Photo Credit: Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership

By Shane Clausing

COVID-19

GPREP asks snowbirds to stay home upon arrival

Mar 24, 2020 | 3:06 PM

The six partner municipalities of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership are asking snowbirds to go directly home without making any stops along the way.

In a news release sent out on Tuesday, the Acting Director of Emergency Management for GPREP, Dan Lemieux, reiterated what Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney stated at his press conference on Monday, about snowbirds returning home from their holiday.

“The biggest risk to the region is the return of residents who have been out of Canada. It is critical that they return to their home immediately and do not make any stops. Do not stop to visit family, do not stop to pick up any pets, don’t even stop for groceries. And once you are home, please stay there in isolation for two weeks.”

Lemieux recognizes that snowbirds will need items when they come home but says there are ways to get items without going into public.

“We encourage returning residents to use online shopping tools if available or by calling upon family, friends or neighbours to bring items to you,” said Lemieux. “It is critical that you avoid contact with others for the full 14 days and do not go out into the community for any reason.”

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Those who don’t have access to family and neighbours don’t have to worry.

On Monday GPREP announced the launch of its COVID-19 Community Care Program.

This program is for citizens who are unable to visit stores and pharmacies because of self-isolation requirements, as directed by Alberta Health Services. The program will have essential items like groceries and medication delivered to your house. Those interested in the program can click here.

GPREP is also reminding residents once they return home to monitor their health and watch for symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue or difficulties breathing.

If you or anyone experiences any of these symptoms, you are asked to use the AHS online self-assessment tool to determine the next steps, such as undergoing testing.