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ABOVE: Kids have fun cooling off on a hot summer morning at the City of Martensville’s School’s Out for Summer Program. This program offers a variety of activities throughout the summer. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

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ADVERTISE ONLINE Did You Know That the Martensville Messenger Offers Online Advertising Options That Provides a Direct Link to Your Business Website or Social Media Page? Sign Up Today For as Low as $109/month? Contact us at advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca, or (306) 668-1093 for more information.

Page 2 - AUGUST 12, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Living with COVID-19

August and September Council Meeting Dates

While the public health order is lifted, COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics.

Please Note: With the commencement of Step 3, under the Provincial ‘Re-Opening Roadmap’ and ease of restrictions, upcoming Council Meetings are set to resume in person. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk.

There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available.

Regular Council Meeting- August 17th Regular Council Meeting- September 7th Committee of the Whole- September 14th Regular Council Meeting- September 21st

Dedicated vaccination clinics are beginning to wind down but opportunities for vaccinations are available through pharmacies and pop-up clinics.

The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM.

A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine.

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open - Masks are no longer mandatory, but wearing a mask remains a reasonable precaution and individual choice.

City Hall The full Council and CommitteeCity of of theMartensville Whole Schedule can be obtained at Hours of Operation: martensville.ca. Monday to Friday

Household Hazardous Waste Collection9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Excluding Statutory Holidays) August 14th

Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall.

Drop off your hazardous household waste on Saturday, August 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Martensville Sports Centre.

Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

A list of acceptable household hazardous materials is available in the ‘News’ section at Martensville.ca.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of August 6th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions. Aquatic Centre - Open for the Season, capacity restrictions lifted, pre-registration no longer required or available. City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Closed for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update

The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.

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Safe Fires for a Safe Summer

Please check with the Martensville Fire Department or the City of Martensville for updates around fire bans. During summer, Martensville residents may partake and enjoy more outdoor activities in their backyards and patios. Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, and Fireworks to ensure the safety of themselves and others in our community. Regulations include: - Fires must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge screen and be at least 3m form combustible materials (fences, buildings etc) - The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited - Outdoor fires must be supervised and should be extinguished when finished - Keep a garden hose, pails of water or a source to extinguish a fire nearby - No permit is required for private fireworks display but those fireworks must be set off in a manner that would not create danger or nuisance to neighbors - No person under the age of 18 shall set off fireworks - Ensure you have the civic address of your residence prominently displayed in the event of fire or emergency; this is to ensure responders can clearly identify your home For a complete list of regulations please visit martensville.ca or contact the Fire Department.

More Ways to Pay!

The City of Martensville is now accepting Ineterac e-Transfer as a payment option for your Property Taxes as well as utility bill, and licensing fees. E-Transfers can be providing using payments@martensville.ca , please reference your roll number or account number when making payment. The Deadline for 2021 was July 31st Questions about Taxation can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166.

Martensville Adopts New Official Community Plan

With the official endorsement by the Provincial Ministry of Government Relations, the City of Martensville’s new Official Community Plan (OCP) is now in effect. The new OCP replaces the previous version that was prepared in 2008. The Martensville OCP is a comprehensive policy framework that guides growth and development in the community including the physical characteristics, environmental standards as well as economic, social and cultural aspects of the community to realize a long-term vision for Martensville. “We are so pleased with the final OCP and we want to thank and acknowledge everyone that contributed their thoughts, ideas and vision for the continued growth of our community,” said Kent Muench, Mayor of Martensville. “We believe this plan provides a strong framework for how we would like to continue to grow over the next thirty years while continuing to improve upon the features that make Martensville such a special place to live.”

martensville messenger - AUGUST 12, 2021 - Page 3

The revision of the OCP was led by Wallace Insights, V3 Technologies and Trace Associates and included a review of our population, land uses, densities, housing characteristics and infrastructure capacities. The new OCP includes policies for Sector Plans and Concept plans and integrates those completed plans as well as the Sector Plan for the Martensville West Lands. A proposed draft plan and outline of changes and comments was provided to the public and stakeholders in March 2021, with the final plan formally presented to Council at the May 18th Council meeting. All final comments received were considered by Council prior to adopting the proposed plan into a bylaw and forwarding the plan to the province for final approval. The final approval of the plan by the province completes a process that began in Fall 2019 and included several stakeholder engagement sessions with local Council and civic administration, business owners, the development community and residents. The Official Community Plan can be found at Martensville.ca under Bylaws or the Planning for the Future.

City of Martensville Launches New Program Registration Software Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This week, the City of Martensville 2021 Fall Program Guide will be delivered to homes in the community in preparation for program registration to open on August 16th at 9:00am; however, things will look a little different this time when it comes to registering online. A new registration software called Perfect Mind will now be utilized, as the previous version used by the City of Martensville, and many other communities throughout Saskatchewan, is no longer available. Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Coordinator, explained that there are numerous new features and functions that will now be offered with the software. She also noted that following multiple test runs, they have found that the new system is user-friendly and more appealing to the eye than the previous version. This version will also include more advanced communication tools, with the added bonus of a calendar on your account that will show what activities you are currently registered for. Another new feature is the addition of available dates for facility rentals in the community; however, you will still be required to call to book a date and time. Previously, when registering for a program, if someone signed up before you were able to complete your transaction, you would lose your spot; however, the new software will hold your spot for five minutes while you complete your transaction.

ARTENSVILLE

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Take Part in Storybook Trail The Martensville Library invites the community to join them on the Wheatland Storybook Trail in Veterans Park, located out the west doors of the library. This event will run until Sunday, August 15, where anyone can go for a stroll through the area (weather permitting) and read the feature story; “Emma’s Gems” by Ann Renault. This is a story about Emma, her grandfather and the importance of helping people, animals and the environment. As an added bonus, the book was also illustrated by local artist Leanne Franson.

“We are really excited about the new features and think that people will really appreciate the new options,” Reddekopp said. All active membership holders are being moved over to the new system prior to August 16th. “We are in the process of updating all the information for anyone that has a membership – whether it be a one-month, a 10-pack, ABOVE: Visit Veterans Park in front of City Hall to take part 12-month, whatever the case may be. All those people in Storybook Trail until August 15. will be put into the new system and then receive an email with a username and password and will not need to set up their account. For anyone that does not have an active membership, they will need to go online and create an account.” There is currently a preview of Your City; Your Newspaper the site available at www.martensville.ca that can be accessed by scrolling down on the website and clicking on ‘Program Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Registrations’ or ‘Recreation Schedules’. Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca When creating an account, you are able to enter your entire family under one login, which will include birth dates to Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON. ensure that individuals are the correct ages for the programs they are registering for. “We are excited to launch this and Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey www.martensvillemessenger.ca excited about the opportunity that this will ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca provide for the residents of our community. Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit We do ask that you bear with us through jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca the initial launch of the program. We will To Contact Us About Advertising: do our best to help and assist everyone if advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Want to Share News?: they are having any issues,” Reddekopp news@martensvillemessenger.ca stated.

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Local Resident Creates Free Library to Share Love of Reading in Community Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Kim Emard has always loved books and has read voraciously from the moment she learned how. “I am always reading a book, or two. I believe that literacy is the most important skill we can learn, and fostering a love of reading is the best way to develop that skill,” Emard explained. This love of books and reading has led Emard to her newest project, which is to create a free library on Martensville’s south end. The ‘Little Free Library on Glenview Cove’ will be located at 809 Glenview Cove and, if all goes smoothly, will be available for the public to utilize by the end of this month. The new free library will be a “take a book, leave a book” exchange, with the idea that people can keep what they find, forever, for free. There are no late fees, or due dates. “People can also pay it forward by leaving books they no longer need in the library for others to find and enjoy,” Emard added. The idea came after seeing ‘Tammy’s Little Library’ on Ewles Place in Martensville. This was Emard’s first encounter with this concept and was instantly something she was interested in being a part of. “I grew up with low income with limited access to the library, especially when school was out in the summer, so the idea of books being available for free in the community just captured my little reader’s heart. It is such an incredible way to encourage literacy and a love of reading for all ages.”

Emard is looking forward to launching this project and is aiming towards having a diverse selection of books, which will include all genres and something for every age group. There are also plans to add themes seasonally around events and holidays such as Halloween and Christmas and including goodies from time to time such as bookmarks and book sleeves. As a kick-off, Emard will be creating a limited number of book sleeves

Recall on Frozen Mango Issued Following Hepatitis A Outbreak

ABOVE: Kim Emard has been enjoying working on the ‘Little Free Library on Glenview Cove”.

COVID Vaccination Record Now Available In New Format Saskatchewan residents who would like a record of their COVID-19 vaccinations now have access to a new one-page printable COVID Vaccination Record from their MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) account at eHealth Saskatchewan. The COVID Vaccination Record includes date and location of vaccination and brand of vaccine administered. The COVID Vaccination Record is also available on mobile and tablet devices. "While your complete immunization record has always been available on your MySaskHealthRecord account, this is a more user-friendly version that provides only your COVID Vaccination Record," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "While proof of vaccination is not required by the Government of Saskatchewan for events or venues, we know that there are some locations within Canada that are requesting that documentation." The COVID Vaccination Record contains the individual's name, date of birth, and the date, brand and location of the COVID vaccines they received. If an individual requires a Lot number (a unique number identifying the batch of vaccine received) and it is not on their vaccination record when printed, or there is missing or inaccurate information, call 1-844-767-8259 (press 1, then 3 for the menu options). Or, email MySaskHealthRecord@eHealthSask.ca. Residents who do not have a MSHR account can visit eHealth Saskatchewan to set one up. Please visit www. ehealthsask.ca/MySaskHealthRecord/MySaskHealthRecord/. Once an account is created, individuals will have access not only to their COVID Vaccination Record but to their complete immunization history, lab test results, including COVID-19 tests, and other health history. The information is private and secure. Saskatchewan is working with the federal government to develop an official proof of vaccination certificate. This will include a digital QR code to support proof of vaccination at border entry if travelling internationally. The Saskatchewan vaccine certificate is being released this fall and will adhere to federally established requirements. For more information on proof of vaccination visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-proof.

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(fabric book protectors you can slip your book into), that the first few visitors of the ‘Little Free Library on Glenview Cove’ can take with them as a thank you. “Through reading, we can also improve skills like speech, writing and vocabulary. I also believe that it is through stories that we learn the most about real life; what it means to be human and develop a sense of empathy that helps us make our world better.” For more information and updates, follow ‘Little Free Library on Glenview Cove’ on Facebook. You can also message Emard through the Facebook page to arrange for book donations, feedback and any questions or concerns.

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Following reported cases of Hepatitis A from frozen mango products, a recall has been issued. Although there have been no positive cases reported within Saskatchewan, there have been two cases in Quebec, and one in Nova Scotia. The recall has been issued due to a potential risk of contracting Hepatitis A from various frozen mango products, which are available for sale in Saskatchewan. The following products have been recalled in connection with this outbreak:

At least one of these products, President's Choice Mango Chunks, was distributed in Saskatchewan. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Remember that food contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may not look or smell spoiled. Anyone who has consumed one of the identified products within the past 14 days should contact their local Public Health Office: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/ residents/health/public-health/public-health-offices. Anyone showing symptoms of Hepatitis A infection should contact their doctor or call 811. Symptoms of Hepatitis A infection include: • Fever • Dark urine • Loss of Appetite • Tiredness • Nausea and Vomiting • Stomach Cramps or Abdominal pain • Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes For the latest updates on this Hepatitis A outbreak please contact the Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publichealth-notices/2021/outbreak-hepatitis-a-infectionsfrozen-mangoes.html.

Reminder to Pay Attention to the Road When Driving

Earlier this month, an officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP Combined Traffic Services Unit was patrolling in an unmarked car when they noticed an employee in a work zone motioning that a semi driver going past was talking on their phone. The officer pulled up beside the driver and confirmed that they had the phone up to their ear, so initiated a traffic stop. This was the drivers second distracted driving offence in a oneyear period, which resulted in a $1400 fine. Fines for distracted driving are as follows; 1st offence is a fine of $580 and four demerits;

2nd offence (within a year of being convicted of the first office) is a fine of $1400, four demerits and a immediate 7-day impound; 3rd offence (within a year of being convicted of the first offence) is a fine of $2100, four demerits and an immediate 7-day impound. Vehicle owners are responsible for both the towing and impound fees. In March, SGI reported that 592 tickets were issued to drivers holding or using their cell phones when driving, with an additional 93 tickets issued for driving without due care and attention. Additionally, the report stated that preliminary statistics from 2020 showed that driver distraction or inattention contributed to more than 3000 collisions for the year, which resulted in 600 injuries and 22 deaths.

martensville messenger - AUGUST 12, 2021 - Page 5

POLICE

BEAT

Charges Laid in Construction Zone Accident Charges have been laid following an investigation regarding a three-vehicle collision that took place at approximately 2pm on July 26, 2021 on Highway 16 near Maymont. RCMP stated that they received a call regarding a red car that was driving in the wrong direction through a construction zone at a high rate of speed and was weaving in and out of traffic, narrowly missing highway workers. According to the news release, the red car then struck a second red car, and sideswiped a third black car before entering the ditch and rolling. The second red car rolled into the ditch and was severely damaged. Warman RCMP announced that as a result of investigation, Rory Favel (DOB: 2000-05-29) from North Battleford has been charged with; operate a conveyance while ability to operate is impaired, operate a conveyance having a blood alcohol concentration exceeding eighty milligrams of alcohol, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, prohibited driving and breach of probation. Favel will appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Wednesday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m. According to an SGI news release, there were 101 collisions in construction zones around Saskatchewan in 2020, which resulted in 35 injuries and one death. Fines for speeding through construction zones are significantly more expensive than a regular speeding ticket; it will cost you more than $1,000 if you’re caught going 100km/h in a 60 zone. Don’t risk it - law enforcement and cameras will be present to ensure everyone travelling through slows down.

ABOVE: Workers on a Highway 16 construction site were able to get a video of a red car driving dangerously before causing a three-vehicle collision and rolling in the ditch.

Wide Variety of Tickets Issued Over Long Weekend Over the August long weekend, Saskatchewan RCMP Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) Motorcycle Officers were out in the Saskatoon and Prince Albert areas doing concentrated enforcement. During this time, a total of 268 charges were laid, which included 46 tickets for cell phone use, 36 tickets for speeding past emergency vehicles with their lights enabled/speeding through construction zones, 40 seatbelt tickets and 111 speeding tickets, among others. Of those 111 speeding tickets, one driver was going 50km/hr faster than the

posted speed limit and 11 drivers were going 35km/hr faster than the posted speed limit. A total of three drivers were charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and one of those drivers, who was operating a motorcycle, received a 72-hour suspension as they were also driving 152km/hr in a 100km/hr zone. The motorcycle was impounded as a result. Additionally, CTTS officers were conducting boat patrols on Wakaw Lake and Lake Diefenbaker, and issued a total of 19 open alcohol tickets to boaters over two days.

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New COVID Cases, Hospitalizations And Deaths In Saskatchewan Are Overwhelmingly Unvaccinated People Gov’t Needs Tools to Fight COVID-19

Saskatchewan still needs proper tools to avoid the spread of the new COVID-19 variants among those who do contact the virus. This makes recent suggests from the Saskatchewan Party that it might be less forceful in its self-isolation laws rather puzzling. At the time of the July re-opening, it appeared the provincial government had removed the self-isolation orders. Since then, the kindest thing one can say is that the government has been muddled in both its messaging and its approach to self-isolation laws. “How long does government have to keep enforcing this when the individual has responsibility to make that decision and make an informed decision on what they need to do,” Health Minister Paul Merriman recently asked during an interview on CBC radio. Later, the government sent out an e-mail saying the law is still in effect — unlike in Alberta where the law will be removed this month. That province will rely on some sort of honour system, but there still seems to question here in Saskatchewan how and who will enforce stay-at-home orders — largely because the language has changed to sound slightly less forceful. How long do we have to make it known we are still enforcing the law? One could ask how long we must have laws enforcing .08 blood alcohol content for impaired drivers when we all should know we shouldn’t drink and drive. One gets the frustration of Merriman and his government, who have clearly tried to be compromising and reasonable. COVID-19 may linger around for months or maybe for years. At some point, we would have had to loosen restrictions like social-distancing, masking requirement and mass gatherings that were removed July 11. Some people argue this was far too soon, although it should be noted these are often the same people who also argue we needed stricter restrictions. The number of active cases has nearly doubled since the July 11 re-opening, although it should be noted we have had only five more deaths since re-opening. That’s less deaths than in a similar period prior to the July 11 re-opening, which speaks to the success of getting older people vaccinated, but while restrictions for those who may not have COVID-19 are one thing, ensuring that those who do have COVID-19 aren’t spreading it to others is completely another thing. Again, this is why we have blood alcohol content restrictions or seat-belt laws. Of course, they don’t stop everyone who chooses to drink and drive. But the very existence of a law helps make it socially unacceptable. The very threat of large fines or jail makes it easier for people to tell their friends to stay home and not get behind the wheel. So why remove this tool at this point? Why remove isolation standards when since the July 11 re-opening we still have problems with outbreaks because of unvaccinated people? Shouldn’t the government have at its disposal whatever tools it needs to stop the spread? Right now, less than one-third of people in the north have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — a rate that is half that of the rest of the province. Fortunately, southern cities and most rural areas have seen few COVID-19 cases since re-opening; however, COVID-19 cases in Northern Canada are now occurring at a rate 33 times higher than the Canadian rate — 391 active cases per 100,000 (during a seven day period) in northern Saskatchewan compared with 12 cases per 100,000 in Canada. In Saskatchewan the overall rate is now 28 cases per 100,000 in Saskatchewan. With major outbreaks on the Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation, Buffalo River Dene Nation and Black Lake Denesuline First Nation, lockdowns have been needed. These lockdowns were actually requested by responsible community leaders. So given this reality, don’t we still have to have effective self-isolations laws?

With the number of COVID-19 cases rising again in Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Health is reporting that those new cases and serious outcomes from those cases are overwhelmingly among unvaccinated people. More than 90 per cent of all new cases and hospitalizations in Saskatchewan in July were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people. Ninetyfive per cent of ICU admissions were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and 100 per cent of deaths were unvaccinated. The Ministry of Health has updated the COVID-19 vaccination and breakthrough information for July 1-31, 2021. Highlights include: Of the 1,220 cases reported, 921 (75.5 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. One hundred and eightyfour cases (15.1 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while just 115 cases (9.4 per cent) were fully vaccinated. Of the 83 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, 66 (79.5 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Ten cases (12.0 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while just seven cases (8.4 per cent) were fully vaccinated. Of the 20 individuals admitted to ICU, 17 (85 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Two cases (10 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while just one case (five per cent) was fully vaccinated. Of the four deaths reported among people who tested positive in July, all four were unvaccinated or within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. There were no deaths in individuals who were more than 21 days post first dose or fully vaccinated. All vaccination and breakthrough data reports are available in the COVID-19 vaccination information at www.Saskatchewan.ca. July's case numbers also indicate that about a third of Saskatchewan's cases were 19 years of age or under, and about 20 per cent were under 12 which is an age group that cannot be vaccinated at this time. However, no one 19 years of age or under required ICU care or died due to COVID-19 during this period.

At this point in time, there are no COVID-19 vaccines approved for children under 12. All residents 12+ are encouraged to be fully vaccinated to afford these groups the best circle of protection possible. Children can contract, transmit and become ill with COVID-19 though the risk for serious health outcomes is lower than older populations. If you are fully vaccinated, all activities with children will be considered lower risk. Transmissible diseases like COVID-19 are opportunistic: they will spread to and among under- and unvaccinated populations. It's critical that all eligible Saskatchewan residents get vaccinated. Daily provincial COVID-19 statistics by age, date and geographic zones including active cases, recoveries and vaccination rates can be found on the dashboard at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases. Stick it to COVID - Get Your Vaccination All Saskatchewan residents 12 years and older are eligible for vaccination with second doses administered following a 28-day interval. A map of participating pharmacies across the province is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19pharmacies. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is holding pop-up and walk-in vaccination clinics throughout the province, targeting under- and unvaccinated communities. Details on clinic locations and times is listed on the SHA website. Please note clinics are subject to change based on demand, weather, etc. Any changes to clinic hours and location will be updated online. Living With COVID-19 For guidance on Living with COVID-19, including the requirements for self-isolation if you have a positive COVID-19 test, expectations around masking, information for businesses and workplaces and the visitation requirements for acute care as well as long term care and personal care homes, go to https:// www.saskatchewan.ca/living-with-covid. General COVID-19 Information General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

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Letter to the Editor

The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

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SaskWell & 211 Saskatchewan Teaming Up to Help with Re-opening Anxiety

This July, the Government of Saskatchewan opened up the province, removing the majority of COVID-19 guidelines, including making masks optional and allowing businesses to operate at maximum capacity. Although to some people this is news that they have been waiting over 18 months to hear, others are skeptical about the “return to normal.” Due to the current number of COVID-19 cases, the news of the Delta Variant in the south, or just the shock factor of going over a year with social distancing to virtually back to normal overnight, many residents are experiencing discomfort with this sudden change of lifestyle. In an effort to help residents of Saskatchewan deal with the stress, anxiety and uncertainty that some may experience with the reopening of the province, SaskWell and 211 Saskatchewan are combining their resources in order to offer residents a holistic approach to conquering mental health issues they may face, no matter the degree of intensity. SaskWell is a free two-way texting wellness service which was developed with the intent to support residents of Saskatchewan during and beyond COVID-19, by providing them with mental health and wellness resources. Although the service was originally designed to offer general mental health and wellness support; SaskWell has added social anxiety tips to help residents through this latest transition. Users can sign up by texting JOIN to 759355, calling 1-855237-5934 or signing up online at besaskwell. memotext.com. 211 Saskatchewan is a free and confidential service, accessible through online (sk.211.ca), phoning 2-11 or texting 211, which links people

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