‘We are losing this battle’: More than 200 Sask. doctors sign letter demanding government action on COVID-19

“It is becoming increasingly clear to us, physicians from across Saskatchewan, that we are losing the battle against this virus,” states the letter, which had attracted 225 signatures by early Tuesday evening.

“If more is not done to change our course we are confident that winter will bring overflowing hospitals, cancelled surgeries, overwhelmed health-care providers and needless death.”

Record case numbers

Physicians from across the province in all specialities signed the letter, Saskatoon emergency and trauma specialist Dr. Brent Thoma said when contacted Tuesday. He hopes it will prompt the government — and their own patients — to take the virus more seriously.

Saskatchewan has seen record case numbers, hospitalizations and intensive-care-unit admissions over the past week. The situation is even worse in neighbouring Alberta and Manitoba, the latter of which ordered non-essential business closures and imposed severe restrictions on gathering Tuesday.

The open letter, addressed to Premier Scott Moe, new Health Minister Paul Merriman and chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, does not make specific policy suggestions or demands. Thoma said the doctors don’t want to seem political. He said they simply want to create some “momentum” for change.

“These experts know what they’re doing, but seeing these case numbers, we don’t think that they’re doing enough. They need to take definitive steps,” Thoma said. “Nothing about this is going to be easy, but we have to do something.”

Look to Maritimes, letter urges

The letter notes in the past 30 days, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan has increased 700 per cent, to 1,289. Hospitals have seen a 517 per cent increase in COVID-19 admissions. It also said Saskatoon intensive care units are at 130 per cent capacity and are diverting patients.

The letter said the government can look to places such as the Maritimes, New Zealand and South Korea for ideas. It said there is no time to waste.

“The lives and livelihoods of Saskatchewan people depend upon you.”

No one from the government’s executive council branch could be reached Tuesday afternoon, but Moe has said repeatedly COVID-19 is a top priority. He has encouraged everyone to take the recommended safety measures to stay safe and to keep the economy functioning.

Restrictions have been placed on operating hours for Saskatoon nightclubs, and masks are now mandatory in public indoor spaces in the province’s three largest cities.