's room. Visitors will be required to wear a medical grade mask while inside the facility or home and potentially additional personal protective equipment if required. Visitors are not permitted to wait in waiting rooms or other common areas.
Virtual Visiting
We acknowledge the importance of family support to those who are healing within our hospitals and residents of long-term care homes. However, we are asking families and visitors for their cooperation in following these guidelines. Until we are able to safely allow visitors back into our health care facilities and long-term care homes, we encourage you to consider other ways to stay connected with your family members or friends in our hospitals and long-term care homes. This includes phone calls or online means of communication. We encourage families to consider virtual visiting through electronic applications such as FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp.
COVID-19 Testing
Residents are reminded of the continued importance of personal precautions, including frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing, and wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
SHA is encouraging all provincial residents to seek testing if you are experiencing symptoms and is reminding everyone that testing is available for anyone. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact HealthLine 811, a nurse practitioner or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19:
fever
cough
headache
muscle and/or joint aches and pains
sore throat
chills
runny nose
nasal congestion
conjunctivitis
dizziness
fatigue
nausea/vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite (difficulty feeding for children)
loss of sense of taste or smell
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing
You ca n also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 .