Updated Alberta Statistics on Coronavirus, Thurs. March 26. ECA Review/Submitted
Alberta Health Services confirmed Wed. March 25 Stettler County has its first official case of COVID-19.
A total of 486 cases have been confirmed within Alberta as of Thursday., making the province the fourth-highest ranking for most cases behind B.C., Quebec, and Ontario.
At this time, the Stettler Recreation Centre, Stettler Community Hall, Stettler Fire Hall, Town and County Public Works Shops and Town and County Offices are closed.
Clearview School district has also closed their doors to the public.
Due to provincial and federal mandates, public and private recreation facilities, bars and select restaurants are also closed.
“We understand that this has been a difficult time for our residents and that this news may cause concern,” said a news release from both County of Stettler Reeve Larry Clarke and Stettler Town Mayor Sean Nolls.
The Town and County have been working together through the Stettler Regional Emergency Management Agency (SREMA) and have formed the Emergency Operating Centre to monitor the situation and provide updates when needed.
“We want to ensure you that this collaboration will continue to provide ongoing support and information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and that we will always take the health and safety of our residents seriously.
“This confirmation of our first COVID-19 case is a reminder that we must take this pandemic seriously and be diligent.
“Always practice social distancing, increase your hygiene and cleaning measures, and follow the self-isolation standards set by Alberta Health Services.
“This is also a time to step up for our community members and loved ones; check on the neighbour that has been self-isolating, and don’t forget to pick up the phone and connect with family and friends.
“The residents of the Stettler region have proven time and again that we are resilient and that we take care of our own.
“We know that we will face this adversity with the same mindset.”
Albertans who chose to ignore the provincial government guidelines regarding the virus may be susceptible to a $1,000 fine including those who chose to go into public spaces after returning from vacation outside of the country within the past 14 days.
The same goes for people who have been in contact with someone who has the virus.
If someone experiences any form of COVID-19 symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat are required to self-isolate 10 days even if that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition.
If you know someone who is not self-isolating when they are legally required to: Take proper precautions and distance yourself from the person to limit your risk of exposure if they have symptoms and remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk.
You can submit a complaint online at https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case/.
27 Albertans have recovered from coronavirus as of Thursday, March 26, an increase of 24 cases from previous records.
“We are all being impacted by this virus,” said Dr. Hinshaw in a press conference on Thursday.
AHS has increased their tests to over 3,000 per day compared to roughly 12 per day last week.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
