Mayor Harris: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for March 12th, 2020 8:35 am

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Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for March 12th, 2020 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Planning For Covid-19

Released on March 5, 2020

The Best Protection is Personal Protection

With an increasing number of confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) around the world, the planning and preparedness of governments, organizations and individuals can still assist in containing and mitigating the spread of the illness.

The risk of COVID-19 to Saskatchewan residents remains low. As of March 5, there are no laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province.

“With COVID-19 transmission occurring in many countries, Saskatchewan will be expanding testing criteria and increasing surveillance,” Saskatchewan Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Testing is important to ensure the healthcare system has the best possible information to ensure our facilities and staff are prepared for any cases that present in the province. The most recent science indicates that 80 per cent of individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience only mild symptoms and will recover in their homes. Protecting yourself from transmission and planning to stay home if you become sick will allow the healthcare system to focus on the most severe cases.”

Protect Yourself from Respiratory Illness:
• Wash your hands frequently;
• Do not touch surfaces and then your mouth, eyes or nose;
• Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and dispose of them immediately; use your elbow if a tissue not available;
• Stay home if you become ill and prevent the spread of the illness

Health System Preparedness

The Ministry of Health has a pandemic preparedness plan developed to address influenza. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, this plan will be adapted to respond to COVID-19.

This planning includes:
• Updated guidance to care providers on the case definition and testing procedures;
• Enhanced testing capability with Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory (RRPL);
• Reviewing acute care capacity and contingency planning; and
• Ensuring necessary supplies of personal protective equipment.

It is best practice for workplaces to have business continuity plans to support staff and work functions through an event like pandemic influenza. It is recommended that workplaces ensure these plans are current and ready, in the event that cases increase in the province.

Travel Guidance

The active travel health notices and travel advice are available at Health Canada - Latest Travel Health Advice page. Travelers from Hubei and Iran are being asked to contact public health officials upon return to Canada and self-isolate for 14 days after leaving those jurisdictions. All travelers returning from countries where COVID-19 is circulating should actively monitor for symptoms of cough and fever. If you develop symptoms, stay home and call HealthLine 811 for assessment and advice.

Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus for updated information on COVID-19, including the questions and answers for the public and care providers and testing surveillance.

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For more information, contact:

Colleen Book
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus#utm_campaign

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

NEW: Saskatchewan COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (March 11, 2020)
NEW: COVID-19 Guidance : Mass Gatherings, Risk for Elderly Populations (March 11, 2020)
UPDATED: Self-Isolation Information Sheet (March 11, 2020)
NEW: Self-Monitoring Information Sheet (March 11, 2020)

Updated March 11, 2020

Risk of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population, but this could change quickly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians 65 and over, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

Public health officials continue to reassess the national and provincial public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.

Travel Guidance

The risk to Canadian travellers abroad will vary depending on the destination and there are some destinations where the Government of Canada recommends avoiding all travel or all non-essential travel.

All travellers should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) for 14 days after returning to Canada and avoid places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others if you become ill. If you have even mild symptoms, stay home and call HealthLine 811 for advice.

If you have travelled to a country with a level three travel advisory, limit your contact with others for a total of 14 days starting the day you began your journey to Canada. This means self-isolate and stay at home. Contact HealthLine 811 within 24 hours of arriving in Canada for direction.

All travellers are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and to contact the local public health authority in their province or territory if they feel sick.

Saskatchewan COVID- 19 Pandemic Plan (March 11, 2020)

At this time Saskatchewan does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, and the risk to Canadians remains low.

COVID-19 Laboratory Testing Summary for Saskatchewan
Cumulative counts as of March 10, 2020
Total Persons Tested	204
Persons with Pending Results	2
Persons with Confirmed Negative Results	202
Persons with Presumptive Positive Results	0
Persons with Confirmed Positive Results	0
Total Tests Performed¹	216

¹A person may have multiple tests performed

This table will be updated with information on the status of COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan every Wednesday.

Confirming a case requires that the specimen be tested at the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg. A presumptive positive indicates that a specimen has tested positive at a provincial public health laboratory (in Saskatchewan, the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory). Pending results indicates that the specimen is in the process of being tested.

Symptoms of Coronavirus
Common signs include respiratory symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Older people or those with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk for a more severe form of the disease.

Treatment of Coronavirus
Like most respiratory illnesses, most people with common coronavirus illness will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can and should be treated. If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see a health care provider or call Healthline at 811. If you are planning to see your health care provider or go to the emergency room, please call ahead and explain your symptoms and travel history so they can make appropriate safety accommodations.

How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus
Currently, there is no approved vaccine that protects against coronaviruses in humans.

As a respiratory illness, the best method to protect yourself against coronavirus is to practice everyday preventive actions, including:

Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);
Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
Maintain safe food practices; and
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

There is no evidence that surgical masks protect persons who are not sick. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of any masks if you do not have a travel history and respiratory symptoms. If you have respiratory symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing and a relevant travel history you should wear a surgical/procedure mask when seeking medical care at a health facility. If you are going to a health care facility for treatment of your respiratory illness and do not have a mask, ask for one at the admission desk and one will be provided to you.

Learn more about coronavirus by visiting the Public Health Agency of Canada links or downloading the fact sheets below.

Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Definition - Investopedia

Events:

Bingo 606 Harvard Preeceville Air Cadets Squadron Sponsoring Committee BINGO. Every Thursday at Club 60. Doors open at 7pm, first game starts at 8pm.

Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace - Minimum Jack-Pot is now at a $8,690.00

Draws every Thursday night at the Curling Rink.

Watch for their Ad's. Follow the ACE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/

- Catch and Release Fish Derby - 2nd Annual Buchanan Wildlife - March 14th - North End of Good Spirit Lake - Registration from 8am - 10am fish from 10am - 3pm - 50/50 draw - Door prize - 1st place walleye is $1,000 - 1st place Pike $500 - 1st place Burbot $250 - Concession will be available - Call or text John 306-562-7673 - Charles 306-592-3317

- Old Time Dance! Hazel Del Rec Centre - March 21st 7:30 11:30pam Music by "The Old Country Lads" Admission is $10.00

- Preeceville Lioness Ham Bingo The Lioness Ham Bingo will be held on Monday March 16th, 2020 at the Preeceville Club 60. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first game starts at 7:00 pm

- Preeceville Figure Skating Carnival March 20th

Chili w/ bun & Salad $7.00 Hotdog $3.00 (Supper starts at 6:00 pm, coffee or juice included. Supper served all night)

Show at 7:00 pm Admission $5, 6 and under free Dessert/refreshments during intermission

50/50 tickets available from skating members draw to be made at carnival. Prize value up to $2500.00!

- Preeceville Wildlife Awards Banquet The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation – Preeceville Branch, will be holding their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the Preeceville Community Legion Hall

- Creating the Prairie Xeriscape - Join Sara Williams, gardening books author and retired University of Saskatchewan horticultural specialist, to learn about the principals of xeriscape (conserving water, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, reducing conventional lawn areas and mulching). Sara will also share the best of hundreds of hardy and drought tolerant plants for your prairie garden. Sunday March 29th, 2:00pm Club 60, Preeceville, Everyone Welcome - Freewill offering and a light lunch will be served.

- Cross Country Ski Trails are open: Call Lou at 306-547-2183 for more information.

- The Preeceville Walking Club is running at the Preeceville Community Legion Hall. They walk Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week from 9:00am till 10:00 am. The Program runs till the end of April each year. Cost is $20.00 and everyone is welcome. Contact Jackie at 306-547-2842 for further information.

- http://nebula.wsimg.com/67d116e76f1df37c9316a43412b934bb?AccessKeyId=8FDCD8B21756BBDF4E0D&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

The Town Newsletter for March/April has information about upcoming events.

Previous newsletters can be found on the Recreation page.