Albertans are rising to the challenge of COVID-19 by doing what our province does best—Innovation.
An incredible array of creativity has been on display in Cochrane shown both by business adapting the delivery of their services, religious organizations finding revolutionary ways to host services and families displaying their love in creative ways when social distancing is essential.
This long weekend the community celebrated Easter and Cochrane Alliance Church, St. Mary's Parish and Bishop McGrattan were able to celebrate with parishioners using online streaming services.
This adaptability and ingenuity to bring the community together was further shown by the Waltzing Matildas who hosted a concert for residents of the senior's facility Grand Avenue Village.
"It's a little bit different though in terms of what we're used," Waltzing Matilda member Jamie Newsom said, describing hosting a performance that embraced social distancing. "As a performer, you thrive on the interaction with the audience. You don't get that back-and-forth with the audience where we try to get them singing and to be part of the show as much as possible."
The unique performance was a ray of sunshine and brought a smile to the faces of Cochrane residents who have been most affected by the public health measures put in place due to the COVID-19 virus.
Cochrane Fire Services have an introduced to a new way to show their appreciation for the incredible actions Cochrane residents have taken during the pandemic with Community Appreciation Parade drive-by events.
These innovative parades bring the community together and are one of many ways they are showing we are Cochrane Strong during the pandemic.
Businesses are rising to the challenge with innovative ways of delivering services. The Shifra Centre for Wellness and Cochrane Community Midwives and physiotherapists are now offering virtual services to provide comfort and interactive care while keeping clients safe through social distancing.
The Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with local businesses to help them survive the virus and the economic disaster it has left in its wake.
The Chamber is also celebrating the inventive ways local shops are adapting to the virus.
“I think they’re doing the best with what they have and I’m really glad to see that kind of innovation that’s happening,” Chamber president Kelly Sinclair said.
These show the brilliant innovative spirit of Cochrane and Alberta as a whole.
At the provincial level, COVID-19 lab tests in the province have had a sharp rise in testing that has taken place since the virus first arrived in early March. Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said they hope to conduct 9,000 tests a day by the end of April and potentially 20,000 a day by mid to late May.
The hard work and dedication from health care workers in the province are helping to keep Albertans safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Alberta has a strong innovative and creative spirit that will help us weather this storm.
The ability of Cochranites to unite and find inventive ways to stay connected during the pandemic is commendable in these uncertain times.
However, these innovations are only possible if we continue to support each other during the outbreak.
The coming weeks and months will be difficult as we wait for the virus to reach its peak.
The silver lining is that we have shown Cochranites and Albertans are up to the challenge and ready with new and creative ideas that will keep us all united.
These actions serve to show that we are all Cochrane Strong.
