Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 12
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PREMIER DECLARES PUBLIC STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER COVID-19 SITUATION Patricia Harcourt Editor
Premier Jason Kenney has declared a state of public health emergency in Alberta as a way of enabling provincial authorities to respond under the Public Health Act to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stringent new measures have been put in place to limit mass gatherings and protect the elderly and other vulnerable persons. "This is an unprecedented moment in our history and decisive action is needed," said Kenney at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. "We recognize that these measures will have a profound impact on the lives of Albertans but they are neces-
sary in the face of this growing pandemic." Events with more than 50 people are outright banned, and even places of worship and family gatherings such as weddings are not exempt. However, the new rules don't include grocery stores, shopping centres, health care facilities, airports, the Alberta Legislature, and other essential services. Also closed for use are public and private recreational and entertainment facilities like gyms, pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children's play centres, casinos, and bingo halls. Sit-down restaurants will have to limit their serving to 50 per cent capacity, enabling the social distance factor,
to a maximum of 50 people. Still available will be take out, delivery, and drive-through service. Kenney said the province would not impose the restrictions on not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens, and religious kitchens. Bars and nightclubs are also off-limits to patrons. "As of press time there were 23 additional cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Alberta, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 97. The announcement was made late Tuesday afternoon by Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, in a press conference. It followed Premier Kenney's state of public health emergency declaration and the new measures imposed to mit-
igate the spread of the virus. New cases have now been identified in all zones across the province. • 70 cases in the Calgary zone • 20 cases in the Edmonton zone • three cases in the Central zone • one case in the South zone • three case in the North zone "These measures are necessary if we are to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our province," said Hinshaw. "Our intention is to limit opportunities for disease transmission by limiting the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces." Hinshaw recommended that "all Albertans take immediate action and follow all recommended pubic health measures."
Viking office, Carena closed until further notice after COVID-19 scare Patricia Harcourt Editor
Viking's town office is closed effective Wednesday, March 18. Other town operated facilities are also closed including the entire Carena Complex after a scare due to COVID-19. To add to the drama, Alberta declared a state of public health emergency on Tuesday, March 17. With that declaration, gatherings of 50 or more people have now been banned, and large bars, casinos, and children's play centres are to be closed. But events escalated in Viking when it was discovered that a woman who tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) brought a child to a pond hockey game at the Carena on Monday, March 9. The Vegreville woman was the first Central Zone person to be identified by Alberta Health Services as infected with the virus upon her return from Mexico. (Since then, two more people have been added to the Central Zone list.) The entire Viking Carena Complex
was closed last Friday once it was learned the woman had brought her child to the game on Monday; then on Tuesday night the test came back positive and the woman went online to be the first with the virus to identify herself. The woman was soon identified as one of the people at the hockey game the previous night, resulting in the shutting down of the facility. Affected are the library, arena, VF4F play area, preschool, walking track, and Apple Fitness Centre, and the town office. The town has also closed the community hall and curling events in the Multiplex until further notice. Ritchie expressed frustration after several attempts to reach Alberta Health Services. "We're flying by the seat of our pants," he said last Friday. A meeting was held that afternoon by the mayor and staff. "Everything was cleaned over the weekend by Carena staff with approval from the town's safety company," said Ritchie, adding: "We closed the rest (of the complex) to keep everybody safe."
The Alberta Hockey Super League (AHSL) called off a four-day tournament last weekend after the province called for all large gatherings or international events to be cancelled. The town's shut down of the hall meant Viking Dance Inspirations no longer can practice there, and curling is also over until further notice at the Mulitiplex. He also spoke to Beaver Emergency Services Commission about the town's Emergency Preparedness Plan. "We're not setting up a call centre yet," he said, after the discussions. "At this point, there is no need to be concerned as we are only taking precautionary measures as directed," he said. "We will keep you informed with any ongoing developments and details." A conference call with AHS was finally undertaken on Monday and the town office re-opened Monday and Tuesday this week. But after a council meeting Monday night, it was decided to close the office again until further notice. Ritchie said in a statement: "In order to minimize and mitigate risk to Town
of Viking staff, patrons, and visitors, the Town of Viking’s Administration and Public Works Building (Town Shop) will be closed effective 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, indefinitely. Town operations will continue unimpeded through this closure, and all public are asked to please phone or email the Town. "These times are unprecedented, and ever evolving. The best interests of our staff and our community are placed at the heart of this decision. We apologize for any inconvenience during this time. Mayor, Council, and staff wish each of health during this time of uncertainty."
Page 2 - The Weekly Review, Wednesday, March 18, 2020
EMS and police act to Medical Clinic urges calm self protect against virus Dr. Hagan
Viking Medical Clinic
Patricia Harcourt and Leslie Cholowsky Beaver County's Regional Emergency Manager Allan Weiss is busy handling his duties as it relates to the Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC). That duty has been upped after the province declared a state of public health emergency on Tuesday, March 17, empowering authorities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta's Provincial Operations Centre has also been elevated from a level 3 to a level 4, the highest level. BESC's Regional Emergency Plan has been in place for the past three years, which includes a pandemic plan as part of an overall emergency plan from Alberta Health Services. Weiss said the plan has been reviewed in keeping with the pandemic situation. The emergency responders and hospital staff have the capacity to handle situations around the virus, he said, adding there have been no cases officially declared yet in the BESC region which takes in the borders of Beaver County. With the province having raised the emergency preparedness level to Level 4, Premier Jason Kenney and AHS have put in place even more stringent rules to combat the virus. "We're letting Alberta Health Services lead," he said, with all communication going through Alberta Health and Canada Health agencies. "We're limiting meetings and training sessions to protect our emergency responders," he said. He also added that the local responders "have what they need for protection," in terms of protective gear. "We go on medical calls," he said, so the protective equipment was already in place prior to the pandemic. BESC has checked its inventories and determined there are enough masks, gloves, and other protective gear already on hand. Alberta Health is working with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency so it can keep current as the situation evolves. "The AHS pandemic plan for the province is already in place and attached to BESC," he said. A meeting on COVID-19 took place earlier to keep local emergency personnel up to speed, although social distancing is being practiced. And, "stations have had their internal meetings." Weiss said that the biggest message is the protection of older individuals with immune compromised health. "We're being cautious and focusing on the seniors." Alberta RCMP has advised that some detachments and offices may defer or arrange to provide alternatives for certain services normally delivered in a detachment. “These measures are being taken as the safety of Albertans and our
employees is our number one priority. This practice will be evaluated on a regular basis and the public will be notified when normal business resumes. “There has been no change to the Alberta RCMP’s response to critical and emergency matters. We remind the public to please continue to call 911 in these situations.” RCMP advise that services normally taken at the front counter in detachments, like non-injury vehicle collisions, providing statements, criminal record checks, may be deferred to help maintain social distancing as proscribed by Alberta Health Services. It is recommended that you call the local detachment before heading out, to determine what services are available. “As always, if you are feeling unwell or are experiencing any of the symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay at home.” For the protection of RCMP members and the public, RCMP released the following on Monday: “The safety and security of Albertans will not be affected during this time. We have safety protocols in place for any officers and RCMP employees who may come in contact with potentially ill individuals. “Don’t be alarmed if you see officers wearing extra protection. We will be using gloves when handling documents, baggage, and personal items of any potentially ill individuals. “We will be using masks, eye and clothing protection when interacting with, escorting, or assisting any potentially ill individuals. “We take the health of our employees seriously, and in line with other federal departments, any non-essential services will be encouraged to telework from home. “If you need officer assistance, and believe you may be ill, please let us know when you make the call so our officers can be prepared ahead of time. “If you believe you might be ill with COVID-19, please use online assessment tools to determine if you should call 811. Please only call 911 for emergencies! “Our Operational Communications Centres are open and fully functioning. Please only dial 911 in an emergency! “We are encouraging all of our employees to practice regular and frequent handwashing, practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, self-monitor for symptoms, and avoid contact with sick individuals. Employees dealing with the public will have additional protective gear. “The safety of Albertans and our employees is our number one priority. We are continuing to provide the same level of emergency services as usual. “Alberta RCMP Detachments may still provide certain in-Detachment services. For the safety of all, clients may be asked to wear a mask while in the Detachment.”
With the outbreak of COVID-19, we will be conducting measures to avoid the potential spread of the virus. Please let my staff know if you have a cough, fever, or travelled in the last 14 days and had contact with COVID positive people. If you need to cancel your appointment, I will call you and discuss any renewal of prescriptions and other medical advice. We need to do everything we can to keep our community and frontline health workers safe. Please DO NOT come to the hospital or clinic if you think you maybe infect-
ed. If you need urgent medical attention call 911. Viking hospital still needs to deliver healthy babies and treat other ill patients and we cannot afford to have our capacity severely challenged. We cannot expose our sick patients. We are in the process of setting up a system for Telemedicine/phone call consults if our area gets affected. PLEASE DO NOT PANIC. Follow the self assessment tool provided by Alberta Health Services on its website. SOCIAL DISTANCING is very important. If you have symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days. Please share and pass on this information.
FCSS issues statement In response to COVID-19, Viking/Beaver FCSS will be making slight changes in regards to our day-today operations in an effort to do our part to limit the spread of infection: Please DO NOT visit either of our physical locations if you are sick or immunocompromised. We are happy to help you over the phone or through email. Our contact information is as follows: Director (Dawn): DChrystian@vbfcss.ca Viking Office: (780)-336-4024 Holden Office: (780)-688-3928 HoldenProgram@vbfcss.ca If you or a loved one receives Meals on Wheels, and someone in the home becomes ill, please immediately contact our Viking office, so we can make alternate arrangements to best ensure the safety of our staff and the least disruption in services. We are suspending our Home Help program for the month of March. All clients will be contacted. At this time, we are cancelling all of our scheduled programming for the month of March. Registrants will be contacted. This includes the following VBFCSS program partnerships: - The Community Helpers Program (March 23 & 24) - The Healthy Relationships
Program (March 23, 30, April 6,8) All COMPASS Caregivers Programming General Family Counselling will continue at this time, with increased attention to ensuring that the counselling offices are sanitized throughout the day. If you are sick, please do not attend your counselling appointment and contact our office to reschedule. The Viking/Holden Food Bank remains operational, and available to anyone in the service area who may be self-quarantining, regardless of their financial situation. Food Bank hampers will be delivered to the homes of recipients. Please do not physically attend the Food Bank until further notice. To request a hamper, please contact us. Thank you for your cooperation during this time. We have begun to work on programming that can be done inhome on a family by family basis, and look forward to rolling this out in the community shortly. We also continue to work closely with our community partners to stay informed of this rapidly-changing situation and to ensure a cohesive community-wide response. As such, the above information is subject to change. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. VBFCSS Board and Staff
Grocery stores across the continent struggle to keep shelves stocked as many people continue to panic-buy and hoard food and supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Trudeau and US President Trump have both asked that the public not panic and hoard food, and to think of others, including higher risk groups like seniors. Brand name suppliers, meanwhile, have reassured the public that there is no shortage except what is being artifically created by hoarding. Above, Viking AG Foods has dealt with the issue, but staff there is quick to keep customers informed and re-stock shelves when supplies become available.
The Weekly Review, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 3
Our COVID-19 Response & Commitment DUE TO THE EVOLVING COVID-19 SITUATION, WE HAVE MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO
CLOSE OUR OFFICE TO THE PUBLIC TEMPORARILY AS OF THURSDAY, MARCH 19
To clarify, our paper will still be published each week and our staff will still be working between the office and at home during usual hours, we simply won’t be OPEN to the public in order to help prevent unnecessary person-to-person spread. We ask that in order to practice responsible social distancing, all ad bookings, subscription renewals, print orders, inquiries, and payments that were planned to be made in-person, be made by phone or email instead at this time.
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We are committed to publishing our newspaper uninterrupted Every Week and keeping our readers informed during this uncertain time. Staff will also practice the utmost safety and take all sanitary measures in the handling of weekly paper before delivery to stores and mailboxes. We hope you understand that in order to ensure continual delivery of the community news, we must do our part to keep our staff and our customers safe. To be clear: none of our staff have tested
positive or reported symptoms. This is an entirely preventative measure.