The Saskatchewan Government is releasing some possible scenarios of COVID-19’s impact on the provincial economy.
In an April 17th announcement, projections were released showing an economic decline of between $1.3 Billion and $3.3 Billion. The estimations are based on factors such as the length of current economic restrictions, how soon resource prices could recover and anticipated consumer behaviour after restrictions are lifted.
Saskatchewan’s Finance Ministry believes that in the most “optimistic” scenario the GDP of the province could drop 4.1 per cent, and at most “pessimistic,” a 14.9 per cent drop.
Finance Minister Donna Harpauer says that the Government must use these approximations for now, as it is difficult to predict so early in their fiscal year.
Harpauer adds they are trying to keep within spending allocated in the 2020 budget, but they may exceed 2020-21 estimates as they respond to needs in the fight against COVID-19.
Also announced Friday were updates to the Chief Medical Health Officer’s public health order.
As of April 28, 2020, long-term care and personal care homes must ensure that each staff member works in only one facility.
Exceptions will only be made if adequate staffing levels can’t be maintained without a worker being in another location, however, MHO approval must be given beforehand. Masks must be worn in these facilities at all times, and further personal protective equipment should the situation require.
Across the province, 75 cases of COVID remain active, with two new ones. Nine more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 228. There are six people in hospital; five receiving inpatient care and one person in the ICU.
In the North Zone, there are seven active cases and 50 recoveries.
So far, 22,207 COVID-19 tests have been performed across the province, with 20,909 negatives.