In a news conference Thursday, Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said that despite rule being no gatherings of 50 or more, he thinks that 4 or 5 is a more reasonable number.

Regina City Manager, Chris Holden said that 500 city employees are now working from home, resulting in city hall being a “ghost town, and that’s a good thing.”

The Mayor said people can expect to see case of community transmission of COVID-19 very soon, adding that it ramps up the need to self-isolate.

Fougere went on to question the decision to keeps bars and restaurants open, citing his concerns of community transmission.

“I think we should ask a question, whether we should either ask the province do that or act on our own,” said Fougere.

As a result of the province declaring a state of emergency on Wednesday, fitness centers and casinos were ordered to close.

Fougere and Holden went on to say that bus service in the city will continue despite low ridership.

The mayor added that the service will continue for the people that don’t have any other option.

“We want to provide that service because for some people, it’s an essential service,” said Fougere. “We’re not going to cut that service off. Our intention is to make that service more accessible and available to those that need it.”

The city is holding a special council meeting Friday morning at 10 am to discuss COVID-19.