Clugston, Barnes say residents shouldn’t need government to keep them safe from COVID-19

By Medicine Hat News on November 14, 2020.

Local and regional political leaders in Medicine Hat are stressing the importance of personal responsibility over harsher government restriction to fight the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Speaking Thursday before the Alberta government announced targeted measures in communities that have elevated infection rates, Mayor Ted Clugston said Medicine Hat’s approach has worked.

Rates are rising here too, but emergency officials said Monday they agree with the province health authorities that spread is occurring in private settings.

“No government is going to be able to protect you from a virus,” said Clugston on Thursday. “Only you can save yourself.”

Clugston and regional MLA Drew Barnes were part of a panel discussion on leadership put on by the Chamber with about 60 attendees.

“I know the values that we have in southern Alberta – helping each other, self-reliance, and protecting ourselves and each other – will go a long way,” said Barnes.

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