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."