MELFORT— The City of Melfort issued a notice to the local community on steps they should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The notice comes on March 20, after businesses have been approaching the city to ask how they should respond to the virus.
The city’s advice to the general public is that their best response in this situation is to stay home.
“This will keep their social circle as small as possible and is the most efficient and effective way to reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread,” the city said in the release.
While doing so, residents are asked to be mindful of maintaining their mental and physical health. They can by staying in touch with family and friends, either with online messaging, or by phone and taking time for physical activities.
“Remember, it is safe to go outside for a walk or exercise provided you maintain a safe distance from others.”
For businesses, the city said that their first consideration should be on if they can either discontinue operations in the short term or work remotely.
The province has mandated that certain types of businesses should take steps to restrict access or in some cases even close.
“It is recognised that some businesses provide essential services that are necessary during times like these. If this is the case for your business, you must determine how you will continue to serve your customers while protecting them, your staff, and yourself,” the city said.
“If you choose to continue operations, you should take steps to mitigate the possibility of exposure by taking extra precautions to disinfect, restricting access to your business or offering delivery, reducing hours, etc.”
The city said that until otherwise mandated, it is up to each business to evaluate their own circumstances and make decision concerning if and how they will continue to operate under the current conditions.
The city is asking people who have any additional questions on recommended actions for business operations, to refer to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety business continuity plan on infectious diseases at http://melfort.municipalwebsites.ca/Editor/images/businesscontinuity.pdf.
“Finally, we need to support each other by encouraging and endorsing swift action against the spread of the virus. If we all do our part, we will be able to protect ourselves, our families and our community from being overcome by the stresses that the infection could place on our health system.”
