NANTON, AB (March 17th 2020) – Council discussed potential municipal actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic at its meeting on March 16th.
Current Situation/Summary:
Current relevant advice/ information: The risk of COVID-19 exposure will increase over the coming weeks. Alberta is asking organizers to cancel any events that have more than 250 attendees, more than 50 if there are international participants, or involves critical infrastructure staff, seniors, or other high-risk populations. There is confirmed community spread in Calgary and a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) declared there.
Places of worship are also being asked to follow the same restrictions.
The Town has been asked to put up and distribute public health notices by Alberta Health.
AHS are the lead response agency for this situation and any decision to initiate the Town’s emergency plan and take subsequent actions would be based on their advice and that of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).
In Nanton, no local emergency has been declared, nor has the Emergency Plan/ EOC been activated. Alberta Health (AHS) are the lead response agency for this situation and any decision to initiate the Town’s emergency plan and take subsequent actions would be based on their advice and that of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).
Town Services:
The Town Office will remain open on its normal schedule at present but may operate on a restricted schedule to the public in the event of staff shortages or further advice from senior government. If that were to happen, the Town Office would move to the hours of Noon to 4pm daily. Every effort to provide notice of this will be made.
The Corporate Services department is looking into the viability and need for enhancing online financial transaction capabilities to reduce the need for members of the public to come to the Town Office.
At present, online payments are available and cheques can be dropped in the mail slot.
The Thelma Fanning Library has closed until further notice.
The ice arena’s season was ended last week.
The Town takes its role as an essential service provider very seriously and shall continue to provide these vital services during this period.
Council Meetings:
Council meetings shall continue as normal and in public for now, as required under the municipal legislation. Further guidance is being prepared by the Province. Social distancing shall be observed, and Skype and teleconferencing capabilities are available to both staff and members of Council for remote participation. Meeting location will change if the Emergency Operations Centre (Fire Hall Chambers) is activated. Please keep checking our website content for updates. All standing committees have been suspended until June.
Closure of Businesses/Offices:
Alberta Health has not recommended that any buildings or businesses be closed at this time to protect public health from COVID-19. Temporary closures remain the operational decision of the employer. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, Alberta Health may require further action.
For more information, we have set up a page you can check for updates