‘COVID-like symptoms’ displayed in Saskatoon vulnerable population, provincial help needed: Mayor

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark is calling on the provincial government to help the vulnerable sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a news conference Wednesday, Clark requested the set up of a testing site in Saskatoon specifically for the homeless, members of urban First Nations and other citizens considered to be vulnerable.

He noted front-line agencies have reported multiple people showing up to community service hubs with “COVID-like symptoms.”

Clark said he couldn’t comment on if those that displayed the symptoms of COVID-19 in the vulnerable sector had tested positive for the disease. He said he was told that they were referred to the 811 HealthLine to get an assessment.

“Right now, there is not a clear testing mechanism, and there’s no clear processes for how to ensure they can be provided with a safe place to shelter, and the right services in place to keep them off the streets or from overwhelming the health system,” he said.

The mayor also publicly shared a letter he sent to Premier Scott Moe on Monday, detailing four key asks to the province to ensure the safety of the vulnerable sector.

He added the city has been in touch with the Ministry of Social Services and minister Paul Merriman on the topic.

Clark’s requests include providing more support to urban First Nations, block funding for Saskatchewan shelter services, the implementation of hotel-based shelter and clearer reporting mechanisms with Social Services.

The mayor urged the province to act quickly, citing the recent reports of symptoms in the vulnerable community. He said action needs to be taken in a “matter of hours, not days,”

Clark added the solution needs a coordinated approach that also includes the provincial health ministry.

Here is the letter Mayor @charlieclarkyxe sent to @PremierScottMoe Monday: #yxe #yxecc pic.twitter.com/OWpgR6PGyC

— brady lang (@BradyLangSK) April 1, 2020

Saskatoon’s Emergency Management Organization Director Pamela Goulden-McLeod said the current mechanisms in place for reporting COVID-like symptoms aren’t favourable for the vulnerable population.

“The expectation that somebody who has COVID-like symptoms in this population can follow the processes as laid out for the rest of the community is not realistic, and is not workable,” she said.

She added the staff working at the emergency shelters are put at risk in situations where someone comes in with symptoms.

And because those in the vulnerable sector cannot quarantine, it puts everyone around them at risk as well.

Goulden-McLeod and Clark were two of 10 community leaders who signed the letter to Moe and the provincial government.

Clark made sure to point out he isn’t looking for any money to go directly to the City of Saskatoon, but instead is asking for those agencies dealing with the vulnerable sector to receive funds.

On Tuesday, Clark said he was “not comforted” by the province’s one-time commitment to the agencies in the vulnerable sector through Saskatchewan’s Social Services Pandemic Response.

It totalled $171,000 to be split over 10 Saskatchewan homeless shelters, and three in Saskatoon: YWCA Saskatoon, Lighthouse Supported Living and the Salvation Army.

“The response right now that we’ve seen from the provincial government, it pales in comparison to even just Alberta as an indication of what we’re risking by not having the right resources in place,” Clark said.

“We need to see this response around the vulnerable population to become a top priority.”