COVID-19

Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan

Re-Open Saskatchewan is a plan built on a methodical and phased-in approach to slowly and responsibly lift restrictions on businesses and services. Flattening the curve and strengthening the system will remain priorities, as will our ability to manage the current COVID-19 pressures by building capacity in the coming weeks and months. Key elements will include increased testing and contact tracing, as well as the preparation of additional space and critical equipment.

Restrictions will be lifted in stages, with consideration given to socioeconomic factors and the risk of transmission. They will be implemented via public health orders and the timing will be dictated by evidence of transmission.

For more information on the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan, Click here. 

Weyburn and Area Business Response Plan to COVID-19

A COVID-19 Business Response Plan has been developed in partnership between the City of Weyburn, RM of Weyburn, Weyburn Regional Economic Development and the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. The developed response planning is critical in adapting business operations to changing conditions in the business market and establishing a resilient business plan. These 6 steps are intended to assist businesses through the current pandemic crisis.

The Business Response Plan can be found here. 

For more information on the Business Response Plan, Contact the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce at (306) 842-4738 or email at admin@weyburnchamber.com

SaskAlert App

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is encouraging residents to sign up for the SaskAlert App as a way to get accurate and timely information about COVID-19.

The SaskAlert App allows users to choose to receive emergency public alerts for the entire province, a particular municipality or a First Nation community.  The app can target residents in a geographic area if urgent information is specific to one region or municipality within the province.

In case of an emergency, a tone will sound, similar to receiving a normal text message notification – even when the app is closed.  Individuals can then open the app to find information on the emergency and instructions on any actions you are required to take.

The app is available for download on Android and Apple devices at http://emergencyalert.saskatchewan.ca/.

Public Health Measures from the Government of Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan government will make up to $1.5 million in emergency financial aid available to help at-risk post-secondary students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Advanced Education announced April 9, 2020 it will help students with limited financial resources and supports whose studies and employment have been disrupted. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/april/09/aid-available-for-ps-students

SHA Releases Next Phase Of COVID-19 Response Plan

Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) indicates that the key variable for saving lives and protecting health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is public compliance with prescribed isolation measures, physical distancing, effective hand washing and staying home, whenever and wherever possible. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/april/08/health-system-readiness

The following are highlights of the measures the SHA is taking in its next phase of pandemic response to ensure safety by segmenting patient populations between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patient populations:

• Creating dedicated spaces within many of its facilities to cohort COVID-19 patients;
• Designating certain hospitals COVID-19 hospitals.  These changes are not immediate.  The SHA has proactively identified 20 out of its 65 hospitals that would be designated COVID-19 hospitals, if required to meet the clinical needs of the patient population in their areas of the province;
• Adding acute care capacity through the creation of field hospitals in Saskatoon and Regina, with more locations being considered as part of later, contingency planning.

Saskatchewan residents can continue to help by taking specific action, including:

• Practising good hygiene, washing hands regularly and practicing physical distancing (two metres apart wherever possible);
• Taking care of family, friends and neighbours who may be affected by mandatory self-isolation orders;
• Abide by provincial and local travel, self-isolation, event and gathering restrictions;
• Use medical supplies effectively and efficiently so that they are there when needed; and
• Avoid visiting our hospitals and long-term care facilities unless there are compassionate reasons for doing so.

The Provincial Government recommends the Hosting of Virtual Easter Gatherings as an alternative way to celebrate the occasion

Here are some other things they suggest to keep in mind:

• Restrict in-person Easter gatherings to only people living in the same home.
• Beat the pre-holiday rush and purchase your Easter dinner groceries ahead of time. Remember, only one person from a household should go shopping. Make a list so you can quickly purchase your goods.
• Always practice preventative measures – frequent hand washing and physical distancing.

Mental health services and supports are readily available to Saskatchewan residents who need them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Saskatchewan and health sector partners are working together to ensure that services are available, particularly to vulnerable populations and that they comply with public health requirements limiting close contact. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/april/01/mental-health-during-pandemic

Saskatchewan Parks is reminding residents provincial parks are not open at this time.

Saskatchewan Parks is following the advice of public health experts and implementing measures to support the Government of Canada’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  As of Monday, March 23, 2020, park facilities closed, meaning there is no access to washrooms, visitor centres, picnic areas, as well as campgrounds and campsites. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/march/27/provincial-parks-closed

Thursday, March 26, the Government of Saskatchewan announced changes to Provincal fine collections and late payment fees as well temporary suspending eviction hearings as a result of COVID-19.  https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/latest-updates

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Saskatchewan is limiting the size of public and private gatherings to a maximum of ten people. Additionally, clarity is being provided to Saskatchewan businesses surrounding the operations of allowable business services, in consultation with the Chief Medical Health Officer. A list of critical public services and allowable business services has been created to inform the business community of which businesses can continue to operate in accordance with social distancing practices. All changes are effective March 26, 2020. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/march/25/allowable-business-services

Self-Isolation

All travellers returning from international destinations – including the United States – are subject to a mandatory self-isolation order. Violation of the order may result in a $2,000 fine.

Anyone identified by a MHO as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 shall go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from the date of having been exposed. 

Self-isolation is an important way of preventing COVID-19 from spreading in Saskatchewan. It means staying at home and avoiding situations where there is a potential to spread the infection to others: work; school; sporting events; social, cultural and religious gatherings; and public places such as restaurants and malls. You should also avoid public transportation. If you have an emergency and need to leave home, please wear a surgical mask while you are out. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/self-isolation

Social Distancing

Social distancing means avoiding contact with others to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep a minimum distance of 2 metres from others when shopping or walking in the community. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/social-distancing

For more information regarding COVID-19, Visit the Government of Saskatchewan webpage. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus

City of Weyburn’s Response

The City of Weyburn has made the decision to reopen City Hall to the public for payments beginning Monday, June 8, 2020. For all other inquiries, the City of Weyburn is asking that you make appointments in advance by contacting City Hall. Appointment can be made by contacting the following departments:

Administration/Finance
(306) 848-3201

Leisure Services
(306) 848-3218

Engineering/Building and Planning
(306) 848-3230

We have been following the direction of the Federal and Provincial Governments during this pandemic. The City of Weyburn will continue to adhere to these measures as our top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the community and our employees. The following measures will be in place:

• Limit of one person per household
• Staff members and the public to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection
• Providing access to hand washing facilities or hand sanitizer
• Asking staff and the public to stay home and away from others if sick

Until further notice, the following City of Weyburn operated facilities will remain closed to the public:

• Weyburn Leisure Centre
• Soo Line Historical Museum
• Turner Curling Museum
• Heritage Village
• Signal Hill Art Centre
• Crescent Point Place/Tom Zandee Sports Arena
• Public Works and Parks Building
• Water Treatment Plant

Also starting June 8, 2020, the City will allow individuals to utilize the Tennis Courts and the Disk Golf Course. The City will follow the guidelines for Outdoor Individual Recreation as set out in the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan. These guidelines include the following:

• Group recreation operations are not allowed at this time.
• All operators must take precautionary measures, including expanding the cleaning and disinfecting of common and high-touch surfaces in accordance with the public health order
• Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres of space between individuals.
• No more than 10 people are allowed to gather at one time.
• No competition, league play, or fundraising events permitted.
• Members who are sick or symptomatic must not enter/participate.
• All other city owned outdoor recreation amenities are restricted until Phase Four of Re-Open Saskatchewan.
• Individual instruction may be permitted with no contact and appropriate physical distancing. No group instruction.

More information regarding access to the Tennis courts can be found at https://weyburn.ca/tennis-courts/ or by contacting Leisure Services at (306) 848-3218.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City of Weyburn continues to request that the public does not participate in activities on the following City owned outdoor amenities until further notice. These amenities include:

• Ball Diamonds
• Playground Equipment
• Sports Fields

In collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, we are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to evaluate when City facilities may reopen.

 

Weyburn City Council has made the decision to defer penalty on non-payment of property taxes by three months to November 1st, 2020. 2020 property taxes will be due by the end of July but interim relief is available to tax payers to defer their payments without penalty.

Pre-authorized payments will continue to be withdrawn from customer accounts based on their agreed upon withdrawal schedules. If customers would like to make other arrangements or be set up for preauthorized payments, please email finance@weyburn.ca

City Council had also made the decision to defer all interest charges on late utility bill payments and defer all water disconnections due to non-payment. All interest charges on utility bill deferrals will be in effect until August 31, 2020. At this time, the City will still bill on a monthly basis and send out late payment notices as customers will be responsible for their usage and payments. Pre-authorized payments will continue to be withdrawn from customer accounts at the end of the month. If customers would like to make other arrangements, please email finance@weyburn.ca.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City of Weyburn requests that the public does not participate in activities on City owned outdoor amenities until further notice. These amenities include:

• Ball Diamonds
• Playground Equipment
• Sports Fields

The City of Weyburn would like to encourage the use of our Tatagwa Trail system as well as the use of our parks but are reminding the public to practice social distancing. Social distancing means avoiding contact with others to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep a minimum distance of 2 metres from others when shopping or walking in the community. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/social-distancing

In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Weyburn City Council Meetings will take place using electronic communication. City Council will utilize Zoom Meeting software to conference remotely. These meetings will be live streamed on the City of Weyburn YouTube Channel and broadcasted on Access 7. There will be a link to the YouTube Channel from the City of Weyburn website and social media channels. The first electronic meeting will take place for the next scheduled City Council meeting 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Local Media will also be able to dial in to the meeting and during the Inquiries and Announcements portion they will be permitted to ask questions at that time. Council will also stay on line for up to 15 minutes to answer any questions of the media after the meeting.

 In collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, we are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to evaluate when City facilities may reopen.

 As this situation evolves, The City of Weyburn will continue to provide regular updates as they are available through our website and social media.

 

City of Weyburn Methods of Payment Available

• Drop Box at City Hall (cash or cheque) – A night deposit can be found just outside the City Hall main entrance , City Hall is located at 157 3rd St. NE.. Please make sure the type of payment and account number or property address is specified.

• By mail – Mail your bill stub and cheque to: City of Weyburn, PO Box 370, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2K6

• Online banking – Online banking is offered by most banks and financial institutions for utility bills and property taxes. For other payments such as business licenses, fees and rentals, please request a direct deposit form for online payment by emailing finance@weyburn.ca.

• Pre-authorized Payment Plan (PAP) – This program offers automatic withdrawal from your bank account. For utility bills the exact amount will be withdrawn from your account at the end of the month. For Property Taxes, we offer several different withdrawal dates to ensure taxes are paid in full by December 31. Forms are available at https://weyburn.ca/payment-options/. Email your completed application form and a void cheque to finance@weyburn.ca or drop off at City Hall Drop Box @ 157 3rd St. NE.

City Council has made the decision to defer all interest Charges on late utility bill payments and defer all water disconnections due to non-payment. All deferrals will be in effect until August 31, 2020. At this time, the City will still bill on a monthly basis and send out late payment notices as customers will be responsible for their usage and payments. Pre-authorized payments will continue to be withdrawn from customer accounts at the end of the month. If customers would like to make other arrangements, please email finance@weyburn.ca.

Weyburn Police Service

The Weyburn PS would like to remind everyone of the process for reporting potential violations of the Covid-19 Public Health restrictions.  The Public is being asked to report directly to the referral line at 1 (855) 559-5502.  This  line if for non-health inquiries.  If you have a health-related inquiry about yourself please contact 811 who will assist you with your concerns.  Any reports received by the Police, with the exception of select types of incidents (i.e. crowd size) are referred to Public Health for investigation and recommendation.  The police are only taking direct enforcement action in emergency cases or as directed by Public Health. 

 As a lot of concerns called into Police are related to Self-Isolation, please visit the Government Website which details what exactly Self-Isolation means.  If someone is out of their residence, this does not necessarily mean they are in violation of the Self-Isolation requirement.  At this time Self-Isolation is just that, it should not be confused with mandatory Quarantine.   Please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 for further information and for easy access to Public Health Orders.   

Online self-assessment

The City is also making available the Health Ministry’s tool to guide citizens on how to continue with daily life and whether they need to be tested for COVID-19. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-self-assessment

If anyone has symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and have traveled outside Canada or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, they should stay home and call HealthLine 811 https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/healthline.

We recommend these precautions to protect against all illnesses:
▪ Wash your hands with soap frequently
▪ Cover your cough or sneeze using the inside of your elbow
▪ Avoid touching your face
▪ Stay home if you feel sick

Weyburn Ministerial Association

The Weyburn Ministerial Association wants to provide their contact information with the community for anyone that may need someone to reach out to during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cam Weber
Ministerial President
(306) 842-3116

Tim MacKinnon
Calvary Baptist
(306) 897-0038

John Smith
Church of Christ
(306) 891-4123

Ed Fischer
Wheatland
306-842-5155 (home)
(306) 897-7120 (cell)

Victoria Mwamasika
Zion Lutheran
(306) 842-2222

Ken Easterbrook
Silver Heights
(306) 891-9195

Cherian Poonoose
The Lighthouse
(306) 897-8212

Mohandas Barnabas
Grace United
(306) 842-5131

Art Cook
Life Center
(639) 590-7737

Father Francis
St Vincent de Paul Catholic
(306) 842-2129

Brian Hopfe
Youth Center
(306) 861-5300

Larry Seeman
Foundation of Life
(306) 861-5594

Jody Pfeifer
Free Methodist
(306) 891-6899