Phase 1 re-launch of economy going well, say town officials

Although the Phase 1 re-launch of the economy, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has had its challenges, the re-opening of businesses has gone well.

 Recently, Mayor Doug MacPherson; Marian Carlson, the town’s chief administrative officer; and Jason Hemmaway, the town’s director of emergency management discussed the re-opening.

 “Overall, things are going well,” MacPherson said. “The population as a whole, Town of Claresholm, didn’t put up a big fight when we started closing things.”

 He went on to say the re-launch has been a joint effort of everyone.

 “Getting it up and running is definitely a challenge,” the mayor said.

 Hemmaway said that in incident training, even during the event, it is important to think about the re-launch after it is over. 

 “When you look back on it,” he said. “It was very well handled.”

 “The government did a good job,” MacPherson added.

 “I have a lot of respect for the community,” Hemmaway said. “The community is taking it very seriously.”

 Businesses have followed the guidelines whether with social distancing, the number of people allowed inside their building, cleaning requirements or whatever else.

 MacPherson observed businesses are monitoring their traffic flow, pointing out one business locks their door after each customer enters. That way, there will only be one customer inside the building at a time.

 If businesses don’t know something, they find out.

 “They’re calling and asking questions,” Hemmaway said.

 MacPherson noted the health unit and Public Health Inspector Richard Steeves in particular, have been very good.

 “He’s been a wealth of information,” MacPherson said, adding Steeves has provided guidance to everyone from hair dressers to the golf course.

 Hemmaway said the biggest hurdle has been understanding all the details and the clarity of what the Alberta government and Alberta Health Services wants.

 “There’s been some big grey areas,” added MacPherson.

 Carlson observed the guidelines have to be general.

 “The business owners understand their own business,” she said, noting they will come up with their own plans for their own patrons.

 Moreover, the government turned to the various professional associations such as dental and golf courses for input on guidelines.

 The Town of Claresholm has also taken steps to separate duties to ensure staff are there to provide essential services.

 “We’re not through this yet, but we’re starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel,” Carlson said.

 The town will be re-opening playgrounds on Friday (May 29) as well.

 Carlson said everything will be wiped down and cleaned. Signs will also be posted, and people will be asked to bring hand sanitizer and watch their children.

 The aquatic centre will remain closed, but the campground is open although washrooms there remain closed.

 Town council meetings will continue to be held by video conference at least to the  end of June.

 Hemmaway said he has started receiving calls about people wanting to hold garage sales.

 He looked into that. In order to have a garage sale, people must follow the same procedures the government has laid out for farmers’ markets.

 The town has also started to get a lot of inquiries about events.

 Hemmaway said the restrictions were lightened from public gatherings of 15 people up to 50 people now.

 He has also seen some innovative ideas, such as a barrel racing event where each rider would enter the arena, do the run, then leave, and not stay around.

 “Things are improving,” MacPherson said.

 However, the town also wants to remind people to continue to be vigilant.

 “We still have to be vigilant for a long time,” MacPherson said.

 “If everyone still continues to do their part, we won’t have a resurgence,” Carlson said. “Not that we had a problem in our community.”

 Hemmaway stressed it is important to continue to stick to the same three things that have been emphasized over and over: proper hand hygiene; social distancing of at least two metres; and not gathering in large groups.

 “If everyone takes their own, individual responsibility then the re-launch will be okay,” Carlson said.

 She also paid tribute to all of Hemmaway’s efforts through the pandemic.

 “Jason has done a phenomenal job,” Carlson said. “He’s very vigilant. He’s on top of everything all the time.

 “I really appreciate all he has done for the community.”

 MacPherson said Hemmaway has been a valuable resource he has referred people to.

 “That was really helpful,” he added.

 “I appreciate the team work,” Hemmaway said. “It has been a team effort.”