Kids’ centres taking action against virus
Following Canada’s first two cases of COVID-19 in children and Saskatchewan’s first presumptive case, Saskatoon facilities used by children are taking steps to attempt to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The province’s first presumptive case was identified Thursday morning in a resident in his or her 60s who had recently travelled to Egypt. The person was tested March 9 in Saskatoon and has been self-isolating at home, the province says.
One of Ontario’s 17 new cases identified Thursday is a baby, and in Calgary a four-year-old boy has tested positive for the virus.
Health Canada says it is currently unknown what role children play in the transmission of COVID-19. Current research suggests children are not at increased risk from the virus, but what is of concern is their ability, potentially, to pass it on.
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, city officials said civic facilities such as leisure centres and libraries will stay open, a decision made under continuing reassessment.
Nutrien Wonderhub executive director Amanda Mcreynolds Doran said the museum had a plan it implemented Thursday in response to the Saskatchewan case.
The plan includes additional cleaning and sanitizing procedures and asking staff members who are feeling unwell to stay home and see a doctor.
“Sask. Health Authority has confirmed the risk still remains very low, but we want to be leaders in the community as far as ensuring that this disease does not spread any further than it has to,” Mcreynolds Doran said.
Employees, volunteers and visitors are being asked to wash their hands when entering the facility.
A representative of the Girl Guides of Canada Saskatchewan Council said that the organization is implementing an action plan nationwide that so far has included information being sent to parents as decisions are made.
The Western Development Museum plans to keep its locations in Saskatoon, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and Yorkton open, but its management is monitoring the situation “really, really closely,” chief executive Joan Kanigan said.
The museum is asking ill employees to stay home and call 811 if they experience symptoms consistent with COVID -19. It’s also increasing cleaning of high-traffic areas and halting all ice cream and butter demonstrations. Discovery rooms, used for hands-on activities, will be closed to the public and available only for school programming. They will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after school visits.