COVID-19 measures re-introduced in Meadow Lake

“According to health professionals, masking reduces the possibility of spreading the virus. It’s the easiest way to do it, and we take these steps so we can make our community a safer place,” he said.

There are several exemptions to the new masking bylaw. Masking is not required while in the swimming pool at the Meadow Lake Aquatic Centre. Children under two years of age, medically exempt individuals and people who aren’t able to place or remove a mask without assistance will not be required to cover their face. Individuals are allowed to remove their mask to eat or drink.

Notices of the new masking policy were posted to social media, and a pop-up message explaining the policy is displayed immediately after accessing the City of Meadow Lake’s website.

During Monday’s council meeting, the city also discussed implementing a vaccination policy, but did not reach an agreement on introducing any measures.

On Thursday, Premier Scott Moe announced the Government of Saskatchewan will be reintroducing a mask mandate at all indoor public spaces.

He added a proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test would be required to enter businesses, establishments and event venues effective Oct. 1.

Seymour stated his support for the new mandates as it provides communities with uniform guidelines as opposed to having varying restrictions.

“Decisions were basically left to each individual municipality to deal with, and we didn’t think that was right because we’re not health care professionals,” he said.

“The announcement from the government today gives a good direction to have a consistent set of rules and policies throughout the province, rather than leaving it up to each municipality.”

Local business owner Dave Martodam stated he also supports the mask mandates and proof of vaccinations, saying he was going to implement them at his own business, but was concerned with the effectiveness of the move.

“The bulk of our staff and management were in favour of going ahead with our mask policy [on Friday]. My wife and I support the vaccinations and the science behind it,” he said.

“Alberta and Saskatchewan have been negligent with this, and now we’re having a health care crisis that we didn’t need.”

He added one of his salesmen had recently been in Manitoba where the vaccine passports are in effect, sharing he believed the public health measure was effective.

“Everyone was showing their vaccine passports and having a great time. What I see around here is people are afraid to go out. I don’t think the provincial strategy here was very productive.”

In Manitoba’s Sept. 16 COVID-19 update, the province announced only 64 new cases were discovered in a 24-hour period, bringing the provincial total number of active cases to 599.

At the same time in Saskatchewan, the provincial government announced the discovery of 439 new cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 4,064.

Seymour encouraged all residents to get vaccinated, adding it is the most effective way to defeat the virus.

“If youre not vaccinated, go get vaccinated,” he said.

“Other areas have a higher vaccination rate, and our numbers aren’t great. If the vaccination isn’t there, we’re not going to get rid of this thing. Get out there, and get vaccinated.”

Anyone looking to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment can complete the process on the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s website.

With files from CKOM

—

elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp

by Elliott Knopp

COVID-19 measures re-introduced in Meadow Lake

What's Trending