Use of emergency alert system for new COVID restrictions receives negative reaction

Although the public was made aware of the protocols on Thursday, Alberta’s emergency alert system was utilized Friday to remind residents of the restrictions.

Apparently, that move did not go over well with many people.

Screenshot of the alert sent out on Friday, April 30 (Lethbridge News Now)

Lethbridge News Now received numerous complaints regarding the government’s use of the emergency alert system.

One person called it a “shameful” move by the provincial government, while others called it a “blatant misuse” of what the alert system was designed for.

Primarily, it is used to notify residents of severe events like wildfires and flooding.

Lethbridge News Now reached out to the Government of Alberta, in an effort to find out why the system was used to remind residents of the latest COVID-19 restrictions, even though the Premier had announced details on the measures only the day before.

A response from the province read that, “the alert was issued to inform Albertans of stronger public health measures that are now in place to protect the health system and reduce the rising spread of COVID-19 province-wide.”

“Wireless public alerting is a system that sends messages about life-threatening emergencies directly to smartphones in areas affected by an emergency. Alberta Emergency Alert will continue to provide information on developing emergencies and serious alerts for regions in Alberta, including maps and links to resources.”

On Saturday, May 1, Alberta set a single-day record for COVID-19 cases, with 2,433 new infections reported in the province.

by Justin Goulet

Use of emergency alert system for new COVID restrictions receives negative reaction

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