Healthcare needs, support for small businesses and rules around self-isolation are just some of the concerns being addressed by the municipality over COVID-19.

An online town hall was held on Wednesday to answer questions about measures being taken against the virus.

Mayor Don Scott, Interim CAO Jamie Doyle, Director of Emergency Management Scott Davis, Senior Operating Officer at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre Murray Crawford, and Dr. Kristin Klein with Alberta Health Services were a few of the names on the panel.

Additional town halls are being scheduled. In the meantime, people can get more information on the GoA’s website.

Healthcare

The NLRHC is well prepared to deal with the situation.

That’s according to Crawford who says they have a healthy supply of items including ventilators and professional protective equipment.

He adds clinics across the region are still open and are expected to keep their doors open throughout the entire situation.

Plans are also in place to continue providing service at the hospital if more and more staff need to self-isolate.

Moving forward, mental health supports will continue to be offered over the phone. One on one consultations are being canceled for the foreseeable future.

Support for Small Businesses, Economic Supports

The Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation is launching a Task Force to help small businesses.

They will be looking into possible measures the municipality can take to support the sector.

In the meantime, Weidlich says business owners should get into contact with their landlords and banks to see if there are any possible solutions to rent and other payments.

The municipality also doesn’t have any jurisdiction when it comes to potential rent supports as it’s a provincial matter.

Self-Isolation

Dr. Klein is reminding everyone that they need to self-isolate if they are sick, have been outside the province, or been in contact with somebody who has the virus.

Travelers and people who’ve potentially been exposed need to stay home for at least 14 days.

Those who have minor symptoms – like a cough, sneeze, and running nose – must self-isolate for 10 days or until their condition improves, whatever is longer.

People who don’t self-isolate can now be fined.

Additional Questions

As of right now, all municipal parks are closed.

Walkways and trails are also still open with anyone who uses them being asked to make sure they stay at least two metres away from anyone else.

Bylaw and Peace Officers are also monitoring the areas, while signage has been posted.

Dog parks are also being locked.

Anyone who is using public transit is asked to keep a healthy distance from other passengers. Audio messages are also being played to remind travelers of these safety tips.

As for Indigenous groups, the RMWB is reminding members to reach out to their community leaders if they have any concerns.