October 28, 2021

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Your City; Your Newspaper October 28, 2021

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VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 41

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The City of Martensville hosted multiple Culture Days events including Wanuskewin programming on Sunday, October 24th. See more on page 4.

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Recreation Program Update - Halloween at the MAP Halloween at the MAP Come out October 29th from 6:00pm-8:00pm for an evening of spooky fun at the MAP. Dress up and enjoy some Halloween themed games, laser tag, crafts and activities. Get your tickets at the MAP $5/person or $15/family (max of 5 people), for more information email jmcculloch@martensville.ca.

Please note only family tickets can be purchased online. If you would like to purchase a single ticket, please call us at 306-683-5576 or stop into the MAP!

November Council Meeting Dates

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.

Regular Council Meeting -November 2nd Committee of the Whole Meeting- November 9th Regular Council Meeting-November 16th 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. 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. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

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.

Maddogs Organization Issues Notice to Community Regarding Vandalism

The Maddogs organization in Martensville recently shared information that they have been dealing with incidents of vandalism and damage at the Maddogs Field, as well as with their property.

There is video surveillance on site and they have learned that the damage is being caused by local youth coming from schools over their lunch hour.

The RCMP has been contacted and are working with the Maddogs organization regarding these incidents.

“Our program was developed to help our youth and we do not want to see the youth being charged and prefer to make it a learning experience for them and their friends.

It would be in the best interests to come forward and help repair the damages,” the organization stated.

“We are an organization ran solely by volunteers trying to provide a program to our community’s youth and each time this occurs, it takes away time and money from us that could be spent providing a better program and equipment for our youth. If you have information, we encourage you to let us know or the RCMP.”

Proof of Vaccination As of October 1st, Living with COVID-19 Effective October 1, 2021, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test was implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues that bring groups of people together, including: Indoor dining at restaurants; Nightclubs, bars, taverns and other licensed establishments; Event and entertainment venues, including conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, live-music venues, museums, and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events; Indoor fitness centres and gyms.

More detail can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 under Public Health Orders 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.

Watch for vaccination clinics and opportunities for vaccinations through pharmacies and popup clinics.

A list of upcoming clinics saskatchewanhealthauthority.ca

throughout

the

province

is

available

at

www.

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

City Hall is Open - Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

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.

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.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of October 15th Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

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 - Closed for the season City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Open 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.

martensville messenger - OCTOBER 28, 2021 - Page 3

Traffic Stop Leads to Numerous Charges

On October 18, Corman Park Police Service performed a traffic stop on a vehicle travelling near the Highway 12 Industrial Park for hauling an insecure load. This stop led to the driver being arrested for an outstanding warrant for possession of stolen property.

During the stop, members also found that the VIN numbers on the two vehicles and the trailer had been removed or defaced. The driver was transported to the Martensville RCMP detachment for processing and was held for court the next morning.

The driver is facing three charges of possession of stolen property, possession of break-in tools, and six traffic related offenses, which include driving while disqualified, operating an unregistered vehicle and hauling an unsecure load.

Driver Faces Impaired Driving Charges Following Traffic Stop

ABOVE: Following a traffic stop, the driver of this vehicle was charged with numerous offences.

COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kits Available to General Public Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

COVID-19 rapid test kits are now available within Saskatchewan free of charge beginning the week of October 18th. The province received 2.6 million of the rapid antigen test kits, with 1.3 million of those to be distributed to the general public. These tests are to help support asymptomatic surveillance for COVID.

More than 360,000 tests were to be provided to First Nations communities throughout the province. Another 720,000 tests will be distributed to schools, along with the remainder of the supply being allocated to Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Test to Protect Program, which includes congregate living facilities such as long-term care, personal care homes, correctional facilities, shelters, group homes, etc. Additionally, tests will be provided to healthcare workers and businesses that are registered with the SHA for a workplace surveillance program.

Each kit includes five tests and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. These tests

are to be used on individuals that are not experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms. For those that are experiencing symptoms, or if one of the rapid antigen tests shows positive, visit a SHA testing site, or call HealthLine 811 to arrange for a test.

These tests will not be accepted for the negative test requirement at locations currently listed under the current mandate within the province such as restaurants, event venues, movie theatres, gyms, etc. Those tests instead must be purchased from an approved provider, which can be found by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/ covid-19.

In Martensville, tests are available to be picked up at the Martensville Fire Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3pm-5pm. The Canalta Hotel in Martensville also has tests available, which can be picked up 7 days a week after 10am. No ID is required to pick up tests; however, please be sure to wear a mask at both locations. Kits will be available while supply lasts.

In the early morning of October 25, Corman Park Police Service conducted a traffic stop on a truck travelling on a gravel road east of Warman.

ABOVE: Following a traffic Upon stopping the stop near Warman, the driver of vehicle, the CPPS this vehicle was charged with impaired driving. member had the driver use an approved screening device to provide a sample of breath. The sample breath was a fail, and the driver was then transported to the Martensville RCMP detachment where two more samples of breath were taken. Both results were 80mg% and the driver was charged with impaired operation of a conveyance and exceeding 80mg%, giving the samples were at, or over the 80mg% limit. The driver was released with a future court date.

Saskatoon Police Issue Warning Regarding Drinks Being Tampered With

Saskatoon Police Service issued a warning last week following reports of drinks being tampered with at establishments in the area. They are now asking people to be mindful of their surroundings.

SPS released a public service announcement via social media noting that they had responded to three separate occurrences where individuals believed their drinks had been tampered with. Following these reports, they reminded those participating in Saskatoon’s nightlife to look out for one another and be aware of who and what is happening around them.

If you believe that you are experienced effects from a drink that has been tampered with, or witness someone who you believe may be, police ask that you notify a trusted friend, staff member of the establishment, or call 911 immediately.

There was no further information released regarding the reported incidents.

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Martensville Celebrates Culture Days Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville wrapped up their monthlong Culture Days programming on Sunday, October 24th by hosting a two-hour presentation where those in attendance could learn about the rich history of our land from interpreters from Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

The event, which ran from 2pm to 4pm at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion included a lesson on traditional hoop-dancing by Lawrence Roy Jr., who has ABOVE: Lawrence Roy been dancing for most of his life. Those participating also Jr. gave a presentation on learned how to make some of the animals out of the hoops, hoop-dancing at Sunday’s and were taught what each animal represented and its Culture Days event. significance to the world. Those in attendance also had a chance to take in a tipi making craft, traditional games and more. The day was all about learning more about Saskatchewan’s history.

The City of Martensville began offering Culture Days programming approximately six years ago; however, Culture Days has been a national celebration for many years. This year, programming included a variety of events, which included Salsa dancing, a Pierogi making workshop, wood/soap carving and to wrap things up, the Wanuskewin event. All of the programming was free to the public.

For Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Program Coordinator, Culture Days is an important way to celebrate arts and culture. “I think culture days is a great month of festivities that everyone should take part in. It is Canada wide, and all the events are free. The more people know about other cultures, teachings and heritages, the more likely we will be able to understand and accept others. Everyone has a culture, and it should be celebrated,” McCulloch said.

Overall, McCulloch stated that this year was a success, and there are already ideas in motion for next years Culture Days.

Kinette Club Excited to Organize Second Annual Adopt A Family Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

For the second year in a row, the Martensville and District Kinette Club is helping families who are currently struggling financially to try and make their Christmas a bit brighter.

The club will be doing another Adopt-a-Family at Christmas time and this year they are going to try and adopt as many families as they can. Adopted families can be from Martensville, Warman, Osler, Hague, Rosthern, Waldheim or Dalmeny.

They are asking for nominations of families that would benefit from their help, which could include supplying a Christmas supper, providing presents for the children, etc.

The nomination form can be found on the Martensville and District Kinette’s Club Facebook page by clicking on the Adopt a Family 2021 link. The deadline to nominate is December 10, 2021.

“If you are able to donate, we are taking donations of money or gift cards. If you donate $50 or more, we will issue a donation receipt. If anyone is wanting to e-transfer, they can send it to martensvillekinettes@gmail.com and put in the comments ADOPT-A-FAMILY,” said Vice President Tracy Shaw.

Last year the local Kinette Club had a goal of helping two families; however thanks to the support of local individuals and businesses, they were able to help seven families by donating food, hygiene items, toys, gift cards and more. The seven families had a total of 18 children between them.

This year, the Kinettes hope to be able to provide support to even more local families.

BELOW: A wide variety of items were provided to seven local families last year thanks to the Martensville & District Kinette Club.

ABOVE: Those in attendance on Sunday learned how to do traditional hoop-dancing.

Notice Bylaw #12 & 13-2021 Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan No. 2-2020 and Zoning Bylaw No. 1-2015, by: 1.

Amending the Future Land Use Map of the Official Community Plan by designating part of Parcel R, Plan 102202984 from “Residential” to “Arterial Commercial” as shown on the map below in Figure 1.

2.

Replace Appendix B-Lake Vista Approved Conceptual Land Use Plan to conform with OCP and Zoning Bylaw.

3.

The Zoning District map of the Zoning Bylaw by rezoning a portion of Parcel R, from “R3 Residential” to “C2A Commercial” as shown in the map in Figure 2.

Martensville and District Kinettes 2nd Annual Santa Tour in Martensville

LOOKING FOR YOUR BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP All funds from this sponsorship goes to Telemiracle Gold – $500 – Only 2 spots available Silver - $100 –

Only 10 spots available

Your business will also be advertised on our Facebook page Figure 1

Figure 2

REASON: To permit commercial development on a portion of Parcel R. EXAMINATION OF BYLAW: This bylaw may be examined by interested persons at City Hall on any judicial day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Copies of the Bylaw and Notice are available at a cost of $1.00.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on November 16th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers via Zoom (link to be contained on the Council Agenda) to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall prior to November 10th, 2021.

Dated at Martensville this 25th day of October, A.D. 2021.

Bonnie Gorelitza Planning Manager

If you are interested in participating with a sponsorship in our event, please contact us immediately at 306-221-1071 to book your spot.

This year's tour will take place on December 11th and 12th

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SPORTS

Keep the Community up-to-date on martensville your team scores, events, photos and tournaments. Submit material to jhayward@sasktel.net or drop it off at the Martensville Messenger Office at Bay #7 - 301 Centennial Drive North to be included in our Janine Hayward weekly sports report.

Martensville Messenger

Martensville Royals Prepare for Provincial Quarter Final Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

messenger - OCTOBER 28, 2021 - Page 5 BELOW: The Royals played their last regular season game on October 15th and following a bye week, are now heading into the provincial quarter final against Lumsden on Saturday, October 30 at 1pm.

(Photos by Chelsea Sander)

The Martensville High School Royals Football team is currently undefeated as they prepare for the Provincial Quarter Final against Lumsden this weekend. This season was formatted slightly differently from past years due to one team dropping out, which in turn changed the regular season from six games to four games and two bye weeks.

According to Coach Tyler Munday, the team’s biggest challenge of this season was the struggle to stay healthy. “We have been hit by the injury and sickness bugs this year. Thank goodness it was nothing too serious, but we are a smaller team in size and numbers, so we have a few players playing both ways which leads to a lot of nicks and dings that add up as the season progresses. The bye weeks have helped us recover from some of those injuries and illnesses.”

Although there have been some struggles, there have also been some incredible highlights from this season, which includes their undefeated run of 4-0, setting themselves up for a home field advantage in the playoffs.

Some of the personal highlights from the year include a phenomenal 109-yard touchdown run from Brody Nelson, at least one interception per week on the defensive side and multiple turnovers in the past two games. “We have been really fortunate to be able to get the younger and more inexperienced players into games, which has been great as well,” Munday said.

With only a few days left until the provincial quarter final, the team is feeling confident in themselves and getting healthier each day. This past week was another bye week for the team, which Munday noted provided some additional opportunity to heal some of the injuries.

“We are playing a team that we haven’t played before so there are some nerves about that, but we as a coaching staff and team have watched the film on them and we are doing all we can to prepare ourselves,” said Munday.

This weekend’s game will take place on Saturday, October 30 at 1pm at Wilson Field. If the Royals win, they will travel to either Melville or Melfort for the provincial semi-final and if they win that game, they will host the provincial final in Martensville on November 13th. “We’d like to continue to get better each game and for the most part we’ve done that this season. We are excited and looking to continue playing football as far into November as we can.”

“We would like to thank all of the fans and parents that have come out to support us this season. We have had some great crowds and hope they grow as we head into the playoffs. As coaches, we are very proud of the efforts and dedication of the players this season. They have worked incredibly hard, and we can’t think of a better way to end this season than with a provincial title,” Munday added.

Martensville High School (MHS) Senior Boys Soccer Team Earns Spot in Provincials Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The MHS Senior Boys have had an outstanding soccer season. Their returning players came back excited and determined after missing out on a whole season last year due to Covid.

During the regular season, they played three games in a 7v7 league and were undefeated in these games. They played John Paul ll twice in North Battleford where they both came out with a win, then once at home where Martensville defeated them 4 – 2.

The team headed to North Battleford this past weekend for Regionals where they played their first game against Humboldt. The opponents came out ahead 2 – 0 in the first half but the boys battled back to tie it up by half time and won with 4 consecutive goals. They played JPII again in the final and lost 2-1, although it was a close and intense game. With a clear goal in mind to make Provincials at the beginning of the season, they were delighted to have earned that opportunity after their performance at Regionals. They will be leaving for Provincials in Yorkton on Friday morning with their first game starting at 2pm against Moose Jaw.

When I asked Head Coach Kate McKinnon who were some of the players that stood out this year, she said that their team is full of standout players, so it is difficult

to shine a spotlight on specific players. “We have two outstanding captains; Alex Garchinski and Om Patel. Both boys have been extremely dedicated to the soccer team throughout their high school career and have had unbelievable growth and development as players. They have truly led the team this year, helping with practices, keeping the boys motivated and leading our offense. They are incredible captains and players.”

She stated that their goalkeeper Jakson Dean is another standout player who has had an amazing season. He has stopped several penalty kicks, a very difficult feat, including 3 out of 5 in one shoot out. The boys are extremely confident having Jakson in net.

On their starting defensive line they have four grade 11's: Kayden Berge, Mason Lewis, Rylan Smith and Lukas Gurski. “These four boys have led our defensive efforts this year and have saved the team time and time again. They are an extremely strong line,” said McKinnon.

“We have many more strong players who deserve recognition and in general, every player has something to be proud of. They are a close-knit group and have had a great time together this season.”

Photo submitted

ABOVE: Top Row: L-R - Austin Johnson (Assistant Coach) Mason Lewis, Aiden Cox, Lukas Gurski, Alex Garchinski, Wyatt Strueby, Rylan Smith, Jakson Dean, Keyden O’Neill, Aidan Jungman, Kate McKinnon (Coach) Bottom row: Jay Patel, Isaac Mazza, Ethan Cox, Om Patel, Zach Doell, Kayden Berge, Ethan Siller, Jake Daschner

Page 6 - OCTOBER 28, 2021 - martensville messenger

martensville messenger - OCTOBER 28, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature COVID-19 Update

Moe Faces the Crisis He Wasn’t Expecting

While we all want COVID-19 to be over, it’s likely safe to say no one in Saskatchewan wants it to be over more than Premier Scott Moe and, like virtually all of us, he did think it would be over now.

Moe clearly didn’t think he would now still be dealing with the deep impact of a global pandemic a year ago this week when daily case counts were in the low double digits and his Saskatchewan Party had just been given an overwhelming mandate for a fourth-term majority government.

He didn’t anticipate still dealing with COVID-19 nine months after the province had just come out of what was thought to be the historical peak of daily case counts in the third wave. New miracle vaccines would soon rid of this plague, he and most everyone else thought and he surely didn’t think we would be here three months ago when close to 70 per cent of the eligible 12-yearsand-older population received at least a first dose and the decision was made to end all masking and gathering restrictions for the summer.

At that time, it did seem as if we were on the road to recovery - both with COVID-19 and the economy.

At that time, there were about 25,000 more jobs in Saskatchewan than a year earlier in 2020. The gradual removal of capacity restrictions in bars and restaurants looked like it was paying off and Moe bluntly made it known his government no longer had any interest in the restriction business.

“After 485 days of government telling you how to live your life, those restrictions are coming to and end,” Moe said, equating the restrictions lifted on July 11th to wartime measures.

And the numbers three months ago did look good. The first week after the July 11th re-opening saw just 197 COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan - half the cases we now get in a single day.

Certainly, there were medical professionals warning him that 70-per-cent, first-dose would not be nearly enough to ward off the coming Delta variant in the fourth wave and, certainly, Moe was encouraging people to get vaccinated, even suggesting that a simple prick in the arm was hardly the equivalent of storming the beaches at Normandy.

With a coming federal election and the seeming interest in Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada that shunned required vaccine passports or any other added restrictions, staunch conservatives like Moe really had no interest in going any further with restrictions than they already had.

In short, while Moe encouraged vaccination, he had no interest in vaccine passport requirements that have since resulted in the vaccine-hesitant getting vaccinated.

“We almost certainly don’t have the ability then to demand proof of vaccination for whether or not they attend any large event here in the province,” Moe said in early July in response to why he wasn’t asking for vaccine passports at large gatherings like Roughrider games like the Manitoba government was for Winnipeg Blue Bomber games.

Unfortunately for Moe and all of us, warnings came fruition. We haven’t been below 197 cases in a single day since mid-August and while there were only 53 people in hospital (the lowest total since Dec. 1) today, there are now around 350 people in Saskatchewan hospitals with COVID-19 and 84 in ICUs - so many that the government last week had to start shipping them outof-province because we can no longer properly care for our sickest people.

Harping on bad COVID-19 numbers does sound like a broken record. My apologies, but the reality is we are in a health care crisis right now because we didn’t prepare for the reality that the numbers would rise after the July 11th reopening. Hoping this would all be over hasn’t been enough.

Thank you to the people of Saskatchewan who have responded to the call to get vaccinated. Over 1.6 million doses of the vaccine have now been administered with nearly 85 per cent of those 12 years of age or older receiving their first dose.

Getting vaccinated makes a difference when it comes to the pressures within our health care facilities. 70-80 per cent of the current hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated. The vaccine can not only help to prevent hospitalization but can also prevent long-term health conditions.

Further COVID-19 Public Health Measures came into play recently as more businesses were added to the list of places where Proof of Vaccination or a negative test, will be needed before entering.

• Seated dining in all restaurants including fast-food restaurants • Liquor manufacturers conducting retail liquor sales • Liquor stores with an integrated permit that also hold a liquor restaurant or tavern permit

Effective October 25, 2021, Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccination booster program will be expanded to individuals aged 65 and older, individuals living in the far north, those in First Nations communities aged 50 years and older, health care workers and individuals born in 2009 or earlier with underlying health conditions who are extremely vulnerable. This is in addition to those who were already eligible such as residents 80 years of age and older.

With the delivery of 2.6 million rapid antigen test kits, the Saskatchewan Health Authority started to expand delivery to the general public. Routine, voluntary testing at home will help prevent asymptomatic transmission to those who are not able to be vaccinated. Self-tests are distributed for surveillance and will not be accepted for the negative test requirement.

In addition to the numerous COVID-19 vaccine clinics, flu clinics are also underway in the province. A new website called 4flu.ca is now live and will allow residents to book online as well as scheduling the COVID-19 shot at the same time.

Record Number of People Enjoying Saskatchewan Parks

Saskatchewan residents helped to set some new records for our Provincial Parks in 2021. With more people exploring close to home, over one million people entered our parks in the last year, breaking the previous record from 2020. That also helped to break a 2016 record for the number of camping nights spent in the park, with more than 400,000 nights reserved.

And don’t toss out those Provincial Park passes just yet. They are valid until the end of April 2022 and will allow you to enjoy our beautiful landscape during the winter. There will be Christmas tree-cutting programs in Cypress Hills, Pike Lake and Candle Lake are preparing for a Festival of Lights tour and Echo Valley has an ice skating park.

Plus, there are all of the traditional outings to be enjoyed such as tobogganing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments Available To Eligible Covid-Positive Patients

Starting October 25, monoclonal antibodies will be available to treat clinically appropriate patients who have contracted COVID-19, with the intent of preventing unvaccinated or severely immunosuppressed residents who have contracted COVID-19 from requiring hospitalization.

Monoclonal antibodies may be used in early treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 illness in unvaccinated patients who are deemed at-risk for progression to severe illness that would require hospitalization. This treatment uses laboratory-made antibodies (proteins) and is intended to give those with no prior antibodies to COVID-19 an initial immune response that may prevent serious illness. It may also be helpful in preventing severe COVID-19 illness in people with weakened immune systems who may not generate a robust response to the COVID-19 vaccines. This treatment is only effective in the very early phase of infection.

The decision to prescribe monoclonal antibodies will be made by the treating clinician, based on criteria established by the product monograph and the published clinical guidance: • For COVID-19 patients who have not been vaccinated; and certain immunocompromised or immunosuppressed COVID-19 patients regardless of vaccination status; • Within five days of becoming symptomatic; and • 55 years or older, or 18 years and older with specific high risk co-morbidity.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is a one-time treatment, delivered intravenously.These treatments will be available from Saskatoon and Regina only through existing SHA testing and treatment sites at this time. These locations are currently staffed and supplied to safely manage COVID-19 patients.

Initially, eligible patients will be identified through the case investigation process. Beginning November 1, people who test positive for COVID-19 can self-assess their eligibility for monoclonal antibodies by visiting Saskatchewan.ca/covid-19. If eligible, they will be directed on next steps for booking a further assessment. The final decision to prescribe monoclonal antibodies will be made by clinicians.

You cannot self-refer to an assessment site to receive monoclonal antibody treatment; you must be referred based on the eligibility criteria.

The SHA will continue to assess demand and appropriateness of treatment to determine if treatment will be expanded to other regions in the province.

Treatment for COVID-19 is Not a Substitute for Vaccination - Contracting and being treated for COVID-19 does not offer an equivalent protection to vaccination. The best measure to prevent COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. Vaccination clinic information is available at Saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.

All patients receiving monoclonal antibodies will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination 90 days following treatment.

General COVID-19 Information - General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov. sk.ca.

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.

Page 8 - OCTOBER 28, 2021 - martensville messenger

Prairie Sky Chamber Excited About New Gift Card Program

Saskatchewan Planning Delivery Of Vaccinations For Five To 11 Year Olds

Saskatchewan has ordered 112,000 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger doses of Pfizer

The Prairie Sky Chamber According to Brown, for businesses, COVID-19 vaccine of Commerce (PSCC) initiated their it is a simple process that consists of four specially formulated for “Love What’s Local” campaign as a easy steps and all that is children aged five to 11 way to bring awareness to required is a POS system. with delivery anticipated consumers on the importance Once a consumer comes in and in mid-November, 2021. of supporting local, while also uses the card, the money will T h e empowering businesses by be automatically deposited Saskatchewan Health offering opportunities such into their account. For PSCC Authority is currently as their newest program, The members, it is a free program working to ensure plans Local Gift Card. and for non-members, the cost are in place to deliver

Through this program is only $149/year to participate. vaccinations to this age the PSCC will be offering For more information, contact group as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine receives approval from Health Canada. consumers the opportunity to the PSCC at 306-292-7066 or While younger children are less likely to develop serious illness they are purchase a reloadable gift card that can contact@prairieskychamber.ca. getting sick and playing a role in the transmission of the virus. Vaccinations for children be utilized at any participating businesses Cards will be available in the will enable them to continue to be able to go to school and enjoy their activities. throughout Warman and Martensville. near future and will be available through Vaccinations for five to 11 year olds will be available at a wide variety of

“The intention of this program the PSCC to start with. Once the program locations including participating pharmacies, SHA walk-in clinics, mobile clinics, at is to encourage people to come back is officially up and running, participating schools and at venues with easy community access near schools. into the stores again. There has been a businesses will be listed on the PSCC website The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is a slightly different formulation with smaller lot of online shopping being done since and information will be marketed throughout doses of vaccine.

COVID hit and now we are looking to the two communities.

Pfizer studies indicate their vaccine had no safety concerns noted among move into more of a hybrid approach “This is something we are really children five to 11 years of age. The studies also showed that expected vaccine side which can include some online, but excited about and think it will be a great effects (such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and chills) hopefully see people actually going opportunity for people to realize the wide were well tolerated and resolved in 1-2 days. Children in this age group have very good into these stores within Warman and variety of businesses that we have within the immune responses when they receive two doses as recommended.

Martensville,” PSCC Executive Director region. It is very inclusive to our communities Vaccination is voluntary. Informed parental/guardian consent must be provided Debbie Brown explained. and will hopefully encourage people to shop and will be documented in the child's immunization record. Parents/guardians are able

The Local Gift Card comes at home. We think it is a great gift idea for to access their child's immunization record through MySaskHealthRecord. Parents/ from a company out of BC and has been everyone because it can be used for so many guardians must have an account themselves, and the child's information can be linked. used throughout other Chambers with different things and it gives us the chance to Parents/guardians with MySaskHealthRecord who have not already made a request for very positive reviews. support our local businesses,” Brown said. access to a child's immunization record are encouraged to do so. Those 14 and older must have their own account.

Vaccination, along with public health measures such as masking, hand hygiene, staying home when ill and physical distancing is an important tool to protect against COVID-19 illness.

Anyone who is eligible, which will soon include or email everyone five years and older, should get vaccinated. advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca High community vaccination rates will help to protect those under five who are currently too young to be vaccinated.

When the vaccine is available, appointments can be made by calling 1-833-Sask-VAX (1-833-7275829) or online at Saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine or at participating pharmacies. Further details will Karen Parmar, AACI, P.App, BComm (Dist.) be provided through public service announcements, Partner & Senior Appraiser - Warman, SK D local social media posts and on the Saskatchewa.ca karen@dynamicappraisals.ca website.

306-220-9082 Information on booking appointments and clinic www.dynamicappraisals.ca OUR EXPERIENCE SHINES!! information is available at Saskatchewan.ca/ covid19-vaccine.

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