Today the Saskatchewan Health Authority is reporting 23 new cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 1,409 cases. 168 are considered active. The new cases are located in the North West (1), Saskatoon (3), Central East (2), Regina (2), South West (3) and South Central (12) zones.

Of today’s 23 new cases, 19 are people living in communal living settings.

In addition, the province is reporting it's 20th death related to COVID-19. This person was in the South West region and was in the 60 to 69 age range.

Thirteen people are in hospital. Nine people are receiving inpatient care; four in Saskatoon, two in the South West region, one in the Central East region, one in South Central and one in Regina. Four people are in intensive care; three in Saskatoon and one in the North Central region.

To date, 108,148 COVID‐19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan. As of August 5, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 78,006 people tested per million population. The national rate was 114,904 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 2,129 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan. This is the highest daily number of tests performed to date.

A number of employees of K-Bro Linens’ Regina location have tested positive for COVID-19. Public health’s contact investigation is underway to determine transmission. Part of this investigation has included a microbiologist’s assessment of the processes for linen to ensure the linens remain safe for use in health care facilities. That review has determined there is no safety concern for processed linen. Note that all employees wear PPE during the performance of their duties.

Public health’s investigation indicates there is no public health risk at this time; in the event that a risk to public health is determined, a public safety announcement will be made.