In the Saskatchewan Health Authority's daily COVID-19 update for  July 16, 42 new cases of the virus are being reported in the province.

Breaking it down, 31 of the new cases are in the South, 6 are in the Central Region, 4 are in the Saskatoon Region and 1 is in the North.

That brings the provincial total to 923, with 114 of those cases considered active.

In the South there are now 49 active cases of COVID-19.

The Health Authority says there are a growing number of positive cases and rising level of transmission within communities and communal living venues in  southwest and west-central Saskatchewan. While some cases have links to communal settings, it is crucial to note that there are also several other unrelated increases in cases in this geographical area. This overall increased level of COVID-19 activity means there is an increased risk of transmission to the public.

There were three more recoveries reported today, bringing that provincial total to 794.

There are currently 11 people in hospital. Nine people are receiving inpatient care-seven in Saskatoon, one the South and one in the North. Two people are in intensive care-one in Saskatoon and one in the South.

The number of COVID-19 deaths remain at 15.

To date, 78,851 COVID-19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.

As a result of an increased risk for COVID-19 in the southwest and west-central areas, visitation at the Cypress Regional Hospital, long term care homes and personal care homes in the area will be temporarily restricted.