COCHRANE— The success Cochranites have had in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus has allowed the Town to begin Stage One of its economic relaunch.
During his COVID-19 update on Thursday (May 14) Mayor Jeff Genung said in the Cochrane-Springbank area, there are 19 confirmed cases of the virus, two of which are active cases.
"I believe the low numbers really demonstrate the amazing job our community is doing to flatten the curve," said Genung.
Genung explained that Cochrane's relaunch strategy is a dynamic, fluid situation that will continue to be updated and operated under.
"I think the province's phased-in approach is the right one to take," Genung said. "A slow, gradual approach that puts health and safety at the forefront at all times is the best foot forward, and that is exactly the approach that we as Cochrane are taking as well."
Cochrane launched its Stage One of reopening on Wednesday allowing retail businesses, restaurants, cafes, among others to open their doors if they choose to.
Genung said under these new guidelines there is a need to remain laser-focused on protecting the progress that we have made to date in flattening the curve, ensuring that our health care system can continue to operate in this crisis and preventing a potential second wave of the virus.
"The pandemic is still here. I don't believe there is going to be a post COVID. There's going to be our new normal - with COVID," said Genung.
Although business have been given the green light to reopen, Genung said they should not feel pressured to do so if they do not feel comfortable. He added that the same goes for consumers who may be frequenting those businesses.
"You don't have to go out. If you're not comfortable leaving your home, or yard, or neighbourhood, or your family dynamic that you've been living in COVID under, you don't have to at this point," he said.
Acting deputy of emergency management and Cochrane fire chief, David Humphrey delivered a briefing on the past two months. Leading Cochrane's emergency coordination centre, Humphrey has been at the forefront of the team making all the decisions to keep Cochrane healthy and safe throughout the pandemic.
While being supportive of the province's actions to relaunch, Humphrey stressed strong efforts will remain in place that has Cochrane's best interest at heart.
"The emergency coordination centre will collaborate, will plan and will build actions that continue to flatten the curve and provide a safe net for our community," said Humphrey.
He added that as we go into phase one of relaunch, due diligence must continue emphasizing that business owners hold the power in determining when it's feasible for them to reopen.
The Towns emergency coordination centre under the guidance of Humphrey will closely follow the province's plans and coordinate and develop the Towns departments going forward.
Humphrey gave insight into Cochrane playgrounds and skatepark saying although they have been permitted to access, health protocols still need to be considered.
"When you're out today or tomorrow or the days that come with children on playgrounds, maintain physical distancing to two metres as best as you can, avoid touching the surfaces of benches or fences or railings in and around the facilities, take caution around the touchpoints on the slides and swings, and follow recommended precautions; wash your hands, use isopropyl alcohol you can carry in a squeeze bottle, and when your home wash up again," Humphrey said.
Cochrane's Eco Centre has been closed during the pandemic due to its high risk of transferring the virus said Genung. Alternatively, staff of the centre have come up with a solution to help residents of Cochrane. Those who have full organic bins and have no other options for storing yard waste are welcome to drop at the storage lagoon site which is located by Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
"This service will be offered Tuesday's, Thursday's and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m," said Genung, adding this will continue until it is safe to reopen the Eco Centre.
The province announced accelerating infrastructure and transportation projects as key in getting Albertans back to work and its economy back on track. Cochrane's administration has submitted three shovel ready projects for consideration, said Genung.
"We are looking forward to partnering with the province in moving these projects forward. We also are reviewing our 2020 to 2023 capital projects plan and are looking for opportunities to stimulate our own economy throughout this and regional economy by advancing some of this work."
