City enacts emergency management plan
By Collin Gallant on March 13, 2020.
NEWS FILE PHOTO Mayor Ted Clugston is interviewed following a Medicine Hat city council meeting on Feb. 18. On March 13, Clugston and other officials worked to reassure citizens and outline actions as the city deals with COVID-19.
@CollinGallant The City of Medicine Hat has enacted its emergency management plan and measures to ensure its workforce will continue to provide essential services, but not a state of emergency or measures beyond those of Alberta Health to tackle the spread of COVID-19. At morning press conference, Mayor Ted Clugston and other officials worked to reassure citizens and outline actions. Merrick Brown, the city’s director of emergency management, said at this point the public will not generally be affected in their dealings with the city. All public facilities remained open on Friday, but work behind the scenes “This is out of an abundance of caution as to what’s been occurring across the province, and some of the announcements from Alberta Health last night,” said Brown, referring to Alberta Health advisory that all gatherings of more than 250 people be suspended to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. “This allows us to move through a methodical coordination process for city operations and city events.” Several large public gatherings and events have been cancelled, but regular meetings of city council will continue. Operational changes include directing employees who have travelled outside Canada recently to remain home for the time being and asking that AHS guidelines for hygiene and interpersonal contact be observed. The goal is to avoid a major portion of the workforce from falling ill or quarantined so that emergency services, like police and fire, as well as utility workers and others can continue. The city has created a page on its website for residents to be updated on city efforts as well as provide links to health authority advice. Mayor Ted Clugston expressed his confidence in Medicine Hat’s and Hatters’ ability to remain vigilant through the pandemic. “I’d encourage the residents of Medicine Hat and everyone to be calm but cautious, but considerate and compassionate to their fellow citizens,” said Clugston. “I have the ultimate confidence in city employees and the plans that we have, and our procedures going forward.” “The City of Medicine Hat has some of the best (emergency management) plans and proven in the past that we can get through incidents like this and we will get through this one.” 14
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