Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication
$1 INCLUDING GST
Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 104: ISSUE 19
www.tofieldmerc.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022
Covid rapid tests available at hospital but rural pharmacies not included KERRY ANDERSON and LISA KUFLAY Rural hospitals, like Tofield Health Centre, are distributing the Covid Rapid Tests while the rural pharmacies have been cut out of the procedure. The reasoning for the decision has been quite perplexing to local pharmacist Darren Erickson of Tofield. “I was surprised and very disappointed that rural Alberta pharmacies were not included in this distribution,” Erickson told The Tofield Mercury on Friday. “The tests were distributed through the same pharmaceutical wholesaler that delivers my orders every day. “It’s possible the person in charge of the program was unaware of the high rates of Covid and low rates of vaccination in rural Alberta.” Erickson said 60 percent of Canadians live within one km of a pharmacy, so it just makes sense to include rural outlets. “We, as pharmacists, have always been promoters of good health and we were encouraged when the distribution of these health products was arranged through pharmacies. We have the knowledge and skills to help patients interpret results as they relate to their families and work life,” he added. The Tofield pharmacist said although not as accurate as a PCR test, the Rapid Tests still serve a valid purpose and are more economical. “Screening employees or family members can help to quickly identify and isolate those who have COVID-19 including those without symptoms,” said Erickson. “Early
identification helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” Erickson said the Rapid Test can provide a less accurate result in 15 minutes while the PCR tests could take up to 24 hours. “These are the ones (PCR) provided by our pharmacies in Tofield and our government, and can be used for entrance to public buildings, events, and travel to most of the United States.” Erickson said he has not heard discussion about the expansion of the Rapid Test program to rural pharmacies and although they have been administering the vaccine at his pharmacies in Tofield, nothing as of yet for children six to 11 years of age. As well, he said there has been no discussion of expanding that to rural pharmacies either. “We know that one of the main sources of Covid exposure is through our schools and unvaccinated students,” explained Erickson. “Other than being reluctant to vaccinate, location and accessibility of the vaccine is one of the next highest reasons patients give for not getting vaccinated. Proximity and familiarity of pharmacies makes this supply chain a priority. Saskatchewan pharmacies are already supplying child Covid vaccines. “Alberta pharmacies are in a great position to increase vaccination rates in our schools and recreation facilities. Albertan’s missed an unbelievable opportunity when pharmacies did not have child Covid vaccine over the Christmas holidays. “We could have been much more
prepared for the return to school.” Although pharmacist and owner Erickson was transparent with The Mercury in his displeasure with the way the government has handled distribution, Tofield Health Centre was unable to speak to the newspaper about the Rapid Test situation. Rather, The Mercury was told to contact Alberta Health Services (AHS) Communications Advisor. From this communication we learned Tofield Health Centre received its first shipment of rapid antigen tests the first week they were available to AHS sites and pharmacies, on December 16. A shipment of five cases of test kits is being received each week, with the next expected today (Jan. 12). Further, AHS reports: “As per alberta.ca: To ensure as many people have access as possible, there is a limit of one kit per person/health care number within a 14-day period. If you are picking up a kit for another person(s), have their name, date of birth, and health care card with you. Rapid tests can be used by people aged 14 and older; and children aged 2 to 13 if performed by an adult. These rapid test kits cannot
be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Unvaccinated people must pay to obtain proof of negative test result through a private vendor or pharmacy to gain admission.” AHS confirmed pharmacist Erickson’s assertion that the Rapid Tests are not as accurate, however added, “Rapid antigen tests should catch most cases when used on people with symptoms, but they are not as accurate as lab-based PCR testing. The likelihood of someone with symptoms having a false positive result from a rapid test is low when the disease prevalence is high. The likelihood of someone with symptoms having a false negative result can occur, especially if tested too early from their symptom onset, which is why repeat testing 24 hours later is recommended. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and follow all public health precautions until their symptoms are gone, regardless of rapid test results. The likelihood of someone without symptoms having a false negative result is very high, which is why a negative test result cannot replace appropriate public health measures.”
Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 12, 2022
HEAR BETTER IN 2022! Kick off the new year with discounts on top hearing aid technology!
GLOBAL LEADER IN HEARING HEALTHCARE Amplifon Hearing Clinic 5024-51 Avenue 6QƂGNF #$ 6JWTU ,CP 10am - 3pm
BO GO
up to
60
Karen Halverson Hearing Aid Practitioner
%
OFF*
OUR TOP RECHARGEABLE TECHNOLOGY! PC60BOGO
INTEREST-FREE FINANCING FOR
24
MONTHS
Call and book a complimentary hearing test today!
780.673.1000 www.amplifon.com/ca 2ijHU YDOLG RQ VHOHFW PRGHOV DQG GLVFRXQW LV DSSOLFDEOH WR ELQDXUDO SXUFKDVH WKH VHFRQG DLG RQO\ &DQQRW EH FRPELQHG ZLWK RWKHU GLVFRXQWV 6HH FOLQLF IRU PRUH ıQDQFLQJ GHWDLOV ([SLUHV ũ $PSOLIRQ $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG
36
Make that
Months**
We offer proven hygiene & safety protocols!
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Chronicle
Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
The Beaver County
Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799
ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0
A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Volume 15, Issue 2
County agrees to partner again with Viking for phase 2 of study Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council agreed January 5 to partner with the Town of Viking for phase two funding of an infrastructure study. Then Interim CAO Margaret Jones told council that there was no financial commitment required from the county regarding this Alberta Community Partnership (ASP) grant application. If granted, Jones stated this funding “will concentrate on the town’s infrastructure (roads, recreational facilities, etc.). The study will further consider solutions for mitigating downstream water management (surge ponds, storage areas) and may identify the impact of drainage from the county into the Town of Viking’s drainage system.”
She added: “No financial commitment is required from the county to participate in this program. The Town of Viking will be the managing partner.” The Town of Viking has been seeking to mitigate issues of flood management and control following at least one instance where a flash rainstorm developed and streets in the town were severely flooded as drainage systems couldn’t manage the overload. As well, the town suspected that drainage of county water into town also contributed to the situation. The county has done a wetland study in the Thomas Lake watershed. Jones said there are three drained wetlands that could be eligible for wetland replacement funding through the Provincial Wetland Replacement Program.
“The goal of this initiative is to encourage landowners to hold water upstream of the town,” she said. “The county has only recently begun to communicate/educate affected landowners about this program.” A joint application in 2020 for phase two funding from ACP was rejected. However, ACP did fund an earlier phase one study which released a report in June of last year. The study “indicated that the Town of Viking’s drainage system represents a very small portion of the catchment area for Thomas Lake and any increase in the lake levels is not likely attributable to the town’s drainage system.” That same study recommended that the county “undertake a
regional assessment to develop strategies to identify corridors to interconnect and drain some low lying areas around the lake.” Although phase one did not require any county funds, Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) expressed some hesitation about the second phase for that reason. “Will there be funding later required by the county,” he asked. Jones said council would have to wait for the results of the phase two report and its recommendations. “I have no problem with this,” replied Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson, where Lake Thomas is situated at the eastern end of the county. “It’s an issue that’s been bothering us.” His motion to agree to partner with Viking as per the recommendation was passed by council.
County hires consultant as new interim CAO Patricia Harcourt The consultant who tabled a corporate review of Beaver County last fall has been hired as its new Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO.) Rick McDonald will take over for Margaret Jones, the county’s assistant CAO, who has been filling in since former CAO Bob Beck was terminated at the end of September. The motion to hire McDonald was made by Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) and was
passed unanimously. Hrabec thanked Jones for her seven months performing extra service as Interim CAO. Jones had also covered in the CAO position over the summer as Beck took medical leave. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) read out an official announcement of the hiring following the vote. Smook said both internal and external sources were invited to apply for the position. However, McDonald was hired out of the “high quality of applications
received.” McDonald has over 35 years of public and private sector experience, and is a graduate of the Executive Management Program at the University of Alberta. He has a certificate in local government administration, with extensive experience working as a CAO for the counties of Westlock, Rocky View, Saddle Hills, and Yellowhead; and the urban centres of Lloydminster, Olds, Grande Cache, and Cold Lake. “Mr. McDonald recently complet-
ed a corporate governance review for Beaver County,” stated Smook, making him “well positioned to quickly implement the recommendations contained in the review.” Jones has confirmed she will be staying on in her long-time role of Assistant CAO. McDonald will continue in his role of Interim CAO “until council has recruited a permanent CAO within the next few months.” It was not stated whether or not his name would be in the running for that position.
Why would you outsource your printing out of county? Once that money is gone, it’s NEVER coming back. Order from your LOCAL paper instead! adsmercury@gmail.com or vikingreview@gmail.com