Along with Premier Moe, I thank the people of our province for complying with the necessary restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Few of us have known a time when the reality of our daily lives changed so much and so quickly. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are ill, to those whose family members are ill, or those who find the isolation very difficult. Thank you all for doing your part.
It would appear most of us are able to make the best of the situation. I hear of people getting to tasks on the “to-do” list that they haven’t completed in a long time. It’s encouraging to see many people out for a healthy walk, and even more encouraging is seeing them move aside to maintain a safe two metre physical distance when encountering others who are walking.
Thankfully, today we have many ways to stay connected. Those over the age of 60 will remember the days of writing letters or restricting long-distance phone calls to five minutes because those phone calls were expensive. I miss gathering with our faith community on Sundays. However, praying together with fellow Christians in a livestreamed Sunday service makes it easier to maintain some degree of familiarity and get through these difficult times.
The imposed restrictions are necessary to prevent overwhelming our health care system. I am appreciative for all our medical professionals, the hundreds of doctors, and thousands of nurses working in our communities, hospitals, and care homes. I am grateful for our up-to-date Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital which allows health care workers to more effectively care for patients than they could in the former Union Hospital. The addition of more doctors and nurses in recent years, and new or updated hospitals and care homes in Saskatchewan are assets in our health system as we prepare to treat COVID-19 cases and reduce the spread of infection.
The biggest factor in fighting COVID-19 will continue to be everyone complying with the restrictions. Up–to-date information is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19. Premier Moe has emphatically stated; these are not suggestions; this is now the law. Gathering in groups larger than the stipulation is illegal. When returning from outside Canada, it is illegal to go to the grocery store before you go home and self-isolate.
If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, enjoy a healthy walk, but maintain two meters of physical distancing. Plan ahead so you can limit the number of times you go to public places like the grocery store or the pharmacy, and only go out when absolutely necessary. Should you have contacted shared surfaces like grocery carts, handrails, pedestrian crosswalk buttons, door knobs or outdoor playground equipment, sanitize your hands as soon as possible, most certainly before touching your face, moving about your home or handling food. Wash your hands as soon as possible. If you have travelled and have symptoms of COVID-19, call 811 and self-isolate. You must remain indoors where you are staying during self-isolation.
I know the people of Saskatchewan will support each other in helpful, creative ways as they always do, particularly in this time of uncertainty. Our constituency office will continue to respond to phone calls and emails. In compliance with health policy, our office is closed to personal visits. Should you have a matter you would like to discuss, or need assistance, please call the constituency office at 306-692-8884 or send an email to moosejawnorthmla@shaw.ca.
Say a prayer for our families, our community, our Province and our Country. Stay safe — stay healthy, and watch out for each other.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
