'Hit a critical point': SHA to temporarily slow elective procedures in Sask.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority's Emergency Operations Centre directed leaders and care teams to move to a second phase of surge plans that include a temporary slowdown of elective procedures province-wide.

"We have hit a critical point, and are now on the verge of the largest test our health care system has faced since this pandemic began," SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said in a release. "Teams are being asked to support the health care system’s ability to maintain services to those at greatest risk, while ensuring the SHA can support testing and contact tracing to help slow the spread of COVID-19."

The SHA said the move is the result of "rapidly escalating" COVID-19 pressures on hospitals in Saskatchewan.

Livingstone and other SHA officials are scheduled to speak to media at 2:30 p.m.

More to come...