Some sobering realities from a Saskatoon Medical Health Officer this week, who believes it’s time to plan for virtual gatherings during the Christmas season.

Dr. Jasmine Hasselback says she knows it’s the beginning of December and she would love to make a call closer to, but thinks people need to process that’s where things are at this year. She adds the virus has overtaken the community and this is a critical intervention, stating that visiting each other unnecessarily in Saskatoon’s current state, is opening the door to death and illness. Hasselback suggests that Christmas will be here next year too, and if people don’t change the way they are doing things, there are people who might not be here next year for Christmas.

Hasselback says it’s best to keep your holiday plans this year to your household and bring in everyone virtually, and explains trying to have that semblance of normalcy is too risky at this time. Hasselback adds, virtually your circle could be larger than it ever was, but from a local health recommendation it is very critical Saskatoon families keep Christmas small this year.

Dr. Hasselback says she knows Saskatoon has the tools to do this right, and that we saw proof in the Spring. She called the innovation at that time incredible and suggests residents can keep functioning, still keep businesses flourishing as best they can during these struggling times, it’s just about doing things differently this year.