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Saskatoon city councillors got some sobering COVID-related information at Monday’s council meeting.
Emergency Management Operations (EMO) director Pamela Goulden-McLeod explained that for every 100 people infected now, there are an additional 122 secondary infections.
And nearly nine per cent of all tests people take are coming back positive.
It means that weekly, for every 100,000 people in the Saskatoon region, there are 165 positive cases.
And there are now at least 1,700 students — mostly high school students — in self-isolation.
It’s taking a toll on a variety of services, she said.
“The city critical infrastructures in Saskatoon are feeling the pressure of having, as of (Monday), 1,328 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, and the subsequent close contacts having to isolate,” Goulden-McLeod said.
The last week in particular, she added, was challenging for the organizations that provide relief to the vulnerable, homeless and near-homeless residents.
“It has continued to be impacted by COVID-positive cases,” she said. “There were several critical services that were and continue to be closed. So we’re monitoring and working with those organizations closely as those services are essential for those residents.”
Also included on that list are The Lighthouse and Prairie Harm Reduction, along with other services.
Goulden-McLeod again urged Saskatoon residents to follow provincial health guidelines by reducing close contacts, wearing masks and practising physical distancing.
Community services GM Lynne LaCroix also told council that her group is working with community organizations setting up ice rinks to ensure provincial safety guidelines are being followed.
“At a public skating-related activity or practice, the province has allowed up to 30 people. If indeed it’s a hockey team, the limitations are still listed as eight and you’re not permitted to play games or scrimmages,” she explained.
LaCroix also said if nets were left out, the chance of scrimmages happening or games starting would probably be high, so the city is trying to limit that.
The city is also reaching out to the provincial government to get more clarity. Signs will then be posted signs with the rules for everyone to access.
