(The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

UPDATE: Members of Claresholm-area Hutterite colonies impacted by COVID-19 outbreak

Jul 16, 2020 | 9:18 AM

CLARESHOLM, AB – UPDATE: The Town of Claresholm is clearing up some misinformation.

Earlier this week, it was reported that there had been an outbreak of COVID-19 within the Willow Creek Hutterite Colony. However, that appears to not be the case.

The Town of Claresholm, MD of Willow Creek and MLA for Livingstone-Macleod Roger Reid have since updated a press release, removing mention of that specific colony.

The updated notice states that “an outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the Hutterite colonies in the Claresholm area”, and that the colonies – none of which are specifically named – are working with Alberta Health Services to quarantine and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Reports say the Willow Creek Hutterite Colony previously mentioned does not have any cases of COVID-19. Claresholm, the MD of Willow Creek and MLA Reid have confirmed, however, reports of discrimination against individuals in local Hutterite communities.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Officials say discrimination of any kind is misplaced and unacceptable.

——————————

(ORIGINAL STORY: Note the correction made above)

The Town of Claresholm has reported that an outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the Willow Creek Hutterite Colony.

The town stated that the colony has agreed with Alberta Health Services to quarantine to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The town also noted that they have received reports of discrimination towards members of the local Hutterite community.

“The Government of Alberta and the Town of Claresholm does not tolerate any form of discrimination. Those who are affected or at risk of infection are under quarantine and following the recommendations from Alberta Health Services,” the town said in a release.

MLA for Livingston-Macleod, Roger Reid, said he has been in contact with the Minister of Health and the Town of Claresholm.

“I will continue to work with the Minister of Health and the Town of Claresholm to ensure we have adequate access to testing and PPE in our area,” he said.

“We must work together to ensure all members of our community are kept safe and positioned for a quick recovery. Discrimination to anyone is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.”

Claresholm’s mayor Doug MacPherson said he offers the local colonies the town’s best wishes for a speedy and safe conclusion to the COVID threat.

He also sent out a message to ease the minds of residents of the town.

“AHS has stepped in to help the affected colonies to address their outbreak through testing and quarantine. There are measures and safeguards put into place to protect Claresholm residents. These are unprecedented times, but we must all remember that everyone is doing their best, so please stay calm and take care to protect yourself and others,” he said.

Reeve Maryanne Sandberg with the Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26 said that the MD is confident that the recent number of COVID-19 cases that have been identified in the community are being managed “in a prudent and professional manner” by AHS.

“We have received assurances from AHS – and we are confident in these assurances – that the requires self isolation requirements of both the individuals who have tested positive and those they have come in contact within their respective communities are being strictly adhered to,” she said.

“Discrimination of identifiable groups is not in keeping with our tradition as a community. We must remember that as this crisis passes that we will continue to be neighbors and friends and as such we must govern our behavior, words and actions with this certain knowledge.”

Anyone who is concerned that they may have COVID-19 can take the self-assessment online via Alberta Health Services’ website.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.