By rdnewsNOW staff

State of local emergency declared in Red Deer amidst COVID-19

Mar 16, 2020 | 11:31 AM

The City of Red Deer has declared a state of local emergency to assist the province’s efforts to combat and respond to the spread of COVID-19.

The state of local emergency, which took effect at 9:20 a.m. Monday, gives The City access to additional resources, and special powers under the Emergency Management Act including personnel, from other orders of government if required.

“The City of Red Deer takes emergency management very seriously,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “We are actively working with other orders of government, agencies and partners to ensure our community response is in alignment with the recommendations from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw. Our top priority is the health, safety and well-being of all our citizens as we respond to the issue and work to maintain essential services to our community.”

While the risk to residents remains low, we remain vigilant and prepared to support our community’s needs

Other measures being taken by The City at this time include:

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• All City of Red Deer operated recreation and culture facilities are closed to the public effective Sunday, March 15, 2020.
• Continued activation of The City of Red Deer Emergency Operations Centre
• Continued activation of The City of Red Deer call centre daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for residents to make non-emergency inquiries about City services and policies (403-342-8111)
• Enhanced cleaning and janitorial services in high traffic areas
• Mandatory 14-day isolation period for City employees who are symptomatic and/or have returned from international travel after March 12, 2020.
• Notifying customers affected by program cancellations and City facility closures.
• Revised cancellation policies for passes, programs and room rentals.

Security and staff will remain on site at the closed facilities to support the management of the city assets.

In addition, the following City facilities remain open to the public at this time, however with potentially amended service levels.

• City Hall and Professional Building
• Sorenson Station and Red Deer Transit service
• the downtown Red Deer RCMP detachment

“We know this is a difficult and stressful time for everyone, including residents and our employees,” said Allan Seabrooke, City Manager. “We are working around the clock to protect our community. We have implemented a number of measures already and we will continue to do so to protect our residents. I want to thank everyone for support and patience so far.”

Residents are reminded not to attend City facilities or any public facilities if they are feeling ill. Call Alberta Healthlink at 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information about COVID-19 and 9-1-1 only in the case of a life-threatening emergency or crime in progress.

The COVID-19 outbreak remains a fluid situation and information can change quickly and often. The City of Red Deer is prepared to make additional changes to policies as required in order to keep residents safe and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Residents are urged to visit the Alberta Health Services website at www.ahs.ca for the most up to date information.