For the most part, the latest Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program (CRISP) report contains positive news. However, there is a concern in that COVID-19 hospitalizations more than doubled over the most recent two weeks, increasing from five to 11 hospitalized cases.

The latest CRISP report, posted today (Friday) by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), showed that from April 20 to May 3, two influenza associated deaths and no COVID-19 associated deaths were reported. The number of COVID-19 positive tests decreased during the latest reporting period, from 18 in the week ending April 19 – to 14 tests in the week ending May 3. Half of the cases were reported in individuals aged 65 and over.

Meanwhile, the number of R-S-V positive tests continued to decrease, from 11 tests in the week ending April 19 to five tests in the week ending May 3.

Also, influenza test positivity decreased to 14-point-four per cent in the week ending May 3, compared to 17-point-one per cent in the week ending April 19.

Meantime, school absenteeism, due to illness, decreased to eight-point-six per cent in the week ending May 3, from nine-point-three per cent in the week ending April 19.

Plus, the next CRISP report on May 23 will be the last bi-weekly report for the 2024-25 season. The SHA will begin monthly CISP reports on June 20.