**211 Saskatchewan**

211 is a service that connects individuals to human services in the province. Over 5,000 listings of social, community, non-clinical health, and government services. Call or text 2-1-1 or go online (https://sk.211.ca) to chat with trained professionals to help find and navigate services you need. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

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List of Essential Services

In consultation with the Chief Medical Health Officer, the provincial government released a list of critical public services and allowable business services to clarify what can continue to operate, effective March 26, in accordance with social distancing practices. Find the complete list here: https://leaderpost.com/news/saskatchewan/covid-19-province-releases-list-of-all-essential-services/

  

Group Homes

On March 18, 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan declared a State of Emergency, allowing broad measures to be put in place. Group Homes funded by Social Services have been designated an essential service. Many agencies had enacted Contingency Plans prior to March 18th. Some agencies have made difficult decisions with temporary group home closures to ensure they have staffing levels to ride out the social isolation recommendations. Visitor restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Agency staff are aligning with best practices and recommendations by Saskatchewan Health Authority. People supported by agencies and their families are being asked to be flexible at this time. For more information, please contact the Community Living Service Delivery office nearest you or call (306)787-3848.

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Day Programs

Day Programming and community inclusion work is being done as much as possible at home, especially in group homes and approved private service homes. For more information, please contact the Community Living Service Delivery office nearest you or call (306)787-3848.

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Cognitive Disability Strategy (CDS)

CDS will be still be accepting new funding applications as well as renewals and amendments. Going forward, Cognitive Disability Strategy will provide messaging and updates in the coming weeks regarding recommendations for navigating COVID-19 measures. Mentors and respite providers are being discouraged from physically continuing to work with people who have CDS benefits, as many are vulnerable. Though in-person mentorship and respite supports are discontinued at this time, phone calls, video chats, and creating/reviewing goals may be helpful for maintaining communication and connection. For further info see: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/people-with-disabilities/financial-help-and-support-for-people-with-cognitive-disabilities

 

Evictions

The Government of Saskatchewan is temporarily suspending eviction hearings as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.

Starting today, the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) will not be accepting applications for eviction related to missed or late rent, or for other non-urgent claims. Previous eviction orders for non-urgent matters (i.e. – not related to health and safety concerns) will not be enforced, and previously scheduled hearings for non-urgent matters have been cancelled as of today. Tenants who are unable to pay their rent during the state of emergency will be expected to pay their rent in full once the state of emergency is over.

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Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels has been deemed an essential service. They are looking for healthy, qualified volunteers after the province required anyone over the age of 65 to temporarily suspend their exposure in community. Call the Sask Health Authority local volunteer coordinator if you feel you would be a candidate. A criminal records check will still be required at this time, which can be done by appointment only at your RCMP detachment.

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Transportation

Many cities in Saskatchewan are now offering free public transportation, however, should only be used if the individual absolutely required to be out of their home. Taxis are still running, but have increased protocol for sanitization.

 

Internet & Wifi

• Shaw: Shaw has opened up it's wifi network (Shaw Go) to everyone. You can login to Shaw Go without a login or Shaw ID. 

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• Sasktel: Effective March 17th to March 31st, 2020, there will be no data overage charges (domestic data) for business or consumer customers, on SaskTel’s postpaid Wireless plans, noSTRINGS Prepaid wireless plans or SaskTel fusion Internetplans.

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Grocery Shopping 

Grocery stores have been overwhelmingly busy and people are strongly encouraged to stay home. Two weeks worth of groceries and necessities are all that is needed, and with a few innovative supports in the community popping up, there will likely be support should it be required.

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• Pre-Opening Dedicated Shopping Hour: Some stores have set aside an hour dedicated to senior citizens, as well as people with disabilities and compromised immune systems, to shop in stores in mornings before the stores officially open to the public. You can call a neighbourhood store first, to clarify shopping times and what to do when you are there.

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• On-line Food Ordering: Choose contactless delivery (Skip The Dishes), opt out of utensils and use your own at home. After the delivery person leaves, throw out the outermost bag and bring only the food containers into your home. Transfer the meal to your own plate, throw out all of the packaging and wash your hands.

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RCMP 

PLEASE ONLY DIAL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY. Criminal record checks for essential services can be made by appointment. Non-urgent fingerprinting and Criminal Record Checks will not be available until a later date. 

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