COVID-19 informational sign at Canalta Centre (Photo courtesy Colton Mckee)

By Chantal Wagner

City taking precautions following global spread of COVID-19

Mar 9, 2020 | 5:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With no presumed or confirmed COVID-19 cases in Medicine Hat, it’s business as usual here in the city.

Washing hands and staying home when you are sick continues to be the prescription when it comes to avoiding the spread of COVID-19.

Merrick Brown, the city’s Director of Health, Safety, Environment, Emergency Management says just like any other emergency, they have a business continuity plan in place which is an extension of the municipal emergency management plan.

And that includes focusing on the city’s essential services in an event of an emergency.

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“Water, wastewater, policing, fire services. And a little bit unique to the city of Medicine Hat our generation processes when it comes to electricity.”

Similar to any business continuity practice, Brown says maintaining business in the event of an emergency is also being discussed. “How can people work from home, how do we shift to different facilities, different things like that.”

Meantime, shows and hockey games are going on as normal at the Canalta Centre with a busy week ahead, including the Brad Paisley concert.

Canalta’s General Manager Tammy Sweeney says in this case when it comes to the spread of germs and COVID-19, their plan is aligned with their overall emergency preparedness plan.

“But really what we’ve done, we added extra hand sanitizer around the building we put extra signage up. Extra cleaning on surfaces as well that’s more likely to be touched by hands. And just really encouraging people if you have a cough please stay home, other than that it’s just taking care of yourself like you would with anything else.”

Sweeney says attendance has still been normal at events.

But, Canalta staff encourage you to stay home if you’re not feeling well. Whether you have a cough, cold, or the flu.

“People are coming they’re enjoying the games. Obviously, we’re in touch with the WHL we’re in touch with all of our tours and all of our shows,” she said.

Much like other businesses and grocery stores, Sweeney says the Canalta Centre is making sure surfaces are extra wiped down.

That includes popular surfaces like ATMs, concession stands, and public washrooms.

According to the Alberta government, the current risk level of COVID-19 in the province is low but that status could change.

AHS says the most important measure Albertans can take to prevent COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene.

And are strongly encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for advice on preparing for COVID-19, testing & other useful information

Photo courtesy Alberta Health Services