City extends State of Local Emergency for 90 days

Apr 9, 2020 | 2:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It may not be needed for the entirety of the 90 day period, but do not expect the City of Lethbridge’s State of Local Emergency (SOLE) to end right away.

The SOLE was first issued on March 18 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The declaration allows the city to access additional resources, particularly for vulnerable populations.

It also enables local authorities the power to execute special orders in accordance with the Emergency Management Act, which is mainly around being able to use facilities. For example, the city on March 27 announced that they will be utilizing the gym in the Fritz Sick Memorial Centre as a temporary homeless shelter.

Director of Emergency Management Greg Adair said on April 9 that the SOLE has been extended for an additional period of 90 days.

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“Our goal though and our hope is that we won’t need this for 90 days. Should it be required, it will be in place.”

Although Lethbridge Police have the authority to enforce public health orders, Inspector Jason Walper says they have not received any requests from Alberta Health Services to do so yet.

The Government of Alberta confirmed on Wednesday an additional four cases of COVID-19 in the South Health Zone, including two new infections in Lethbridge.

That means a total of nine people have tested positive in the city to date, although five have fully recovered.

Adair says he is not aware of any cases in Lethbridge that were the result of community transmission.

by David Opinko