The mayor says he welcomes all opinions regarding a possible mask bylaw, including those of two local physicians on opposite sides of the debate.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
Mayor Ted Clugston says the province faced a tough decision in deciding what mandatory restrictions to announce Tuesday.
He called it a situation that has divided the province and the community. Premier Jason Kenney had to walk a “tight rope,” with some people demanding a full lockdown and others warning that this would be the worst thing to do.
“I think he walked right in between and I think they’ve done an exceptional job, actually,” said Clugston.
These are not the strict measures seen in the spring, he said, and can be reasonably managed for three-weeks.
“I applaud them actually,” said Clugston.
The UCP government declared a state of public health emergency and put mandatory restrictions in place for three-weeks in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19. See adjacent story for details.
Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes says he is sad and disappointed that Alberta has had to return to more drastic measures.
“I am pleased the government has allowed some regional differences,” said Barnes. “Success is that we … focus on protecting the vulnerable and their families.”
Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA Michaela Glasgo says her heart go out to the business people who are impacted by the restrictions but it could have been “so much worse.”
“Our government took a reasonable approach,” said Glasgo, using the analogy of a rifle over a shotgun to institute measures where they are needed rather than across the board.
Much debate has occurred over what is needed to be done to address rising case numbers. Clugston says in the last four days he has heard from at least 100 people each day on the issue.
“I think this may keep the peace,” he said – for three weeks that is, and then it depends on where case totals have gone to in that time, he added.
Glasgo says even though the mandatory mask restriction applies only to the Edmonton and Calgary health zones, there is evidence people in general are wearing masks anyway.
“It’s catching on,” even without a specific bylaw or restriction, said Glasgo of her observation in the riding.
