The Saskatchewan Health Authority reported 40 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (6), Far North East (7), North West (1), North Central (8), Saskatoon (7), Central West (1), Central East (2), Regina (7) and South Central (1) zones.

Twelve more people have recovered bringing the number of active cases to 299.

There were two cases assigned to the Central East and Regina zones that were deemed out of province cases and removed from the total. The remaining cases with a pending residence were assigned to Regina.

Of the new cases, 23 are linked to close contacts or gatherings. The health authority is noting that "superspreader" events are not limited to the event itself, but can quickly be transmitted in local settings.

The SHA says 79 people in multiple communities have tested positive after attending the Gospel Worship in Prince Albert. At least 250 contacts have been part of the contact investigation relative to the superspreader event.

Nine people are in hospital with seven in inpatient care; five in the Saskatoon zone and two in the North Central zone. Two people are receiving intensive care, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

A reminder, beginning today private gathering sizes have been reduced from 30 to 15. This will not impact restaurants, bars, banquet halls, weddings, funerals, and churches.