Today there are 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan to report, bringing the provincial total to 683.

Thirteen of the new cases are in the Far North.

Most are connected to a wake on June 10 and a funeral on June 11 that were the subject of a precautionary health advisory issued by the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and Saskatchewan Health Authority on June 11.

Health officials want to remind the public of the importance of maintaining physical distancing practices to minimize transmission of COVID-19 and for all those who attended these events to immediately self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of attendance.

Three of the new cases are in the Saskatoon region. Two cases are individuals who tested positive in Saskatchewan, but who live out of province; these cases are under further investigation.

“While our numbers had been lower over the last few days, this increase is a reminder that COVID-19 is still in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Large public gatherings increase the risk of transmission. Everyone should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing.”

Of the 683 reported COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan, 41 are considered active. A total of 629 individuals have recovered.

There is currently one person in inpatient care in the North and one person in intensive care in Saskatoon.