As COVID-19 cases continue seeing an upward trend in Regina, the city’s mayor is asking citizens to limit gatherings to their own household during the holiday season.

While Masters admitted it’s good news vaccines are on the way, she urged people to continue their efforts in limiting the spread of the virus.

“It will be an unusual Christmas,” uttered Masters on Friday morning at city hall in Regina. “Just as we have asked our business people, businesses, health professionals, schools and everyone else to adapt, we ask for this last adaptation at Christmas time.”

“Come summer of 2021, we hope to be in a place where we can see friends and family again. But for this Christmas, we are asking that our citizens keep their bubbles small and stay limited to their own households.”

She added that Regina police will continue handing out fines and attempting to enforce public health order restrictions over the holiday season.

“The Regina Police Service has been great. I know they have and will be attending gatherings that have been announced,” stated Masters.

As of Thursday, the Regina zone recorded more than 1,100 active COVID-19 cases according to the provincial government’s daily update.

Masters mentioned that the city is working on a program for the next few months so residents can participate in outdoor winter activities that allow people to see each other safely. She said it will help advance their winter strategy they were already working on for the coming years.