With the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Saskatoon Thursday (March 12th), the city’s emergency management operations has gone to a level two Emergency Operations Centre alert.
Pamela Goulden-McLeod, director of Emergency Management with the Saskatoon Fire Department explains that simply means an increased amount of regular conversations and more coordination in the province will be used, to ensure the safety of everyone in the city. She says increased communication will allow officials to make decisions based on the best and most recent information.
“That means we will be continuing those regular teleconferences with our community partners, that provides our coordinated approach, so that we all hear the same information.”
Goulden-McLeod added that this is different from most emergencies which are described as incidents. EMO sees this as an event that will need to be managed for a while.
Mayor Charlie Clark spoke on the disruptions that the city will feel but explained the more that Saskatoon can be prepared and take the necessary precautions now, the stronger the city will be to address the virus. He also stressed some of the keys to prevention, “Wash your hands regularly, cover up if you’re going to sneeze or cough, practice social distancing, which means no handshakes or hugs and that recommended distance of 2 meters, if possible. If you feel sick, stay home and call the health-line.”
Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl spoke about precautions being taken by the fire department as they continue to respond to emergency calls. The department is reviewing the way dispatchers ask questions in medical emergencies, and reconsidering the amount of firefighters sent to a medical call to minimize contact with the virus. Hackl also said they were awaiting results to see if fire fighters quarantined on Thursday, after coming in contact with a person being tested for COVID-19 would need to be isolated further. The results were expected to be in within 24 hours.
All three stated they will continue to take direction from provincial and federal officials, and recommended the public refer to www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus for information and updates.
