Mayor says public health orders will be enforced at anti-mask rally
On Friday, Mayor Sandra Masters asked for patience and diligence as Christmas nears and COVID-19 cases rise.
But, she said, the vaccine and the rollout plan announced this week should offer some comfort.
“There is hope for 2021,” said Masters, before cautioning that there is “no celebration just yet. We need to continue to wear our masks, we need to continue to social distance.”
In stark contrast to that point on Saturday, an anti-mask, anTI-COVID-19 restrictions rally is planned in Regina. People from all over the province will be coming to the city to protest provincial orders aimed at keeping cases down.
Public health orders limit public gatherings to 30 people, and while Masters said there's a need to respect one's ability to peacefully protest, public health orders will be enforced.
“The Regina Police Service is aware of it, and will be on hand. As long as health regulations are being followed, in terms of distancing or peaceful protest, then they are allowed,” Masters said during a news conference.
But that's not a seal of approval for the protest's message.
“I'm not interested in endangering the lives of the citizens of Regina,” said Masters.
With people from all over Saskatchewan coming to town, the mayor reminded people to wash their hands and implored them to wear masks and keep a social distance, a message that may not be heeded by the incoming crowd.
Masters said she can understand people's frustrations with masks, but urged people to think about the safety of others.
“If you don't have respect for masks, I understand, I just ask you have respect for our healthcare workers, our firefighters our first responders and our police services,” she said.
Masters said by the summer she is hopeful that things can return to normal, but at Christmastime she is advising caution. “We're asking that out citizens keep their bubbles small, limited to their own households. It will be an unusual Christmas,” said Masters.
Now, that isn't an order from the city, Masters clarified, deferring to the provincial orders from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
When asked if she would be open to bringing in stricter restrictions, Masters said she would wait until Monday to see how effective current measures have been, but didn't specifically say if she was open to stricter measures.
To workers and residents at Extendicare Parkside, site of the province's worst long-term care home outbreak, Masters said “we're with you, we wish you a healthy recovery.”
Masters also encouraged people to download Health Canada's COVID Alert app to help slow the help ease the burden faced by contact tracers in Saskatchewan.
“I know we're tired, and I know we're weary of limited social contact, limited activities and we can see the light at the end of all of this now,” she said.
Also during the news conference the city announced that Phase 2 of the Regina Economic Recovery Grant (RERG) would start on Dec. 15. That means the RERG will now offer matching grants up to $25,000 for businesses trying to adapt to the pandemic.
The previous cap on the grants was set at $5,000.