CHAT News file photo

By Teagan Rasche

COVID-19 outbreaks across Medicine Hat

Aug 16, 2021 | 4:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As active case numbers of COVID-19 continue to rise across the city, it was inevitable several businesses would report outbreaks.

In addition to an outbreak reported at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, CHAT News has learned one event related to the stampede weekend, July 29-31, has resulted in more than 50 cases.

Alberta Health has confirmed 54 cases are associated with Ralph’s Bar and Steakhouse. Fifty of those cases are currently active, with four recovered.

Ralphs has confirmed 12 staff members are among those who tested positive. General manager Brad Hayward says they’re following all the government guidelines to try and keep people safe.

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“I recommended all the staff to be tested, they needed a negative covid test. If they were positive or had symptoms, they all quarantined for 10 days, everyone,” Hayward said. “I’d rather close my doors than bring someone back that has symptoms.”

Ralph’s has disinfected their building and continues to stay open.

Other businesses across the city are also dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.

Retirement homes South Country Village and Chinook Village are listed on the AHS website. Continuing care facilities are reported publicly when there are two or more cases, indicating a transmission within the facility has occurred.

In Brooks, Newell Integrated Child Care also has an outbreak. Child care settings are listed when there are five or more cases.

Outbreaks are declared over by AHS when four weeks have passed since the last case was identified.