All of us can be overwhelmed living in and through a pandemic.

As we face the COVID-19 global pandemic, we need each other now more than ever. It’s time to #GetReal about how we feel and lean on others for support. This Mental Health Week, let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have real conversations with our friends, neighbours and coworkers about how we’re all really doing. We’re in this together.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has developed the attached tool to help navigate sensitive conversations that may arise in our daily interactions during Covid-19. Taking the time to listen, acknowledging someone’s feelings and concerns, and providing information or resources can go a long way for someone in need.

Download it here:

COVID-19 Mental Health Support

Residents reminded not to hold garage & yard sales

With warmer weather ahead, the City is reminding residents to follow the direction of public health officials by not having garage and yard sales at this time.

“The most important thing right now is to continue to prioritize the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and remind residents that this is a serious situation,” says Mayor Michael Fougere. “We must ensure we maintain social distancing to protect the health and safety of all Regina residents.”

The City recognizes many households might want the opportunity to sell goods through a garage or yard sale, but it is best to hold off at this time. Current public health guidelines continue to encourage physical distancing of at least two metresand limiting contact with others from outside your household.

Hold onto your donation items for now
Overflowing donation bins

While Regina residents are staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are using this time to clean out their closets. During this crisis, numerous charities are not able to accept clothing donations or empty bins at this time but will need them after this crisis is over.

The City is urging residents to hold on to their giveaway items for now and not to drop them off at overflowing donation bins across the city. Before dropping items off for donation at charities, call ahead and confirm if they are currently accepting items.

The City’s Bylaw Enforcement is working with property owners where donation bins are located to keep their property clean.

All rentals of City-owned indoor and outdoor facilities for the month of May, 2020 are now cancelled until further notice.

treet sweeping roads aligns with essential services and City maintenance standards. Like spring cleaning your house after a long winter, clearing away the winter salt, sand and debris can freshen things up in our community.

Starting Sunday, April 19 crews will begin sweeping medians, downtown streets and main arterial roads such as Albert Street and Lewvan Drive. While No Parking signs will be placed to advise when your street is being swept during phase one of the program, the City will not enforce ticketing or towing.

Therefore, we need resident’s cooperation to ensure this is a successful sweep. We ask residents to know when their streets are going to be swept and park off-street on those days. Also, offer to share driveways with your neighbours when possible.

The residential or subdivision sweep will start in May. Watch for future notification.

The annual street sweep cleans sand and gravel used for ice control throughout the winter, enhances traction control and safety of the roads, as well as beautifies the streetscape by picking up garbage and other debris. The program also improves drainage during rainfalls by reducing the amount of debris that can block storm sewer drains and collect in the sewer system. Street sweeping helps extend the life of our underground assets.

Street sweepers create dusty conditions that reduce visibility. Close your windows and walk on alternative sidewalks. If you see dust and sweeping equipment, give them lots of room, slow down and be safe. Crews are scheduled to work in four shifts, seven days per week.

Find the street sweeping schedule at Regina.ca/sweep or call 306-777-7000 for more information.

COVID-19 UPDATE: SEVEN NEW CASES, SEVEN MORE RECOVERIES, SEVEN IN HOSPITAL

As of April 7, 2020, Saskatchewan has seven new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 260. One hundred and sixty-nine of the cases are considered active.

Seven more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 88. Currently, there are seven people hospitalized in the province from COVID-19. Five people are receiving inpatient care – four in Saskatoon and one in Regina – while there is also one person in the intensive care unit in Saskatoon and one in Regina.

Of the 260 cases in the province:

• 115 cases are travellers;

• 80 are community contacts (mass gatherings included);

• 13 have no known exposures; and

• 52 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

• 131 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 52 from the Regina area, 48 from the north, 15 from the south, 10 from the central region and four from the far north.

• 13 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.

• 112 cases are in the 20-44 age range; 92 are in the 45-64 age range; and 43 are in the 65-plus range.

• 53 per cent of the cases are males and 47 per cent are females.

• Three deaths related to COVID-19 reported to date.

To date, 14,722 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. Saskatchewan continues to have the second highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces.

Case surveillance and testing information, including regional locations of confirmed/presumptive cases is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

Public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Regarding PVCA Programs and COVID-19

All Programs are cancelled.  Further information will be relayed when possible.

The situation with COVID-19 and its effects on City of Regina services is continuously evolving, please use the link below to get the most up-to-date information.

For complete information regarding COVID-19 from the city, please click here.

Additional Information Resources:

Saskatchewan Health Authority COVID-19 Page

The Regina Catholic School Division and Regina  have both requested that everyone stay off of the play structures located at their schools to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.

Full details for Regina Public Schools

Full details for Regina Catholic Schools

From the City of Regina on March 24.  Effective immediately, City-owned playground structures are now closed until further notice. Dog parks, skateboard parks, picnic sites, and basketball, tennis and pickleball courts will also be closed.

This decision follows Public Health Official guidelines to avoid contact with shared surfaces such as playground equipment. Crews will be working over the next few days to close off the 165 City playground structures throughout Regina; however, we ask residents to stop using these facilities immediately.

Topic: 5 Ways Volunteering Can Enhance Your Job Search

Date: Thursday, January 30 at 1pm ET / 10am PT (webinar is one hour in length)

Full Details Can Be Found Here!

*Please note this webinar is neither presented or promoted by the PVCA, this post is strictly for informational purposes and to foster volunteering within our community.