With the sharp increase in COVID-19 variants of concern (VoC) cropping up in the province, a local physician is taking to social media to express his concerns.

Dr. Brandon Thorpe posted this message to his Facebook page last night.

"It is more important than ever right now to try to prevent the spread of this virus.

The new strains are aggressive, hitting younger people and spreading much faster than the “old” COVID.

It’s not only Regina, it’s everywhere- Moose Jaw hospital has multiple active cases, even ICU and the community too - we’ve had daycare cases, schools, kids, younger adults. I keep hearing that it’s not here locally. WRONG!!!

There are two separate ways to go about this:

1. Follow general public health orders to protect the masses (which are soft rules for the most part)

2. Protect yourself and your immediate loved ones as strongly as you can.

They are not mutually exclusive, but you can be stricter on yourself than the public health orders. You have the choice to decide.

If it were me - I would restrict to your own household,  stay home, wash hands, mask, and distance if you have to go out. Restrict activity only to necessary outings or essential work. Do pick ups instead of going into stores, get deliveries rather than shop in person.

This is far from over and getting worse. Health care workers are battling to keep up their resilience. Help us please. Help yourself please."

As of March 23, 954 variant cases have been detected in Saskatchewan. Research suggests that these variants of the original virus are significantly easier to transmit from host to host and may produce more dangerous symptoms in younger populations than the previous strain did. 

So far, the Regina area accounts for 824 of those VoCs but the South Central Zone, which encompasses Moose Jaw, has the next highest total, with 56 cases. These are not presumptive cases. They have been confirmed. 

Currently, Regina and the surrounding area are under new strict public health orders to try and limit the spread of the variants with restaurants and bars limited to pick-up only. Families must also limit themselves to gathering only with those in their immediate households. The orders are slated to run until April 5.

All numbers are current as of Mar. 23. (Graphic courtesy of the Government of Saskatchewan).