Photo: Shaun Penner

By Shaun Penner

COVID-19 in Grande Prairie

New COVID-19 cases serve as reminder to remain vigilant: Given

May 23, 2020 | 6:00 AM

Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given says new cases of COVID-19 appearing in Grande Prairie serve as a reminder that the coronavirus pandemic is not over, despite the fact the businesses and activities in the Peace Region and across Alberta begin to slowly re-open.

Given made the remarks following the news that for a third straight day, a new case of COVID-19 was identified by Alberta Health to be located in the City of Grande Prairie. As of May 22, there are three active cases of COVID-19 in the City, while three cases have recovered.

“We are still in an active pandemic,” said Given. “It’s a good reminder that our community needs to stay vigilant. We need to continue to follow those public health orders, that are really in place for the safety of ourselves and all of the other people that we come into contact with.”

It was just last week, on May 14, that the province began Stage 1 of its economic relaunch, wherein restaurants, salons and other businesses were permitted to re-open, with restrictions. Given adds that is why practicing things like maintaining a two metres physical distance from others, washing your hands regularly and wearing a non-medical mask in spaces where physical distancing can be difficult can help keep it so we can continue on the path towards more places reopening.

“This is all the more reason why we have to ensure that as we’re starting to go about our business out in public, that we are following public health advice.”

He also encourages residents of the Swan City to download the AB Trace Together contact tracing app, which is an extension of Alberta Health Service’s contact tracing efforts. The app stores information of other app users you have been in close proximity with, and helps AHS notify you if you have been near a person that has tested positive for COVID-19. Full details about the app can be found in the story here.

“I have the app myself. I do use it when I go out into public, when I go to the grocery store, when I go to the hardware store,” said Given. “I do that so that I can ensure that I would be able to notify other people if I ended up testing positive.”

“It really is something that I am not concerned about the privacy implications of after looking at the underlying technology,” he added. “I would encourage Grande Prairie residents to make it a part of the toolbox that we use to contain the COVID(-19) pandemic.”

As the City continues to move forward with its “new normal”, Given says new cases will continue to serve as a reminder that much work remains to done in the months ahead with this pandemic, and that continued vigilance is crucial.

“This is still a situation where we are all in this together, and I am counting on Grande Prairie residents, and residents in the region to continue to do their part.”