As you know, COVID cases are placing more and more pressure on our health care services and additional public health measures have been introduced. Since my last update on December 1st, so many more Saskatchewan residents have died of this virus. This is truly devastating and on behalf of everyone at the City of Martensville, I offer my condolences to the families and friends of these individuals. It is truly heart breaking.
As of today, there are 3,990 active cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan. To date, we have had 13,761 cases. In total, 9,465 people have recovered, and 122 people have died.
The additional restrictions put in place this week will change the holiday season for all of us. While this is not what anyone wants, we know that our public health experts would not be implementing these measures if they weren’t needed. We must take them seriously. This includes new outdoor gathering limits around the public health order. For outdoor areas such as toboggan hills and other large outdoor recreation areas, there is no limit of people provided everyone is physically distancing between household groups. We want you to enjoy our public areas but we simply must do so carefully.
Please continue to follow the social distancing guidelines that are being recommended, wash your hands often and wear a mask in all public places. Most importantly, stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID, and get tested, even if your symptoms are mild. Call the HealthLine at 811, or your family physician, and take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
Over the holiday season, our number one priority is the health of our residents and our staff. While it may look and feel different, we can still celebrate the holidays within our own households, and we can connect with people virtually or from a safe distance outdoors. This is temporary and with vaccinations underway, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are a strong and resilient community, and we can do this!
As you complete your holiday shopping this weekend, please continue to Love What’s Local and support our local retailers. With additional restrictions on retail services coming soon, they need our support now more than ever. Whether their doors are open, or they are offering curbside or online service, please support them if you can.
Our City and Emergency Services continue to work with other municipalities and to share information from the Province to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.
A re-cap on City programs and services:
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City programs and services:All priority programs and services continue to be provided.
- The alternating water meter read/estimate schedule continues, in fact all homes are encouraged to keep current by submitting their own water meter read.
- City Hall, Wheatland Regional Library, the MAP, the Sports Centre, are all open with occupancy limits in place and safety guidelines being followed. All drop-in programs and pick up games are cancelled.
- Water service will not be discontinued due to non-payment or overdue account status.
In closing, to all who celebrate the holiday season, in whatever way you celebrate, please have fun, stay safe, and let’s all look forward to good health and prosperity in 2021!
Sincerely,
Mayor Kent Muench
Links to Important Resources
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Re-Open Saskatchewan
Featured articles on mental health services available in Saskatchewan
COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool and the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus
A reminder to sign up for online services available at the City of Martensville:
Our City’s webpage dedicated to information on the pandemic
City of Martensville social media links:
Facebook
Twitter: @Martensville
Business Task Force (City of Martensville, City of Warman, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce)