It is good news for many in rural Saskatchewan concerned about recent closures to emergency rooms because of COVID-19

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says it is targetting to re-open those facilities in nine of the 12 hospitals affected starting in mid-June. Those will be in hospitals in Kerrobert, Herbert, Preeceville, Davidson, Wolseley, Arcola, Oxbow, Leader and Biggar.

The authority says it will work with facilities in Broadview, Radville and Lanigan in the coming weeks as re-opening them will require additional time.

Health Minister Jim Reiter admitted the government could have done a better job communicating with the communities in question and that he understands why people in those communities were concerned

“There was concern.” Reiter said. “I think with some people that the closure of the ER would become permanent. That’s not the case.”

He went on to say closures could happen again if there is an increase in cases and capacity becomes an issue.

The news comes after a Facebook group concerned about healthcare in rural Saskatchewan were talking about trying to stage a rally next month in front of the Saskatchewan Legislature. That  group had said they were concerned these temporary closures could become permanent and that it might be something many remember come election time.