Saskatoon book store adopts rapid testing for staff
Turning The Tide bookstore in Saskatoon is using a free rapid-testing program for small businesses offered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority as the city experiences a rise in COVID-19 cases.
“We just received our first rapid test kit, so we are going to be testing our employees twice a week for COVID, for asymptomatic COVID,” owner Peter Garden said.
“I would really encourage other businesses and organizations to sign up, it’s a free program. It’s something we can all do to contribute to the safety of our community.”
Staff have also been taking extra steps such as mandatory masking and having hand sanitizer at the door.
Garden said he is worried as COVID-19 numbers climb during the fourth wave.
“We definitely welcome some safety measures to be put in place by the provincial government. Were actually disappointed that they haven’t taken steps, and have let the fourth wave get so out of control right now,” Garden said.
“None of us want lockdowns, again, but we also don’t want to see our hospitals filling up like they are now and having to cancel surgeries and overworking nurses and doctors, its not fair to them. We really need some leadership right now.”
Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Aebig said businesses in the city have not been taken by surprise.
“All of these recent developments around a fourth wave are concerning, but they weren’t completely unexpected,” Aebig said.
“There’s no question that businesses learned a lot over the last 20 months about how to stay open, how to keep people employed, how to secure the safety of their customers and employees coming into their workplace,” Aebig told CTV.
Aebig said Saskatoon businesses benefited from the push to shop local throughout last year, but now is not the time to let up.
“The need to shop local and support our local business community is just as strong now as it was over the past 20 months and prior to that.
“What we, I think, need to see now is patience and patronage of these businesses that are doing their level best to serve the public and their employees and customers at the same time.”
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Email us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.