Chestermere, AB – Earlier today, the Province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hinshaw, announced that Alberta now has 5165 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Chestermere’s total confirmed case number is now 21, an increase of one since April 24.

In a video update, Mayor Marshall Chalmers praised the community for their efforts to limit the spread.  

“Thank you for staying the course,” he said. “Your sacrifices, hard work, and dedication are making all the difference in keeping our numbers down and keeping our community safe.”

In the update, he also added some clarity around the rules CHEMA had announced last week: “Parks are open and always have been. Last week, Mr. Morton opened the sports fields for kids and families to run and play in these open spaces.”

This includes ball diamonds, soccer, football and rugby fields but organized team sports and activities are not permitted. Chalmers also asked parents to keep a close eye on children and remind them to stay two metres away from anyone who does not live in their household.

He stressed that people must stay home if not feeling well. He added that playgrounds, common gatherings such as markets and garage sales, events and festivals, will be prohibited for the duration of the summer as they are high-risk for spreading and contracting the virus.

Chalmers also referred to anticipated announcements from the Provincial Government including regulations for golf courses, lake activities, and an overall re-opening plan.

“I am pleased to let you know that CHEMA is working on a local phased-in re-opening strategy, and they are working with the Province, who is expected to release details of their plan very soon.”

For current local, provincial and federal updates about the COVID-19 pandemic, visit chestermere.ca/covid19.