Local News
Asymptomatic testing to begin at LTC facilities, non-urgent surgeries coming next week
By Medicine Hat News on May 23rd, 2020
Starting Monday voluntary COVID-19 testing will be available in long-term care and level 4 designated supportive living facilities even for those without any symptoms. Non-urgent surgeries requiring a hospital stay will also resume next week. These surgeries had been on hold to make sure the health-care system had capacity to help those affected by COVID-19. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Clugston open to use of Truth and Reconciliation statement but not before speeches
By COLLIN GALLANT on May 23rd, 2020
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Mayor Ted Clugston wants to see an “acknowledgement statement” drafted by city staff related to Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, but says he won’t take part in the practice of announcing local treaties before his own speeches. On Monday, city council asked staff to create an acknowledgement statement after receiving a recommendation from ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City to allow use of playgrounds, skateparks and other outdoor rec areas on May 29
By Medicine Hat News on May 23rd, 2020
Playgrounds and other outdoor recreation structures will be open for public use on May 29, the Medicine Hat parks department announced Friday. Jungle gyms, swing sets, skateparks, fitness parks and other equipment had been off limits by order of provincial public health officials this spring in order to limit spread of COVID-19. This week, the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Antibody testing couple weeks away
By GILLIAN SLADE on May 23rd, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health says COVID-19 antibody tests could be available in Alberta within a couple of weeks. “Serological testing is important because it allows us to see who within the population has antibodies to this specific virus, and therefore who has had previous exposure,” said Tom McMillan, assistant director communication for Alberta Health. About two ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Mask policies changing, even at the bank
By RYAN MCCRACKEN on May 23rd, 2020
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken The Public Health Agency of Canada revised its stance on masks Wednesday to recommend all Canadians wear non-medical face coverings wherever maintaining six feet of social distance is not possible – however that creates a unique issue for businesses that previously prohibited concealed faces, like banks. There was a time, not too long ago, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Group claims churches facing rules that other places of gathering aren’t
By GILLIAN SLADE on May 22nd, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms sent a legal letter to the government claiming unfair guidelines issued for places of worship that are not applied to other places people congregate. Provincial guidelines for places of worship include the need to “keep a list of congregants who were present for services” and an “up-to-date contact ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Wild Horse crossing not yet included in provincial COVID screening plans
By Medicine Hat News on May 22nd, 2020
A plan to have provincial officials screen and monitor international travellers who arrive in Alberta doesn’t yet and may not include the Port of Wild Horse, south of Medicine Hat, or other low-volume border crossings. All non-essential travel is suspended at U.S. entry points, where commercial transport workers follow separate guidelines from other travellers who ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!School boards splitting $5.5M in provincial funding
By COLLIN GALLANT on May 22nd, 2020
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Nearly $5.5 million is going to three school boards in the Medicine Hat region to accelerate maintenance projects as part of a provincial plan to stir up economic activity. The province announced $250 million in new funding for boards across Alberta on Wednesday following an early April statement that spending would be coming in ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!ATB buying first responders a coffee today
By Medicine Hat News on May 22nd, 2020
Coffee for first responders is being paid for today by ATB Financial. If you are a police officer, firefighter or paramedic, ATB is paying for your coffee at Madhatter Coffee Roastery on Third Street, downtown Medicine Hat. It’s ATB’s way of saying thanks to all frontline workers who are working so tirelessly to help Albertans ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Clarification from MHC cuts story
By Medicine Hat News on May 22nd, 2020
Unclear information was included in a report on the Medicine Hat College budget that was published int he May 21 edition of the News. The college will continue to offering “social work” as a degree program going forward, but will no longer offer the ability for dual-accredited certificate in social work and addictions counselling. “Addictions ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Food bank says pandemic has been a learning experience
By RYAN MCCRACKEN on May 22nd, 2020
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken The Medicine Hat and District Food Bank is adjusting to changing demands brought on by COVID-19. Executive director Celina Symmonds says the ongoing pandemic has been a learning process for staff at the food bank, but they’ve been aided along the way by consistent support from the community. “We’d like to thank our community, ... Read More »
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