COCHRANE— The mayor of Cochrane is calling for extreme kindness during the challenging times of the COVID-19.
Mayor Jeff Genung alongside CAO Drew Hyndman addressed Cochranites with their weekly live broadcast on COVID-19, Monday evening (April 6).
Genung said there are a total of 13 cases of coronavirus in the Cochrane-Springbank area.
"This is obviously an increase from last week and as unsettling and concerning as this is, the continued spread in and around our community only emphasizes the importance of what everyone is tasked to continue to keep doing. Stay home, be kind, save lives," Genung said.
The municipal enforcement officers have seen an increase in the number of resident complaints. Genung said that the actions we take as a community offer hope, offer support and offer encouragement to our neighbours and asked that people keep these practises top of mind before making a call.
Hyndman said some communities around Alberta have closed dog parks, however, this is not something Cochrane has implemented. He added that it is recommended physical distancing be taken into account while out for walks.
"At this time our facilities are open and the Town does not require pets to be on leash within the off-leash parks," he said.
Hyndman added that the Town will continue to monitor dog parks and make the necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of the community.
He urged that residents properly dispose of gloves and masks and to not flush any cleaning or disinfection wipes down toilets, even if they say they are flushable.
"While everyone's home we don't want impacts on our sanitary system," Hyndman said.
During last week's update, Hyndman also discussed the reopening of the Eco Centre but after further consultation with senior management and staff, it was decided that this is will not happen at this time. Hyndman added the safety of employees and residents continues to be the main priority.
"We are looking at other ways in which we can offer this service. We are going to provide you with further details in the future," Hyndman explained.
Both Hyndman and Genung echoed the importance of continuing to respect physical distancing.
When out getting groceries it is important for only one person from a household to visit the store, Genung said, adding that it is important to continue to maintain the recommended two metres apart in social settings.
"When you're in a store that doesn't give you free will to just shop like we're always used to. Things have changed, we are inside the pandemic now," Genung said. "You need to be aware of other shoppers and keep that two-metre distance between every single person in the store. We need to continue to do that or the provincial government or federal government are going to continue to remove our personal rights of passage, if you will, and continue to clamp down on the few that are resisting the compliance and the rest of us are all going to have to suffer."
Looking to our future, the Mayor had some reassuring words saying that when we get through this we will have a huge after COVID party as recommended by youth from the online chat he hosted on Friday (April 3).
The pair also acknowledged all the great things the community continues to do despite the circumstances. They thanked businesses, first responders, nurses, doctors and all of Cochrane for continuing to do their part in flattening the curve and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
