Mayor Ted Clugston speaks to reporters Tuesday morning about how the City of Medicine Hat is approaching an easing of provincial health orders this week and the opening of some businesses deemed as non-essential during the early stages of the COVID pandemic response.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Civic officials are stressing that Hatters should remain cautious and vigilant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, even though provincial officials will lift some health restrictions this week and allow certain businesses to open.
“I feel a lot more hope and optimism heading towards May 14 – people are excited about it,” Mayor Ted Clugston told a weekly press availability at city hall.
“But what we really want to stress, along with Alberta Heath Services, is that with hope comes caution. We’ve proven that we can follow the rules. We might think everything is OK now, but it isn’t … Vigilance won’t end.”
A provincial plan for lifting preventative measures allows some retailers and service providers to open as early at Thursday if they follow specific guidelines to operate safely.
The general public as well is asked to continue observing calls for increased hand washing, remaining at least six feet apart and limiting groupings of people as a way to slow the spread of the deadly respiratory illness that has killed more than 100 Albertans and more than 5,000 nationwide.
Health officials say those numbers would be much higher at this point without an extraordinary effort to close non-essential businesses, and calls to stay home as much as possible. After close to two months of reduced economic activity however, there is growing calls to restart business activity or just allow greater latitude to citizens.
Business leaders told the News last week that for economic conditions to recover not only are openings required, but customers need to feel comfortable attending shops or restaurants.
On Tuesday, city emergency planning head Merrick Brown said moving too fast, without strict adherence to health protocols, could lead to reversion and stricter measures being re-imposed by Alberta Health to contain regional outbreaks.
“We understand that it’s difficult, but as we move into Stage 1 (of a re-open plan), it’s not that we’ve won this battle,”
“All of these restrictions that have been in place, and all of this guidance from Alberta Health – physical distancing, mass gathering – they still apply.
“It is absolutely critical.”
Brown also said residents may not see a flood of business activity at the onset of phase one – businesses are allowed to open but may need more time to adjust or implement safe operational plans.
