According to the provincial government, the UK COVID-19 variant (B.1.1.7) has been detected in two residents in the Regina zone.


Tuesday’s report on COVID-19 cases in the province revealed the contact investigation has determined that one case has travelled from the United Kingdom and the second is a close contact of the traveler.Ìý
These individuals were tested mid-January.Ìý
While the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory is testing travelers for variants of concern, those tests must be genome-sequenced at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. This process can take one to two weeks.


Both residents quarantined following the travel and are now no longer infectious.Ìý
Public health’s contact investigation indicates that all contacts of these residents have been identified and there is no indication of further transmission.Ìý
If required, public health will issue a public service announcement to alert the general public to any risk due to any confirmed case of a variant of concern.


Non-essential travel is not recommended at this time. The best protection against all COVID-19 variants remains the same as protection against COVID-19: stay home, physically distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and get tested if you are experiencing even mild symptoms.


The Government of Saskatchewan is considering the impact of variants on COVID-19 planning including any required increase to public health measures and surge capacity planning.


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