A significant gathering in Ile-a-la Crosse is being postponed due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 or the Coronavirus.
Hundreds of people were expected in the northwest community Friday as lawyers from Saskatoon were to present information on that community’s residential school.
Mayor Duane Favel said lawyers have informed him that they cannot attend gatherings of more than eight people.
Yet he said the main reason for delaying the gathering is that the potential of Coronavirus could greatly impact attendees.
“The residential school survivors gathering brings together the northwest region and outside the region to come in here for an update. This is our vulnerable population, especially when we are talking about the elderly,” explained Favel.
Sask. health officials are in the process of ordering medical supplies to combat the virus, as it copes it its first confirmed case.
A Saskatoon resident in their 60’s tested positive. That person recently traveled to Egypt and is in self-quarantine.
Hundreds of people have tested negative with approximately two dozen still pending.
The Juno’s in Saskatoon has been cancelled and Premier Moe has ended any speculation of a spring election by saying it will not proceed at this time.
Favel said there is concern in the northwest regarding the recent trip by federal Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan being in self-quarantine, in what is now described as a head cold.
Favel said Mayor and Council are discussing with health officials measure to be taken to safeguard residents there, including examining their protections like sanitizer, masks and such.
People are warned to limit social gatherings, observe personal space, avoid shaking hands, yet wash hands thoroughly and that if you feel sick stay home.