Local News
Local businesses doing what they can to stay safely open
By COLLIN GALLANT on March 26th, 2020
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Local businesses will not only have to weather a harsh downturn in business during the COVID-19 pandemic, but adapt if they want to emerge or succeed in the recovery, the head of a local business association says. With a new week of social distancing in full swing, parking lots are empty, and a call ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City launches information phone line for resources during COVID-19
By Medicine Hat News on March 25th, 2020
The City of Medicine Hat launched its telephone information line on Tuesday morning to augment online resources for those in need of information about community support during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The information line number is 403-529-8106. It will be operated by city staff Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Suspicious package at police station just a good deed handled poorly
By JEREMY APPEL on March 25th, 2020
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel A suspicious package left in the foyer of the police station was ultimately a bag of somebody’s personal belongings. Medicine Hat Police Service Staff Sgt. Jason Graham says officers who were monitoring the front desk, which is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noticed a black bag between the two doors leading into the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Drugs being tested but still no treatment
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25th, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health says work is taking place regarding many drugs to treat COVID-19. “An array of drugs approved for other indications as well as several investigational drugs are being studied in clinical trials that are underway across the globe. This includes work underway across Canada,” said Tom McMillan, spokesperson for Alberta Health. There is ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Cielo announces bio-diesel refinery location in Cypress
By COLLIN GALLANT on March 25th, 2020
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant A location of a proposed waste-to-diesel refinery in the Medicine Hat area has been announced by the company behind the project and a local investment group with the potential for a final deal to be signed this summer. At the same time the company revealed that the lead of a local investors group is ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Alberta Health adjusts billing codes for phone, video doc appointments
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25th, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health has made billing adjustments so that physicians are adequately compensated for telephone or video consultations. New virtual care codes will make it possible for physicians to deliver care safely and effectively to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Alberta Health in a press release. Physicians will be paid the same rate as ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Council plans special meet for Friday
By COLLIN GALLANT on March 25th, 2020
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant City council is planning to hold a special meeting Friday to be briefed on the local government response to COVID-19 pandemic, and also hear potential options for relief to residents and businesses that are struggling financially. That comes as calls grow from some sectors of the business community for changes to a planned property ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Travel of all kinds discouraged by Alberta Health
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25th, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health shed more light on rules for self-isolation including inter-provincial travel and how self-isolating affects other people in the house. Alberta currently has no restrictions on inter-provincial travel and no requirements for self-isolation if you have travelled in another province. “However, Dr. Hinshaw has discouraged Albertans from travelling in airplanes or taking any ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!South Zone still has fewest COVID-19 cases
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25th, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade When it comes to COVID-19 the South Zone is doing better than the rest of the province. The South Zone, which includes Medicine Hat at Lethbridge, leads the province with the least percentage of COVID-19 cases at three per cent. Calgary has 62 per cent, Edmonton 23 per cent and the Central and North ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Coronavirus clinic opened at hospital but strictly for doctor referrals alone
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25th, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade A coronavirus clinic opened in Medicine Hat last Friday, according to a local physician. The COVID-19 assessment and treatment centre is operating at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital but patients have to be referred there – you can’t just show up. The clinic is not for a patient to be present without being authorized ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Doctors offices not busy as physicians taking fewer in-person appointments
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25th, 2020
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Your family doctor’s office may not be as busy as you would think during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Actually, most physicians are not (busy),” said Dr. Donovan Nunweiler, Southlands Medical Clinic. “In order to be compliant with social isolation, we are addressing patient concerns over the phone and only seeing the patient in person for ... Read More »
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