Information here will be updated as it becomes available.
Alberta declares public health emergency and implements new restrictions.
Until further notice, events with more than 15 people including weddings and places of worship. Restaurants, food courts, cafes and all other food service facilities are now limited to take-out and drive-thru only. All dining areas are to be closed. Licenced facilities are being allowed to deliver liquor with their food.
Still exempt are grocery stores, shopping centres, airports, health facilities and other essential service buildings.
Also, the following facilities and businesses are closed: recreation centres, private entertainment facilities, gyms, pools, bingo halls, museums and science centres, libraries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, bars, nightclubs, gift stores, hobby or antique stores, specialty stores, all clothing and other accessory stores including shoes, bridal and jewellery plus retail outlets that sell luggage, art supplies, computers and gaming equipment, toys, photos, music, books and sporting goods. personal services facilities and cosmetic enhancement services including esthetics, manicure, pedicure, body waxing, make-up, body, nose and ear piercing, tattoos, artificial tanning and spray tanning, hairstyling, barbering, facial treatments, eyebrow and eyelash treatments, laser hair and tattoo removal, cosmetic skin and body treatments, floatation tanks, colonic irrigation and reflexology.
As well, all of the following will be closed and limited emergency or urgent cases only: dentistry, physiotherapy, massage, foot care and podiatry, acupuncture and acupressure, chiropractic and naturopathy services.
On March 31, three new bills were announced in the provincial legislature that when passed will allow for public health enforcement and fine, protection for renters and improve support for the economy.
Local impact:
The Town of Bashaw municipal office is now closed to the public and staff will not be available to answer phone calls or emails from Friday through Sunday until further notice. Any concerns or questions regarding utility accounts or other issues can be done over the phone at 780-372-3911.
The playground equipment at the Bashaw School and other playgrounds in town have been closed.
Bashaw Pharmasave owner and pharmasist Eric Gaudet is conducting information sessions through the store’s Facebook page. Visit www.facebook.com/PHARMASAVEBashaw to check out previous videos and to see when another will be coming out.
Anyone that is in need of support can contact Bashaws 24/7 help line at 780-372-4074.
Cancelled community events
Only businesses in Bashaw that are considered essential remain open.
Bashaw Minor Hockey has cancelled their annual fundraiser that was slated for Apr. 18.
All schools and licensed daycares are closed until further notice.
READ MORE: Alberta to cancel school classes, licensed childcare to stop spread of COVID-19
If you know of any local events that have been cancelled, let the Bashaw Star know via email to jordie.dwyer@ponokanews.com.
If you have flu-like symptoms
Any Albertan who is ill with influenza-like symptoms such as fever or cough must stay at home for 14 days after their illness started. As well, anyone who is self-isolating and then starts experiencing symptoms, they must continue to isolate for 10 days from the start of their symptoms.
Any one experiencing symptoms should stay home, take the COVID-19 self-assessment test and call Health Link 811 for further instructions.
Additionally, it is mandatory for anyone returning from travel outside of Canada go straight home and self-isolate for 14 days and — with certain exceptions.
How serious is it?
The current risk level in Alberta is still considered to be low.
According to alberta.ca, risk is determined by assessing how likely Albertans are to be exposed to the virus in the province. While the worldwide risk is rising, the risk of contracting COVID-19 in Alberta is still low. The risk level will be adjusted if this changes in the coming weeks.
Other information
All non-essential travel to the U.S. has been halted and international flights have also been cancelled. As well, anyone exhibiting symptoms will not be allowed on any domestic flights.
The public are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.