The City of North Battleford and Town of Battleford are working together on COVID-19 preparedness plan (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Keaton Brown

setting the defense

City and town work together on COVID-19 preparedness plan

Mar 9, 2020 | 1:11 PM

Local municipalities are working together to make a plan in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in Saskatchewan.

There continue to be no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province and the risk to Canadians remains low.

Administrators from the City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford formed a joint administrative committee to cooperatively develop strategies and to coordinate efforts to minimize infection risks to residents of both communities and staff members.

In the event of a COVID-19 pandemic declaration, both municipalities will follow the guidance of the provincial and federal government authority.

The two municipalities have issued the following information for local area residents:

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Symptoms:

Common signs include respiratory symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Older people or those with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk for a more severe form of the disease. If you have these symptoms, contact HealthLine 811 for assessment and direction.

Prevention:

As a respiratory illness, the best method to protect yourself against coronavirus is to practice everyday preventive actions, including:

• Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);
• Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Maintain safe food practices; and
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

There is no evidence that surgical masks protect persons who are not sick. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of any masks if you do not have a travel history and respiratory symptoms. If you have respiratory symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing and a relevant travel history you should wear a surgical/procedure mask when seeking medical care at a health facility.

Resources:

Saskatchewan Health Authority
Saskatchewan HealthLine dial 8-1-1
Saskatchewan Health Authority COVID-19 information:

Travel Advisories: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Health Canada COVID-19 information: www.canada.ca/coronavirus

—

Keaton.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow