City to redeploy recreation staff as physical distancing ambassadors

The City of Saskatoon is expressing concern about too many people gathering in public places amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Charlie Clark says with the warm weather back, city officials have been seeing people not following the public health orders, a decision that could lead to the spread of the virus.

Starting next week, the city will be redeploying recreation staff as physical distancing ambassadors, who will make sure signage and barriers are in place at approximately 250 playgrounds, and replace supplies as needed.

While out in the parks and sports fields, the ambassadors will be promoting and providing public education on the importance of physical distancing and to remind everyone that organized sports or games with groups of people are still not permitted.

Clark says if residents see a crowded park or sidewalk, they should just walk the other way.

“If you go to an area where there is a lot of people, just walk on a different street or change directions and make good decisions and don’t end up in those congregated situations,” Clark said.

Clark says there still isn’t a plan to close off any roadways for more walking space.

“We are very concerned that that could be counterproductive and send the message that that could be the best place to walk and gather people in from other places,” said Clark.

He says people gathering together in public spaces and not physical distancing risk the city losing the progress it has made in saving lives and keeping the community safe.