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By CHAT News Today

Not making rash decisions

City will take lead from the province on relaunch

May 1, 2020 | 3:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB -The City of Medicine is reviewing Alberta’s COVID-19 relaunch strategy but will not make any immediate decisions.

A release from the city states it is committed to making appropriate and responsible decisions to best support and protect the residents of Medicine Hat.

“We are taking a careful approach with city-operated facilities and will avoid any rash decisions that may negatively impact our community in the near future,” said Merrick Brown, Director of Emergency Management with the City of Medicine Hat. “We take our lead from the province and will act in alignment with their strategy as best as we can.”

The release says city officials are actively planning and will announce any changes to current COVID-19 measures as soon as a concrete strategy is formed.

Despite the province allowing for municipal campgrounds to open under local authority, as of now the Gas City Campground will remain closed until June 1. Brown said that is being evaluated, but couldn’t give any further details.

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He also cautioned about how people take the term “outdoor recreation” under Current State in the infographic shared by the province Thursday.

“That’s our current state now, you’re still allowed to be with your family within your own household and throw the ball around and different things like that,” he said. “But you can’t get the football team together and have a football game tonight.”

All the physical distancing requirements still apply, and in fact they still will apply in Stage 1.

“Physical distancing remains our number one defense against the spread of COVID-19 and the personal guidelines to limit the spread like frequent handwashing and staying home when sick have not been relaxed in the current phase of the relaunch strategy,” adds Brown.

Residents are reminded that the following facilities remain closed:

• skate parks (Inland and Saamis Rotary) and skate spots
• playground structures
• outdoor fitness equipment
• outdoor washrooms
• spray parks
• outdoor kitchen

Recreation facilities such as the Family Leisure Centre, Crestwood Recreation Centre, all city arenas, the Strathcona Centre and the Veiner Centre remain closed to the public. The same goes for the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.

Park spaces including select baseball diamonds, soccer fields, outdoor shelters, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts and beach volleyball and disc golf are open to the public for casual use by members of a single household.

The city reminds users they must adhere to two-metre physical distancing requirements, ensure gatherings are kept to 15 people or less and avoid or limit touching commonly touched surfaces.

The city is encouraging residents to keep dogs on-leash on trails to decrease interactions. Saratoga Dog Park is open but residents are reminded to effectively practice physical distancing.

Refer to the AHS COVID-19 info for Albertans website for all information related to COVID-19 or to the City of Medicine Hat website to direct your inquiries appropriately.