MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

I’m happy to be able to tell you that as of the latest communication with Alberta Health Services, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Crowsnest Pass or our Zone.   This is great news!

In order to continue keeping our Community safe, I am asking all residents to practice social distancing.  That means keeping a 2 meter or distance of 6’ between people that are not immediate family members that reside in the same house.

Please be considerate of this request. 

This is not the time to be browsing while out shopping.  Keep your shopping excursions to a minimum and purchase only what you need and go home. 

Be advised, we are closing all of areas that have playground equipment because that contradicts social distancing and these areas are not being disinfected.  We want to keep our children as safe as possible.  Signs will be posted in these areas as they become available.  

We encourage everyone to be active.  Go for walks, just keep your distances from others.  I have seen families out on bicycles already. Enjoying the outdoors is better than being cooped up inside and you must look after your mental health as well as your physical health. Fresh air is a good remedy for that.

I have been asked about the state of readiness at our Health Care Centre. 

I was able to talk with our Health Care Professionals and Alberta Health Services yesterday afternoon, and I have been assured that they are as ready as one can be under these circumstances.  Things are continually changing, and Alberta Health services is keeping up with the task. 

This is a serious Pandemic, and everyone should take the necessary precautions very seriously. Protect yourself and your family. And you Snowbirds arriving back home, you MUST self-isolate for 14 days.

Please remember that if you are having symptoms of this virus, take the online Covid-19 Self- assessment and follow their instructions.

In closing, please check in with your neighbors and see how they are making out.  Ask if they need anything and include their needs on your shopping list. 

Continue to practice proper hand washing techniques and avoid touching your face.

I regularly see small acts of kindness, and kind words of support throughout the community. Thank you!

This just shows what a wonderful community we have.

Please stay safe everyone. 

Blair Painter

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

We would like to take a moment to assure everyone in the Crowsnest Pass that we are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will provide updates as changes occur.  We are in close contact with the Provincial Operations Centre and Alberta Health Services as well as other government agencies who are keeping us appraised to the current situation.

From discussion with Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism, currently Alberta is not experiencing a supply issue, it is a demand issue.  Please limit your purchases as clearing the shelves is unnecessary and puts other residents in a difficult situation.  A good rule of thumb is for an average family, the rule of 2 when shopping.  This means to only by 2 similar items, ie: 2 jugs of milk, 2 loaves of bread, 2 cartons of eggs, etc.  Following this logic will go a long way to ensure everyone has access to groceries they will need.  Also, if you see anyone inflating prices due to shortage, report this behavior immediately.

REMEMBER - the easiest and most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to WASH YOUR HANDS with soap and water – OFTEN!  Keep doorknobs, cell phones, steering wheels, etc., clean and sanitized.  Sneeze or cough into your elbow or shoulder, maintain social distancing, and STAY HOME if you are feeling sick.  Use the online AHS self-assessment and/or call 811.  Remember they are having high volumes of calls, so try to call in off-peak hours.

As you may have heard already, we are in a marathon, not a sprint.  This is not going to be over tomorrow and is changing daily.  Please follow the most up to date recommendations from AHS and have patience as we all work together to get through this trying time.

Patrick Thomas, Chief Administrative Officer