Community organizations still operating amid virus threat
Community organizations that work with Saskatoon’s most vulnerable people are taking extra precautions to protect clients following the announcement of the province’s first presumptive case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) on Thursday.
A second presumptive case, a person in their 60s who recently travelled to Oregon State, was announced on Friday.
At a time when social distancing is encouraged to slow the spread of COVID-19, there are some who use services where closer contact is common, such as shelters.
Cleaning and sanitization protocols are being stepped up at The Lighthouse Supported Living and other community organizations.
Lighthouse spokeswoman Anna Pacik said staff in the building have been encouraged to wipe down high-touch areas such as door handles, and use proper hand washing practices and sanitizer.
Staff will continue to use gloves for everyone’s protection, she said.
The Saskatoon Friendship Inn will shift from sit-down breakfast and lunch services for clients to takeout meals or bagged lunches for the time being. It welcomes donations of 16-ounce containers with lids, paper bags, oatmeal, sliced bread, mayonnaise, cheese, whole fruit and bottled water.
“As always, our mission is to do our best to offer a free meal service to those in need, with the resources available to us. We are most grateful to the community,” executive director Sandra Kary wrote in an email.
The Salvation Army is stepping up its cleaning and switching to providing cutlery packets, said Judy Regamey, executive director of residential services. Its community meal service remains open.
The Saskatoon YMCA tweeted Friday that it’s operating on a “business as usual” basis, but said it would monitor federal public health agency statements and advise of any changes.
The Lighthouse, in a Facebook post, reminded the public that it is open 24/7 and it would “gladly receive any extra food and other goodies that were made in preparation for events like the Junos,” listing several organizations that would also gladly receive donations.