Photo: GPREP

By EverythingGP Staff

physical Distancing

GPREP reminding residents of physical distancing mandates when in public

Apr 9, 2020 | 2:29 PM

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership is reminding residents of the importance of physical distancing, after hearing from front line, essential workers that some people still aren’t taking the new mandates seriously enough.

“Essential workers are reporting to GPREP that a number of residents are visiting stores out of boredom and not adhering to provincial health orders nor to the measures put in place by stores to ensure proper physical distancing,” reads a statement from the organization.

“This practice must stop.”

Residents are reminded that Albertans have been asked to limit the number of times they leave their homes, and to only go out to stores for essential goods when needed. GPREP says if you do need to go out, you must follow all physical distancing regulations, like staying two metres away from other people at all times.

“Adhering to physical distancing measures requires all of us to exercise a high-degree of patience when entering grocery stores,” said Chris Manuel, Director of Emergency Management. “If you are caught not adhering to measures in place by Public Health Authorities, you may be charged and if you don’t abide by store rules you can be trespassed and banned.”

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Fines and penalties of $1,000 per offence can be handed out by RCMP, Peace Officers and Public Health Inspectors to anyone who is not following proper social distancing mandates. Courts also have the authority to levy fines of between $100,000 and $500,000 for more serious offences.

Manuel adds that people need to get used to these physical distancing practices, as Premier Jason Kenney announced that current social distancing measures could be in place until at least the end of May.

“The community has done an incredible job to date, that being said, this is no time to become complacent in our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID19 in our region.”

GPREP also renewed the State of Local Emergency for the six partner municipalities (The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, the Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley, and the Villiage of Hythe) for another seven days. The SOLE has been in place since March 18.

“We are hopeful that recent legislation tabled in the Alberta Legislature will allow us to call a State of Local Emergency for a duration of 90 days,” said Jennifer Wood, Manager of GPREP. “If approved, it will eliminate the need for us to renew the state of local emergency with the province and publicly declare the renewal each week.”