Mayor Chris Spearman -- Image from 2019

By Connor Gunn/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Lethbridge officials call on community to stop gatherings

Mar 19, 2021 | 3:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB- In a virtual meeting Friday, Lethbridge’s leaders addressed the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the city.

Much of the concern comes after the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, mentioned Lethbridge and its surrounding areas as a concern due to the rising numbers.

Currently, 464 cases are active in Lethbridge and Mayor Chris Spearman is clear about what needs to happen within the city.

“I urge everyone to pay attention to what is happening here in Lethbridge because it’s not the same as other parts of Alberta,” says Spearman.

“It is extremely serious and every single individual needs to take responsibility. The biggest impact we can have is to stop any indoor gathering with people who don’t live in our household. Now is not the time for birthday parties and family suppers. It is a time to be vigilant and help protect the wellbeing of our community.”

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Spearman also says he would love to see phase 3 of the reopening strategy but the health of locals is most important.

“We want to make sure we can continue to move forward with the rest of the province.”

“By bringing our numbers down, we will be able to keep our businesses open and support the recovery of our local economy,” adds Spearman.

Lethbridge Police Services’ Police Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh, says his officers have had to respond to gatherings in the public where COVID could spread.

“Officers have responded to several calls regarding gatherings,” Mehdizadeh adds.

“We are working hard to educate the public on what the public health orders are and the seriousness of the situation we are in. If needed, we can and will issue tickets to those who are non-compliant.”

Currently, outdoor social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people and the provincial health order prohibits indoor social gatherings with anyone other than those living in the same household.

Lethbridge’s officials are asking residents to “avoid social gatherings, stay home when if feeling sick, practice physical distancing and wear a mask in all indoor public places, places of worship, and indoor workplaces,” the release reads.

To learn more about the current provincial public health guidelines around COVID-19 visit: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx.