(@PaperCandie on Twitter)

By Josh Hall

TOO SOON

Alberta Health: Large crowds at Sylvan Lake beach a no-no

Jul 13, 2020 | 9:22 AM

The sun was shining on Saturday and that meant an inevitable stream of people to the waterfront of Sylvan Lake.

Images popping up on social media this weekend from the town 25 km west of Red Deer have sparked reaction from several who fear those kinds of scenes could contribute to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

“By tweeting, I wasn’t intending to shame anyone, especially Albertans. I only meant to shed light on how we as a whole are getting too comfortable with lifted restrictions and low numbers. COVID is still here and we need to be careful,” Twitter user @PaperCandie told rdnewsNOW on Sunday.

“The only people I saw wearing masks were law enforcement, water rescue and restaurant employees. There was very little physical distancing as it was near impossible with the amount of people there.”

In a statement from Alberta Health, spokesperson Tom McMillan says the province continues to recommend all Albertans physically distance whenever possible, including when at the beach.

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“Please be respectful of others and follow all the public guidance we have provided. COVID-19 is still here and we all must do our part in limiting the spread,” he says. “CMOH order 26-2020 requires 2 metre physical distancing to be maintained, unless acting in compliance with the guidance provided.”

McMillan says AHS Public Health Inspectors and police agencies can respond, primarily on a public complaint basis.

NDP Opposition Leader Rachel Notley also took to Twitter, saying, “This is so dangerous. You’re putting your life at risk. Please Albertans let’s work together to get rid of COVID-19.”

As of Friday, Alberta has confirmed 8,596 total cases of COVID-19, with 592 active and 50 people in hospital. There have been 160 deaths in the province thus far.

Sylvan Lake Mayor Sean McIntyre and the Town of Sylvan Lake expect to release a statement on the matter Monday.