Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum seeking images for coronavirus exhibit

The Western Development Museum (WDM) wants people in Saskatchewan to help document the unprecedented novel coronavirus pandemic.

With the WDM’s physical doors closed due to COVID-19, the museum has opened an online, crowd-sourced exhibit called Saskatchewan Views the Global Pandemic.

“Right now, we are all eyewitnesses to this major event,” said Diana Savage, exhibits manager with the museum.

Since the portal went live this week, people have submitted images depicting how they’re working from home, celebrating birthdays and more.

A description accompanies each picture to illustrate a person’s lived experience during the pandemic.

“We wanted to find ways to build that community and have connections with other people in the province,” Savage said.

1:23 People helping people in Saskatchewan during the coronavirus pandemic

The exhibit’s manager also noted how the digital display helps fulfill the museum’s provincial mandate, expanding its reach beyond physical locations in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and North Battleford.

Savage said there’s currently no plan for the exhibit’s post-pandemic existence, but she’d love to see it turn into something more.

The Saskatoon Public Library’s Local History Room is also looking for pandemic-era creations.

According to a Facebook post, organizers are looking for images, videos, audio recordings, writing or other media that “reflects your unique experiences at this time.”

Submissions can be sent to the Local History Room website.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.