The COVID-19 situation is evolving by the hour, and with new restrictions being introduced by the federal and provincial governments almost every day, it's easy to be get confused.

What many don't know is that the Government of Saskatchewan has made resources available to allow family doctors to treat patients by phone, Skype, face time, or other methods of video chatting. This includes all of the regular items such as prescription refills, check ups, health advice, etc. 

A local Family Physician Dr. Brandon Thorpe is the Head of the Department for Family Practice in Southwest Saskatchewan, he wants to reassure the public.

"Basically the message I'm trying to get out is we know that this is a trying time with this pandemic, we just want to reassure the public that we are definitely planning for the next phases of the pandemic and how it's going to look for basic family practice and primary care."

With 811 being overwhelmed with incoming calls, Dr.Thorpe adds that it's important to call your doctor first.

"You don't need to call 811 first, you can call your family doctor first. We can answer your questions about COVID-19 as well as we are updated daily with information."

Dr. Thorpe added that it is extremely important not to show up at your doctors office, but to call and make an appointment for over the phone consultation or video chat. Only if the issue is serious enough will you be asked to go in to the office. Dr. Thorpe continued to say that "peoples health doesn't just stop because of COVID-19" and a lot of the regular issues can be dealt with over the phone.