City officials met Tuesday to discuss changes being made to services in the city, but to stress essential services are being maintained.
Director of the Emergency Management Organization Pamela Goulden-McLeod explained they are working hard to maintain those services amid closures to leisure services in the city. Adding that garbage collection remains on schedule, roadway clearing and maintenance are continuing, Saskatoon transit, which she called a critical service is operating and water treatment and wastewater processes remain unaffected. City Construction projects are also expected to continue and Saskatoon Light and Power service remain unaffected.
Goulden-McLeod addressed the issue of how public transit is being cleaned saying with some facilities being closed they are looking at moving cleaning staff to essential services that need additional cleaning. Adding that in general they are evaluating ongoing requests and making sure services like public transit are operational.
Police Chief Troy Cooper addressed changes being made to the Saskatoon Police station, most notably the service centre will be closed to the public, with online and non-emergency phone lines expected to be utilized. Criminal record checks will only be available online, victim services will be available only by phone and the lost and found office will operate by appointment only.
Chief Cooper added that anyone calling into emergency lines should expect to answer screening questions based on COVID-19 and that staff will be utilizing protective equipment out in the community. He also assured the public that they have not seen an increase in criminal offenses directly related to the coronavirus but people should keep the potential of fraud in mind.
Fire Chief Morgan Hackl explained there is at least one primary care paramedic on each crew and personal hygiene and protective equipment is made a priority. Stating that the department has a inventory of recommended N95 masks and will be using extended social distancing on calls whenever possible. He added that certain non-essential services in fire prevention including inspections and property maintenance, are being prioritized right now as some staff have been re-assigned notably those working with the Emergency Operations Centre.
