SASKATOON -- Check back throughout the day for the latest on COVID-19 in Saskatoon and area.
If you're concerned you might be infected with COVID-19, the Saskatchewan COVID-19 self assessment tool is a helpful resource.
Here's advice on how to practice physical/social distancing and how to properly self-isolate at home. Struggling financially because of COVID-19? Support may be available from the federal government and the province.
Sask. economy takes hit
Saskatchewan’s real GDP is expected to decline by five per cent this year, according to a report from the Conference Board of Canada.
But it also forecasts Saskatchewan’s real GDP will rebound by 5.4 per cent in 2021.
It says the unemployment rate in Saskatchewan is expected to reach 8.7 per cent. The industries expected to see the biggest job losses are in the arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food sectors.
The proper use of gloves
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more and more people are choosing to wear gloves when they venture out into public, but a Saskatoon clinical microbiologist says people still need to be careful.
“If you have a glove on and it's contaminated, and you're touching your face, particularly your vulnerable areas like your eyes, your nose and your mouth. Just because you have a glove on doesn't necessarily mean it prevents you from moving an organism from another surface to yourself,” said Dr. Jospeh Blondeau, a clinical microbiologist at Royal University Hospital.
That’s why when you’re done with your gloves, it’s important to remove them properly.
Changes in Prince Albert
Eleanor George was an avid users of the Two Miles for Mary Senior Transportation Service - but since COVID-19 hit, she’s had to cancel her charity work, social engagements, exercise classes and more.
"I've had heart and other problems so I consider myself high-risk so I want to stay safe,” she said.
George is among the 700 users of senior transportation and paratransit bus services in Prince Albert.
Total number of cases sits at 305, one new case
As of Thursday, the province said there have now been 305 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, with 82 cases considered active.
Saskatoon currently has 44 of the active cases and has had 147 of the province's total number of cases since the onset of pandemic.
Notably, there was just one new confirmed case among Thursday's tally.
The number of recoveries sits at 219.
NDP call for food bank support
The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Sask Party Government to provide support for food banks in the province.
In a letter sent to NDP leader Ryan Meili by Food Banks of Saskatchewan, the organization anticipates a 25 per cent increase in users to food banks across the province.
"Most of our food banks have seen a five to 15 per cent increase to date, however some food banks such as Regina and Melfort have seen an astounding increase of 40 to 50 per cent already," the letter states.
Pausing to remember during pandemic
COVID-19 didn't stop many in Saskatoon from remembering a toddler whose struggle with a rare genetic disease was shared widely on social media.
A makeshift visitation was held for Emmet Steadman, who died last week in hospital, where vehicles took turns pulling up to a window at Saskatoon Funeral Home and mourners were able to offer condolences to the family inside over using cellphones.
Emmet's memorial service, which took place in an empty chapel with colourful balloons suspended in the air was live-streamed online Wednesday afternoon.
Uncertain housing market
Saskatoon's real estate market was set to see house prices go up over 2020, but with so much affected by COVID-19, broker/owner at Royal LePage Norm Fisher expects uncertainty.
“I think it all depends on how long we are in self isolation mode and how long this economy is shut down,” Fisher said.
“Supply and demand are key factors in the housing marke, and particularly when it comes to pricing, but so are employment and income.”
COVID-19 concern for inmates, lawyer says
A 32-year-old awaiting her murder trial has been released from jail as COVID-19 remains a pressing concern for inmates in correctional centres, her lawyer said.
Defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle said his client, Sheritta Kahpeaysewat, was released from custody at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert on April 9 with conditions.
“Given the trial is not scheduled until December 2020, seeking her release at this time was important,” Pfefferle said. “It is our view that this was the fair and legally appropriate result given the specific circumstances in this case.”
Is it possible to safely golf in a pandemic?
This year there’s a void for those ready to come out of hibernation and hit the driving range as soon as the snow is gone.
Bonnie Day golfs at least once a week near her home in Regina as well as at courses around the province. She’s wondering when she’ll be able to hit the links with the province’s indefinite COVID-19 restrictions on activities like golf.
“It’s hard to get out and do something and feel good. You need that. It’s so good for mental health to get out and do physical activity,” Day told CTV News.
Federal rent help for businesses
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a new rent assistance program for businesses, and plans to loosen the criteria needed for small- and medium-sized companies to qualify for a loan, the latest indications that it will be a long time before the country is back to business as usual.
Speaking to the challenges faced by businesses and commercial property owners due to COVID-19, Trudeau said the new Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program will help small businesses cover their rents for April, May, and June.
The assistance is being rolled out in collaboration with the provinces and territories as rent policy is largely provinces and municipalities’ responsibility.
Wednesday recap
On Wednesday, the province's state of emergency was extended for another two weeks. The move comes the same week Premier Scott Moe said a plan to gradually "reopen" the province is under development if numbers of new COVID-19 cases remain low
However, the head of the province's nurses union says even talking about lifting restrictions may encourage people to let their guard down when it comes to taking precautions to limit the spread of the deadly virus, which has killed over 1,000 people across Canada.
The province reported three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 304, with 95 of the cases considered active.
Saskatoon, still the province's hotspot for the virus, has 50 active cases of COVID-19 and has had 147 of the cases so far.
During a meeting Wednesday, City Council overruled a decsion by city administration to delay the annual switch to weekly waste collection in light of the pandemic.
With files from CTVNews.ca and CTV News Regina
