Chestermere, AB – Yesterday, Alberta Health Services released more detailed information about the COVID-19 cases in Alberta. Chestermere is listed as having 2 confirmed cases.
“This deadly virus, wreaking havoc in countries, cities, communities across the world, is here in our community,” said Mayor Marshall Chalmers in an announcement last night. “You have heard my pleas for proper protection measures. This includes hand sanitizing, staying home if you are sick or have been exposed to someone sick, and social distancing: meaning staying a safe distance from others. Now, more than ever, your actions and response is critical.”
Yesterday, Chalmers was joined by members of Chestermere Fire Services who were dressed in personal protective gear, to demonstrate how they now respond to every call in order to protect themselves from coming into contact with COVID-19.
“They are in full protective gear because they know they need to take this virus seriously and be prepared no matter what type of emergency they are called to. This is just one of the things we are doing to prevent the spread,” says Chalmers.
Another measure that Chestermere announced was that it was closing local businesses that, due to the nature of their business, make it impossible to practice safe social distancing. Affected businesses include barber shops, hair salons, cosmetic services, massage services, chiropractic and acupuncture, physiotherapy services, optometrists and hearing services, as well as all day homes. Note: There is an exemption for dayhomes who provide care for children whose parents are front line workers (such as Health Care Workers, EMS, Police, Fire, Utilities, and City of Chestermere staff who are part of the Emergency Management Team). Please read the full Closure Order notice for details.
“Many of the local businesses in these sectors have already closed their doors for safety reasons, for that, we thank you. For the others we appreciate your full cooperation as we tackle these measures to protect our community,” said Director of Emergency Management Bernie Morton.
Morton also outlined that the Chestermere Emergency Management Agency (CHEMA) takes violations seriously. If residents see a business or individual not following provincial or local regulations, concerned residents can confidentially let the Emergency Management Team know by calling the City’s new hotline at 403-207-8143. Callers will be asked to leave a message and the Emergency Management Team will follow up.
These measures are in addition to the new changes announced Tuesday after the City declared a State of Local Emergency. Those changes include that businesses must restrict the number of people on their premises to 50% or less of their maximum occupancy load, and must have hand sanitizer stations at their location and require people to sanitize their hands before they enter the building.
Residents are strongly advised to limit social gatherings in homes under the new measures.
“It is up to you to partner with us to slow the spread of this virus,” said Chalmers. “We need to prevent the kinds of outbreaks that have happened in other countries like Italy, where people are dying needlessly, because their system is overwhelmed. By practicing social isolation and strong hygiene measures, you can help flatten the curve to prevent the chances of an outbreak like that. Stay Home. Save Lives.”
CHEMA continues to urge Albertans to follow AHS prevention guidelines which include:
More information and local updates can be found at www.chestermere.ca/covid19.
