If we don't bring our COVID-19 numbers down, further public health orders will be needed in Saskatchewan.

That was the message from the province's Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab during a press conference yesterday.

The latest models show that the current restrictions may only be able to maintain the status quo of 313 cases per day on average or 25.9 new cases per 100,000 population.

Accord to Dr. Shahab, that is far too high.

Dr. Shahab says he will suggest more restrictions to the health minister if the numbers don't start going down by Jan. 29, adding that a lockdown could be possible as a last resort.

"The other option would be that 'hammer' approach where you close everything down," comments Shahab. "Obviously, we would see a reduction but then there's a significant impact on social, economic, and mental health factors."

He says that waiting for vaccinations to begin curbing the rising cases is not an option.

"It will be well into that spring that we will be able to see the impact the vaccines are having on our total number of cases. So while it's really great that vaccinations have started, we have to stay the course with our public health measures."

Shahab stresses that everyone needs to stay vigilant during this time and to get tested even if you are only experiencing mild symptoms.

This past week, Saskatchewan rose past Alberta to have the highest rate of active cases per 100,000 people in Canada.