If you plan on attending the JUNO Awards Sunday night at SaskTel Centre, the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Health Authority are asking attendees to avoid shaking hands and hugging.

This comes as countries around the world are dealing with the global outbreak of COVID-19. Saskatchewan doesn’t have a confirmed case of the virus, although four other provinces do including Alberta.

Dr. Johnmark Opondo with the Saskatchewan Health Authority says coronavirus is a “serious thing” and that they’re closely monitoring the situation across the country, especially in Alberta.

Dr. Opondo adds the risk of contracting the virus remains low, although he and City officials are encouraging residents to take up some habits prior to Sunday’s awards show.

“Things like greetings, handshakes, kissing and hugging, unfortunately I’m going to be the Grinch in that one, you have to avoid do that, avoid touching your face, wash your hand frequently.”

Opondo says there have been 50-70 tests conducted in Saskatchewan for COVID-19.

B.C. recorded the first death in Canada due to the virus.

Dr. Opondo says the virus will impact Saskatchewan residents directly or indirectly. “Viruses will go everywhere.” added Opondo.

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization with the City of Saskatoon says if down the road there is a case of COVID-19 in Saskatoon or Saskatchewan, the emergency response will change.

She says right now we’re in the “pre-activation” stage were the City is monitoring and educating.

If at some point there’s a case, that will trigger another level of response which could include additional information to the public and more than one phone call a day with those from the health sector.

Over the weekend, the IIHF announced that it has decided to cancel the upcoming Women’s World Hockey Championship that was to be held in Nova Scotia at the end of the month due to the coronavirus outbreak.

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus