While not concerned about the sixth wave of COVID-19, Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said on Thursday in a media scrum that he is watching the COVID-19 hospitalization numbers closely.

“In terms of something that causes the health system to collapse or has societal impacts the way it did in 2020 or the early part of 2021, at this point we don’t have the same concerns,” said Shahab.

After 26 months of the COVID-19 pandemic some residents believe the virus now needs to be accepted as part of everyday life.

“I’m happy that there won’t be more guidelines imposed for the upcoming months,” said Gagan Karra in an interview. While he admits he was nervous about not having gathering limits in place at the beginning of 2022, now he is happy that he can attend summer events without limitations.

COVID-19 and gathering limits; a tale as old as time

Shahab said the province has been in a plateau for the last two to three weeks. He believes it is still too early to tell whether the province has entered a sixth wave of COVID-19.

“I think today’s numbers show a bit of an upward trend, but I think we need to look at it for another week or two,” said Shahab.

In the last two weeks the province reported an increase on COVID-19 hospitalizations from 324 to 354. There was also a 20 per cent increase in deaths compared to the previous reporting period.

“Our overall hospital capacity is still at about 94 per cent. Our ICU capacity is at about 74 per cent, so we still have capacity,” said Paul Merriman, Saskatchewan Minister of Health, to reporters last week.

Provincial data indicates unvaccinated people and those who haven’t received a booster make up the majority of hospitalizations.

Moving forward, Shahab believes residents need to balance outdoor activities and gatherings with appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He advised wearing masks in crowded areas and around vulnerable people as well as washing hands regularly. He said individuals need to make sure they are getting tested and staying at home if they feel unwell.

“All those things have an impact on how the fifth wave will end or if we get into a sixth wave and how that will play out,” said Shahab.

Vaccines still play a key role in the province’s COVID-19 cases, according to Shahab. People who are unvaccinated are still more likely to need care, followed by people who don’t have a booster and older adults.

Why get a COVID booster?
Viruses evolve. Initially, being fully vaccinated provided good protection, but over time COVID-19 variants appeared & immunity ⬇, esp if older. Boosters “top up” our protection against catching/spreading COVID. https://t.co/RnV5W5vbb1 pic.twitter.com/x9Q8MNLSJk

— Saskatchewan Health Authority (@SaskHealth) April 11, 2022

“As we live with COVID over the spring, summer (and) into the fall, going and getting your first booster is key,” said Shahab.

“I think it’s never too late to get a booster,” added Shahab, and that applies to people who may have already had COVID-19.

Individuals living in long term care homes are eligible for fourth doses or second boosters right now. According to Shahab the province will be announcing its plans to provide the fourth dose of vaccines to the public as early as this week.