Melfort MLA Todd Goudy joked that he's heard from numerous people who plan to burn their masks after July 11. (File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Mask Off

‘We’re one community’: Melfort’s MLA talks final COVID-19 restrictions lifting on Sunday

Jul 9, 2021 | 8:00 AM

With Saskatchewan’s final few COVID-19 restrictions lifting on July 11, Melfort’s MLA says the excitement is high for Sunday.

“I don’t know how many people have told me they’re looking forward to the 11th,” Todd Goudy laughed as July 11 nears. “They’re going to burn their masks.”

And while masks are coming off as of Sunday, Goudy said he’s looking forward to seeing the smiles on people’s faces, from children, to adults, to seniors who will now be able to have more family members visiting them in the local care homes.

Goudy said it’s going to be great to see people, mainly kids, coming together again and enjoying life.

“Just the social aspect, being reconnected with many people that we haven’t been able to see,” he said.

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He added businesses in particular are looking forward to having the restrictions lifted as they’ve had to deal with numerous ups and downs through the pandemic.

Goudy said it’s been a long marathon and July 11 seems to be somewhat of a finish line for it. Through the year and a half of the pandemic, the region has come together and he credits the people who have helped us through, including the front line workers.

“I think you’ve seen a lot of people rise to the occasion and do some pretty amazing things,” Goudy told northeastNOW. “Put up with a lot for the benefit of others, and we appreciate that.”

Not only did COVID-19 bring people together—at a distance—Goudy said it also helped us realize some basic things when it comes to health and keeping ourselves healthy.

“Maybe we’d all been a little more laxed than we should have for a number of years,” he said. “And this sure showed us the value of keeping your hands clean, keeping surfaces clean, just being cautious in general, staying home from work if there’s any symptoms in our lives,”

While the restrictions lifting create some more freedom for people and businesses, COVID-19 still remains prevalent in the world, and some people might not be so keen to take that mask off quite yet, or discard some of the COVID-19 protocols.

Goudy encourages everyone to respect each other as the world slowly goes back to normal.

“We’re one community, and we need to bear with each other,” he said, “and move forwards supporting and encouraging each other, no matter what our viewpoints might be.”

The MLA, who was re-elected in November 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, also gave a big thank you and credited the work of the provinces’ top doctor, Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, saying he hopes Shahab’s family is able to get out and enjoy a Saskatchewan summer.

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mat.barrett@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6