As with any public health issue, the City of Yorkton works closely with the Saskatchewan Medical Health Office and their local officials and follow their lead. This was the case with the West Nile Virus and the H1N1 Influenza in the recent past.聽
鈥淥ur highest priority has always been to safeguard the health and safety of the public who visit and use our facilities, as well as the staff who work in them,鈥� said Mayor Bob Maloney.聽 鈥淎s a result, the frequency of janitorial services will be increased, including the disinfecting of door handles and counter surfaces as well as washroom cleaning. Hand sanitizer dispensers are being聽 installed in high traffic locations, however washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended,鈥� he said.聽聽聽
鈥淎dministratively, we will be reviewing our business continuity plans to determine minimum critical service levels are maintained as we progress through this serious public health situation,鈥� said the Mayor.聽 鈥淲e will continue ensure ongoing regular communication with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and developments as they unfold.聽 I emphasize that this is a team effort from many cooperating agencies,鈥� he said.聽 鈥淎ny possible building closures will only occur in consultation with these medical health professionals,鈥� said the Mayor.聽 At this time all public facilities will remain open.聽聽
鈥溾�淵orkton Fire Protective Services has been reviewing body substance isolation training as well as increasing normal preventive measures to prevent secondary contamination in the fire hall.聽 Non-essential travel for our fire fighters has also been suspended,鈥� said Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey.聽聽 The Fire Chief is also the City鈥檚 Emergency Measures Operations Coordinator.聽聽
鈥淲e encourage everyone to practice proper hygiene such as covering a cough and/or sneeze with a tissue and promptly disposing of it in the garbage; refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth; practice 鈥渟ocial distancing鈥�; and stay home when feeling sick,鈥� he said.聽聽
For more information on the COVID-19 virus, and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you, please refer to the notices and publications that can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus.
