The Town of Gravelbourg declared a state of local emergency in response to COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday.

Part of the decision was based on the presentations that Dr. Pillay, Dr. Ramlakhan, Dr. Kamel and the CAO of St. Joseph’s Hospital /Foyer D’ Youville, Désirée Brisebois made to the town Council after a request for a special meeting.

The local doctors outlined their concerns for the small town and strongly suggested serious measures be put in place to help slow the spread of the virus and save lives.

The town will be having daily meetings with the medical and EMO teams and promise to update the whole community on a regular basis. In the meantime,

1. Stay at home.

2. Work from home if possible.

3. Constant Hand hygiene

4. Social distancing

5. Do business virtually by using mediums like the telephone / Skype/ FaceTime or video link.

The statement noted: "This is what we as physicians are trying to do right now by offering those services telephonically and this, in turn, limits the need for people to travel and sit in our medical offices in the presence of other sick patients.It is also reducing our exposure and our staff’s exposure to multiple sick patients in our waiting room.”

The local doctors have implemented a virtual clinic at the hospital where residents can contact the doctors directly with questions or concerns to receive help and guidance.

In addition to this, the local doctors are volunteering to do the initial assessments/tests to help elevate the strain of the 811 health line and to avoid trips to Moose Jaw Hospital where currently, COVID -19 test centres are located for the area residents.

Later yesterday afternoon and after the town’s announcement of the local state of emergency, the medical team posted the first live Facebook feed updating people and answering questions directly.

Over 350 residents watched live and then over 770 shares in a town of 1,100. The next live announcement is scheduled for tonight at 7:15 p.m.

The Town of Gravelbourg released the following directions for its residents under the state of local emergency declaration:

All businesses mandated to close by the Government of Saskatchewan will remain closed in the Town of Gravelbourg.

All businesses are closed to the public for fourteen (14) days. This will be monitored for changes daily.

Businesses can operate through phone orders and use a drop off method or have the customer stay in their vehicle and staff will load.No more than 5 staff members in anyone building at any one time.

The Gravelbourg Co-op Grocery store will be implementing a specific plan regarding how their operations will be able to comply with this measure- please watch for updates by following our website and Facebook page. d. Gas stations will be open for gas service only.

Council is encouraging residents to curtail travel in and out of the community unless absolutely essential.

All residents are charged with the duty to report to the Town office @ 306 648 3301, any persons returning from international travel and not self- isolating. This information will be forwarded to the RCMP.

All parents are charged with the duty to isolate their children from ALL social gatherings. These measures do not restrict you from walking around town- keep your distance from others

Citizens are encouraged to monitor the town’s web page and Facebook page for up to date information.

Trena Fox, an active local community member organized a volunteer group to assist anyone in the community who requires help with delivers of food, medication, walking dogs, getting mail and anything in between.

Gravelbourg already has its own transportation system that will drive seniors to medical appoints to the city.