Public reminded to seek appropriate care when needed

In today’s COVID-19 world, it can be hard to know whether you should stay at home, go to the doctor or seek emergency care when you are feeling ill. A good rule of thumb is to call HealthLine 811, your family physician or your nurse practitioner if you have minor symptoms like a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. If your symptoms worsen significantly or you are experiencing significant distress, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency department.

“People can still access our emergency departments and hospitals for the care they need,” said Emergency Physician and Physician Executive of Integrated Rural Health Dr. Kevin Wasko. “Local emergency departments and hospitals remain a safe place for people to go to when they need help.”

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay at home, call HealthLine 811 and follow the advice provided. COVID-19 symptoms include: 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 or difficulty feeding for children, loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

COVID-19 testing sites are open across Saskatchewan and drive-thru testing is available in some locations.

Call your family physician, nurse practitioner or community clinic for everyday healthcare needs. Anyone with COVID-19 can arrange a virtual visit with their family doctor or primary healthcare provider, or call HealthLine 811 for advice.

If you are experiencing significant distress or your symptoms worsen significantly, you or someone in your household should call 9-1-1 or take you to the emergency department.

Local emergency departments and hospitals remain a safe place for people to go to when they need help. Every precaution has been taken to ensure a safe and protected care environment for all patients. Since the pandemic was declared, we have enhanced screening of patients to ensure the right precautions are being taken, increased cleaning of our care environments and equipment, and have limited visitors and public use of Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities.

If you test positive for COVID-19, your healthcare provider may refer you to an assessment and treatment site for COVID-19, which are located across Saskatchewan to reduce in-person visits to emergency departments. These sites provide in-person care, assessment and treatment for individuals presenting with escalating symptoms consistent with COVID-19, those confirmed positive with COVID-19 who have other health conditions, or those in self-isolation due to travel or a public health directive.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation to contain the spread of COVID-19. To prevent becoming infected:

Wear a mask.
Wash your hands.
Maintain physical distancing.
Keep your bubble small.
Stay home if sick.
Get tested.
Follow public health orders.
Anticipate situations that put you at risk and avoid them.
Download the COVID Alert app.