City of Lethbridge updates community on COVID-19 response

“These closures are in place until further notice as a precautionary measure and to best minimize the risk to our community.”

‘PANIC-BUYING’

Across the nation, there has been an influx of what’s known as ‘panic-buying’, with store shelves being cleared of supplies like toilet paper and sanitizer.

Spearman said it’s important to be mindful of other during the global crisis.

“We can only encourage people to think of their neighbors, think of others. If certain basic sanitary supplies are not available to those who are in most need, there are risk of other health issues arising in our community. I think we want to make sure that everybody has access to sanitary materials and to toilet paper and to basic food supplies for that matter,” he said, adding the city does not have authority to force local stores to put purchase limits on items.

Marc Rathwell, Lethbridge’s Fire Chief, said the department does have some power if a state of local emergency was enacted.

“Most of [that] is around making sure we don’t have price-gouging and things like that, but when it comes to the hoarding piece, we don’t have control over folks that way,” he said.

“We want to make sure that people are monitoring themselves and making some really good choices out there in terms of…this is something that’s going to go on for quite a bit of time so we want to make sure that you just work like your normally do, make sure you have your 72-hour kit available for you and some supplies at home.”

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES

Spearman noted at this point, it’s up to an individual business if they want to shut down their operations and he, along with the city, understand that the pandemic has taken a toll on business owners.

“I’m very concerned about many people who are self-employed. They have no control over the fact that their income might be severely affected. People in the entertainment business and other fields – their events are being cancelled, their income flow is being cancelled – that’s very difficult and again, similarly with business owners, sometimes foregoing a day of celebration and some profit might be better in the long run for the community.”

EMERGENCY CREWS

Rathwell said fire and EMS crews continue to respond to calls as they normally would but have implemented some additional new measures as per Alberta Health Services’ recommendations.

He added they have seen a slight jump in calls related to the flu and is advising residents to utilize AHS’ COVID-19 self-assessment if they believe they may have the virus.

The AHS COVID-19 self-assessment can be found here.

Rathwell said the department is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and protect the health of their crew and citizens.

CITY HALL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

City Manager Jody Meli said staff who experience childcare issues following the provincial government’s announcement Sunday regarding K to 12 schools were able to stay home today.

She said operations at City Hall continue as normal but is encouraging residents to avoid attending the building unless necessary.

A Facebook group has been created, titled Lethbridge Support Circle, to offer support to any residents in need during the health crisis.

Spearman said it was encouraging to see the community come together like this.

“I think that’s exactly the response that we need. We need people to help one another,” he said,

“There are people who are not in peak physical conditions, there are people who need supports in our community, people who have immune deficiencies who really are terrified at the moment that this virus might come to our city, so we need to make sure that we can assure and support those people in our community.”

by Justin Goulet

City of Lethbridge updates community on COVID-19 response

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