Alberta’s Central Zone’s active COVID-19 cases have gone up over the weekend, bringing the total central zone active cases to 85. It increased by four cases since Friday Aug. 14 , 2020.
However, not included in those numbers is Wetaskiwin County and the City of Wetaskiwin. According to the Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 aggregate data map, both the City and County have zero active cases and the City has 11 recovered cases.
The City of Wetaskiwin has not made any decisions about mandatory masking bylaws as of this time, unlike the City’s neighbours to the north.
The City of Wetaskiwin recently announced that if their active cases reach 10, mandatory masking for all indoor public spaces will be put into place. This will include retail stores, entertainment venues, recreation centres, and vehicles for hire, in addition to City facilities, when utilizing transit, and ride for hire vehicles. Business operators can choose whether or not to deny service to those who do not comply with the bylaw and may also sell or provide face coverings to customers if they choose.
The City of Edmonton’s mandatory mask bylaw was put in place and made effective as of Aug. 1, 2020.
Although there hasn’t been any motions by City of Wetaskiwin Council regarding mandatory masking, the City is urging residents to be cautious amid rising COVID-19 cases across the province.
The City of Wetaskiwin recommends the following simple steps to help battle COVID-19:
• Practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ lengths) from others who are not in your household
• Wear a non-medical face mask in public when physical distancing is not possible
• Download and use the ABTraceTogether contact tracing app while out in public
• Avoid carpooling with people from outside your household, if possible
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Watch for COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, fever (over 38°C), shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat
• Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to arrange testing if you have any symptoms
“We encourage everyone to enjoy the City’s parks and playgrounds this summer; but as you do so, please remain mindful of the guidelines,” said Robert Osmond, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Wetaskiwin. “Our continued enjoyment of these open spaces, and our collective health as a community, hinge on everyone’s adherence to the province’s public health regulations on physical distancing and mass gathering restrictions.”
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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