A modest decrease in active COVID-19 cases was the good news from the Saskatchewan Health Authority today. They reported five new cases of the virus in the province, but also six additional recoveries. 

With five new cases reported, Saskatchewan's total of COVID-19 cases climbs to 881. The north and far north continue their streak of case-free days as the five cases are split three in the central, one in Saskatoon, and one in the south. 

The central region, after going weeks without active cases, now leads the province with 35 active cases. The far north, meanwhile, still leads in cases overall at 339 but has dropped their active caseload down to just six. There are 18 active cases in the south, nine in Saskatoon, five in Regina, and two in the north. 

The latest six recoveries elevate the provincial total to 791. Active cases are down to 75. Hospitalizations have risen to eight with six receiving inpatient care (five in Saskatoon and one in the south) and two in intensive care units, one each in Saskatoon and the south. 

In the wake of a recent increase in cases, the province has reminded people to remember the fundamentals of COVID-19 prevention. These include physical distancing to maintain two metres of separation, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, and frequent handwashing, as well as following all public health orders. 

Saskatchewan has now performed 76,694 COVID‐19 tests. Testing, as of yesterday, is available for anyone who needs it whether they are symptomatic or not. You can set up a referral for testing by contacting HealthLine 811.