The coming weeks are critical in the fight against COVID-19 and the single most important thing that the public can do right now, is to stay home.

Last week, the Chestermere Emergency Management Agency (CHEMA) announced that they would be taking additional measures to ensure the safety of the community. These measures included prohibiting any activity on Chestermere Lake until June 1.

“This safety measure is to discourage people from walking on the lake during unstable ice conditions and potentially putting our emergency personnel at risk,” says Mayor Chalmers. “It also encourages people to walk on the designated paths and sidewalks which makes it easier to monitor required physical distancing.”

According to the statistics provided by Alberta Health Services, there are several cases of COVID-19 where the direct cause of infection is unknown.

This means that there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in people who have not travelled or been in known contact with someone who is sick.

“Please stay home Chestermere, and only go out for necessities,” adds Mayor Chalmers. “If a necessity means getting fresh air, people should go for a brief walk, stay on designated pathways and sidewalks for easy monitoring, and keep a safe distance away from other walkers, and then get back home.”

Mayor Chalmers added that he understands the community is eager to get back to normal and enjoy a safe spring and summer. 

“So am I, so let’s work together and stay home for now.” says Mayor Chalmers. “We have confirmed cases in our community, and we need to stop the spread of this virus.”

The Emergency Management Team is pleased that Alberta Health Services has a new and updated statistical modelling map that now accurately shows Chestermere’s COVID-19 cases specific to the city’s geographic boundary.

There are 12 total cases in Chestermere and all of these remain active. 

All of the City’s local restrictions, including updates, can be found at www.chestermere.ca/covid19. Provincial information, support services and restrictions can be found at www.alberta.ca/covid19.