Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung has confirmed that there are reported COVID-19 cases in Cochrane in a Facebook Live video on Monday (Mar. 16).
Details surrounding the origin or exposure area haven’t been released by Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS spokesperson James Wood said AHS will only identify cases by zone and not by specific community.
More than 500 people tuned in to Genung’s video which broadcast at 3:30 p.m. Genung was joined by Drew Hyndman, acting CAO and Senior Manager, development services at the Town of Cochrane.
The pair answered several questions from viewers surrounding the virus outbreak and the impacts on the community.
“We’re in uncharted territory,” Genung said in the video.
“The current health and safety concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic are creating a great deal of uncertainty. This morning I was made aware that there are confirmed cases in Cochrane. While this is unsettling, it is a reminder that we are not immune to this. The health and wellbeing of our community and the continued delivery of public service remains our top priority.”
Last Thursday (Mar. 12) the Town of Cochrane enacted their Municipal Emergency Response Plan as a proactive measure to protect the community and Town staff and to coordinate responses and communications.
The City of Calgary declared a state of local emergency on Sunday after the number of COVID-19 infections in the province jumped significantly over the weekend. At this time, the Town of Cochrane hasn’t enacted their own state of local emergency.
“You may have seen other communities who have elected to declare a local state of emergency, at this time the Town of Cochrane has not determined that this is a required step,” Genung said.
Earlier on Monday the Town of Cochrane announced the closure of town-run facilities in an effort to extend virus protection for staff and the community.
Despite the confirmed cases, the risk level of COVID-19 in Cochrane remains low.
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The Town is following recommendations from AHS and is coordinating activity with regional emergency management agencies.
Work will continue inside the facilities and staff will be accessible by email and phone. Town information and links are available on cochrane.ca
Despite the closures the Town will continue to deliver core services.
The following facilities are closed to the public. Alternate contact information is listed beside the affected facility:
Cochrane Visitor Information Centre: [email protected] and cochrane-tourism.ca
Operations Shop: 403-851-2590, [email protected]
Parent Link Centre (PLC): 403-851-2250, [email protected], cochrane.ca/PLC
Protective Services Centre: 403-851-2500, cochrane.ca
Seniors on the Bow Centre: 403-851-2250, cochane.ca/Seniors
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS): 403-851-2250, [email protected], cochrane.ca/FCSS
Cochrane RancheHouse: 403-851-2500, cochrane.ca. Make payments through online banking, phone banking or at the bank.
Cochrane Eco Centre: cochrane.ca/EcoCentre
The Town recommends that the public follow all Alberta Health protocols around the COVID-19 virus and contact specific facilities about their closures or restrictions. These closures are part of the Town’s proactive decision to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community and to protect community residents and staff.
The Town enacted its Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) at 4:30 p.m. Thursday (Mar. 12) which allows officials to take proactive measures and to coordinate responses and communications.
The Town is following recommended disinfecting and hand-washing protocols at all Town facilities and recommending staff do so at home. Town staff have been asked to limit travel. Scheduled Town events have been cancelled and meetings are being re-evaluated. Provisions are being considered for some staff to work from home.
The Town is posting updates on cochrane.ca/Covid-19 as the situation evolves. Information surrounding updates, guidelines for self-isolation and prevention measures are available on the provincial government's website.
