The NDP’s Ryan Meili kicked off the first question period of the spring sitting by asking for an update on the premier’s approach to combatting the coronavirus outbreak.
“Saskatchewan people are concerned about the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, concerned about the potential health impacts as well as the potential impacts on the Saskatchewan economy,” said Meili.
“Now that the legislature is back in session and there are a growing number of cases around the world, including Canada, people are concerned about the potential health and economic impacts locally,” he added.
Meili asked Premier Scott Moe if he would update the public on his plan to keep people safe, as well on how he is preparing to counter whatever economic impact the coronavirus may have on Saskatchewan.
“I had an update and briefing from the chief medical health office late last week. We have discussed this briefly on a premiers’ call with respect to what diligence we are taking here in our nation, at our airports, in our preparing in our communities, preparing in our health centres,” said Moe.
“We continue to work with our other provinces and continue to work with the global community to ensure that we can deal with the cases that we have here in Canada, of which we have none to date in Saskatchewan. We’ll continue to work with our partners to ensure that we are taking the greatest steps to keep our families [and] keep our communities safe,” he added.
The coronavirus has spread globally in a short period with over 89,000 people affected. To date, the death toll has reached over 3,000. In Canada, there have been 27 confirmed cases of the virus with 18 in Ontario, eight in B.C. and one in Quebec.
Dr. Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer for the Government of Saskatchewan, said in a press scrum on Monday that the risk in Canada is low, but to continue taking the steps to prevent the spread of germs as you normally would. Shahab said steps like hand washing repeatedly, not touching your face eyes or nose, staying home if you’re sick and keeping your kids home if they are not well are steps to avoid the spread of illness.
“The risk in Canada is low, and in Saskatchewan as well. There is no evidence of community transmission. But, that doesn’t mean that we should not practise what we should always do, because that will keep the risk low.”
