The official opposition wants to see the Saskatchewan government announce a targeted, short-term circuit breaker for Regina and the surrounding area as new COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the provincial capital.
Among the recommended actions suggested by the New Democrats include:
• Reducing household bubbles to pre-March 9th levels
• Continuing to target vaccination to Regina and area
• Moving bars and restaurants to delivery and take-out only
• Moving as many workers as possible to “work from home” arrangements, particularly in the civil service and Crown sectors
• Staffing up contact tracing and supports for those off work to isolate
• Advising strongly against any non-essential travel to and from Regina
• Providing supports for school kids needing access to technology and child care for essential workers
• Supporting local businesses to access federal wage and rent subsidies and provincial investment to fill gaps
• Quickly expanding these measures to other communities should there be evidence of variant spread elsewhere
Ryan Meili, leader of the NDP, was critical of Premier Scott Moe and his leadership during this latest spike in COVID-19 cases in the province. Meili said Moe “failed to act” as the Queen City leads the country in new COVID-19 cases due to the variant outbreak.
“He saw the modelling. He didn’t share it with the public, but he had it,” suggested Meili. “He knew this was coming, and instead of getting ahead of it, he chose to reduce public measures.”
Health Critic Vicki Mowat said this type of circuit breaker could help control case numbers while preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed.
“Most recommendations say a few weeks for this circuit breaker as a good amount of time to reset things and stop transmission in its tracks,” mentioned Mowat.
Premier Scott Moe and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab will provide a provincial COVID-19 update Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
