The “Test to Protect” program is aiming to perform rapid COVID-91 tests at local Saskatoon work sites. Director of Emergency Management, Pamela Goulden McLeod says the city partnered with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and developed a plan that meets COVID-19 safety protocols and OH&S requirements. She says firefighter-paramedics have been trained to conduct the rapid tests, and a city bus dubbed the “Test Express” is being used as a mobile testing site for Saskatoon work sites.

Goulden-McLeod says the “Test Express” started for City of Saskatoon staff last month and will ensure critical services, that residents rely on, are available and safe. Goulden-McLeod says testing is an important way to detect the COVID-19 virus early and stop the spread. She suggests it’s important that everyone be tested regularly.

On the vaccination front, with step one of Saskatchewan’s re-opening map set to start on May 30th, Goulden-McLeod says last week Saskatoon was at 39% of the total population with at least one dose of the vaccine. She says on May 8th a vaccination clinic was held that saw 215 eligible city staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Director of Emergency Management states that Saskatoon has also seen a significant decrease in the viral RNA load of COVID-19 in the City’s wastewater. Goulden-McLeod explains the City has continued its partnership with the University of Saskatchewan in the monitoring of Saskatoon’s Wastewater. She says the latest data shows a 31% decrease in the viral RNA load in Saskatoon’s wastewater, over the previous reporting period. Goulden-McLeod adds that 77% of what is being found is the UK variant of concern.

Goulden-McLeod says critical infrastructure partners continue to collaborate, sharing response plans and learning, working towards assessing the steps of the provinces Re-Opening Road Map and ensuring services are aligned.