COCHRANE— Provincial health measures are paying off in Cochrane, as the Town sits atop municipalities with the least amount of COVID-19 cases.
The neighbouring community of Calgary, a mere 20 minutes from Cochrane, accounts for 69 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the province— however the overwhelming wave of COVID-19 has yet to engulf Cochrane. This could be credited to early confirmed cases said Mayor Jeff Genung causing the public to react accordingly.
Though it has been evident that Cochrane is doing their part, some grey area lingers as to what individuals can really do. Current public health protocols limiting group gatherings to under 15 people remain in place Genung said, adding Cochranites should continue to limit interactions with friends and family as much as possible.
"We've done such great things to keep the virus at bay," he said. "If people start gathering and we see the virus go in the other direction, then we're going to have to put other measures in place."
Genung added this is something he would hate to have to do and if Cochranites can just hang on for a few more weeks, he is hopeful we will be back to normal "sooner rather than later."
"Municipal enforcement and the RCMP are not going to come and crack down on somebody if there's a group of 15, but what they would look for if there was a group is the physical distancing," Genung said.
Frank Borsos, Manager of Municipal Enforcement said the most prominent calls they receive are in regard to social gatherings. He said while they have followed up with multiple calls, no tickets have been issued in Cochrane.
"We have not had anything that would indicate that enforcement would be suitable action to take," Borsos said. "If anything it's usually providing public education. We have to really tip our hat to the community of Cochrane and what we've been seeing and the fact that people are understanding and knowing the guidelines that have been put out through the public health act and the province and are doing a great job about following them."
Benches that sit along Historic Downtown have been taped off in hopes of preventing passerbys from idling in the area. High point touch surfaces are also a risk Genung said, indicating garbage cans fall under the umbrella as well. Playgrounds in the community have also been closed in the hopes of preventing the spread of the virus.
As Saskatchewan begins to open up the province again, Genung touched on how Alberta will be keeping a close eye on how it all plays out. If a spike in cases does occur, this may be a sign that things were eased too soon he said.
Although COVID-19 numbers remain low in Cochrane, Genung said as soon as the nod is received from the province, the Town will look at pulling back on some of the measures in place. He said Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw hinted at a formula that could be used which would allow a certain number of people per square foot into an establishment.
"They're going to come out with restrictions like that or some guidelines that will show us how to get back to normal," Genung said.
