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thejasperlocal.com
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sunday, march 15, 2020 // ISSUE 165
SOCIAL DISTANCING // @EXPLORERSEB WITH PLENTY OF BREATHING ROOM ON MOUNT WILCOX. // ELIOT SCHARNAU
COVID-19: Schools, daycare cancelled Classes at all K-12 schools in Alberta, including Jasper, have been closed indefinitely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Licensened childcare centres were also ordered closed, the province announced. “Do not send your children to school. All school buildings are closed to students and community,” a March 15 update from Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD) said. Public officials in Jasper have been taking measures to support the provincial and federal response to the Corona virus.
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Canadians are being asked to help “flatten the curve” and take measures to slow down the spread of the virus to reduce the load on the country’s healthcare system. On March 13, after completing a risk assessment for mass gatherings provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the municipality elected to cancel several events including Parent Link and Community Dinners. The Habitat for the Arts and local sports organizations followed suit. Marmot Basin ski area remains open. “We are monitoring the situation
daily and following all official health authority and regulatory recommendations,” a March 14 update from Marmot Basin reads. GYPSD board chair Brenda Rosadiuk said she expects expect every student to receive a final mark and that students will progress to their next grade level next year. “We are confident that every student who is eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will graduate,” she added. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts from the Municipality of Jasper via the town’s website, www.jasperalberta.com. Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com