Some medical services and surgeries will resume on May 19 in Saskatchewan, but unions representing Saskatchewan nurses and health-care professionals say they aren’t ready to go back to work as normal.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) says its members aren’t ready for May 19. It said it’s worried about having enough staff, and resources to help support them.
SUN says a lot needs to happen over the next two weeks: Saskatchewan needs to flatten the curve and make sure outbreaks like in La Loche are under control.
She says the union only found out about the plan this week.
“We had no input into how it was going to move forward whatsoever, even though the majority of the people who are going to make it move forward are registered nurses.”
Zambory says she’s worried about what the province will — or won’t — do if outbreaks continue.
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“Are we going to be transparent and brave enough … to be truthful and report what’s really happening so that we can, as was promised, halt what we’re doing and take that important step back?” she said.
Zambory said she understands the need to reopen the economy and normalcy in the health care system.
“We cannot let that colour and judgment, transparency or bravery around stopping and taking that step back that they promised they would do,” she said.
The nurses’ union isn’t the only group concerned. CUPE local 5430 represents some 14,000 health care providers.
It says it’s imperative they have enough support to reopen, including if COVID-19 continues to pop up.
“If there is further increases, are the resources going to be available to maintain those services while still caring for the residents of Saskatchewan for their healthcare needs?” asks president Sandra Seitz.
Zambory said she’s curious what data the province is looking at to inform its decisions around reopening. She said SUN has repeatedly asked for this information in daily meetings with the health authority but has not received an answer.
Global News reached out to the Saskatchewan Health Authority about these concerns, but did not receive a response by deadline.
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.
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