SASKATCHEWAN — Just six years ago, the province, the country and the world were in the grips of a global pandemic. COVID 19 impacted everything from health care to toilet paper.
2020 opened with concerns about the spread of a new coronavirus – and by March 12, Saskatchewan announced the first presumptive case in the province. In less than a week, the government would declare a state of emergency.
Social gathering limits were put in place – gyms, casinos and bingo halls closed their doors, and non-essential travel slowed to a crawl.
Fear of contracting the virus fueled panic-buying of essential items like toilet paper, and curb side grocery delivery became the new normal.
Then came the cancelations. Hockey leagues suspended play. The Juno awards scheduled to take place in Saskatoon was cancelled. By March 20, all publicly funded schools closed for the rest of the academic year. Restaurants and food service businesses were ordered to close with exceptions made for those offering delivery. Hospitals halted elective procedures and enforced strict visitor restrictions.
In just a few short weeks, everyday life looked dramatically different. By the end of the month and the number of COVID 19 cases in the province surpassed 100. And it was just the beginning.
Learn more about 100 Years of CKRM at 620ckrm.com.
100 Years of Saskatchewan History
This article is part of a series that celebrates both the history of Saskatchewan and the 100th anniversary of one of Saskatchewan's most storied radio stations. For more key moments from the last 100 years, visit the CKRM timeline.
