The Community
Press Telling your story
Volume 112, Issue 37
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
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COVID-19 declared a public health emergency in Alberta Pandemic situation leads to shut Province cancels indefinitely down of multiple facilities and classes BRSD working to prepare Gr. 12 students for diploma exams events across region Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Coronavirus (COVID-19)! It’s the dreaded word floating around on everyone’s lips as the flu-like pandemic sweeps the world. Alberta is no exception and for the past several days updates from Alberta Health officials have painted a more dire picture with each announcement, as more and more restriction New measures announced by the province on Tuesday after declaring a state of public health emergency announced that mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees, and outright prohibited “This is an unprecedented moment in our history and decisive action is needed. “We recognize that these measures will have a profound impact on the lives of Albertans, but they are necessary in the face of this growing pandemic,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “These measures are necessary if we are to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our province. “Our intention is to limit opportunities for disease transmission by limiting the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces. “All Albertans should take immediate action and follow all recommended public health measures. Protecting the health of Albertans is, and always will be, our top priority,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health in Alberta. Worship gatherings and family events such as weddings are included in the limitation of attendees,
whereas grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature, and other essential services are not included. To limit the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, all Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls. Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts, and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 50 people. Take-out, delivery, or drive-through service is permitted. Licensed facilities will also be permitted to deliver liquor. Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law. All Flagstaff recreation facilities had already made the decision to close prior to Tuesday’s announcement from the province. Municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations providing social services support will immediately see $60 million to support their COVID-19 response. The funding will be provided to adult homeless shelters, women’s emergency shelters, and the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, which supports municipalities and civil society organizations in providing services to vulnerable Albertans.
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Following the guidelines of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta schools, including those within the jurisdiction of Battle River School Division (BRSD), have cancelled classes indefinitely. According to Diane Hutchinson, Communication Director of BRSD, they are hoping to find a “clear direction” at the end of the spring break, which was due to start on Monday, March 23. “We have been told to expect the cancellation of classes to be longer-term, likely until the end of this school year,” Hutchinson explained. See SCHOOL P9
School Division to live stream closure motion votes Leslie Cholowsky Editor
As the division office is closed to visitors, the BRSD regular board meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 19, will now be live streamed. Trustees will be voting on the closure motions made this January during a meeting. The agenda posted on the Division’s website indicates that the first
motion, regarding closure of Round Hill School, will be voted on at 9:05 a.m. The Motion regarding Holden and Ryley Schools will be voted on at 9:15 a.m., and the Motion to close Allan Johnstone School in Hardisty will be voted on at 9:25 a.m. Information on how to access the live stream will be available on the BRSD website, which is: brsd.ab.ca
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