The official opposition is calling on the Saskatchewan government to step up and implement measures to protect frontline workers as the province battles COVID-19.
NDP leader Ryan Meili said there needs to be appropriate supports and protocols for employees that are working to keep the public safe – whether it’s workers in health care, grocery stores or pharmacists.
“There’s a lot of scrambling to catch up on with what is a new situation. We have people that are on the frontlines of this work or who are coming in to shop who are really concerned,” stated Meili during a media conference on Thursday from Saskatoon.
“They are worried about this activity they have to do. They have to get food or we need people working there.”
Meili wants the government to collaborate with employers to provide clear physical distancing protocols, adequate protective equipment and other supports for essential services workers.
Gail Mack, an employee at a grocery store in Saskatoon, agrees there are improvements that need to be made for people in her line of work.
“I do feel there are more measures that need to be taken in order to safeguard not only our customers but our employees in all stores,” she said.
“The government needs to step forward and make guidelines that are the same for all stores.”
Meili added that the Saskatchewan government needs to come up with an across-the-board approach with these guidelines in order to have consistency during the pandemic.
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