An area is being set up for people to get tested for COVID-19.
The RMWB is potentially experiencing its first case of the virus as Maxx Dental is claiming an employee has contracted the illness.
On Thursday, nurses conducted over 150 tests at homes across Fort McMurray.
Speaking to reporters, Director of Emergency Management for the RMWB Scott Davis says this area will ensure our healthcare professionals don’t burnout.
“The purpose of this is to help take the load off of public health so we that can in a very efficient manner have testing done in a private and efficient way.”
Walk-ins aren’t being accepted. The only people who will receive a test are those who’ve been told to by Alberta Health Services and have made an appointment at the centre.
If people are experiencing any symptoms, they’re encouraged to call Alberta Health Link at 8-1-1 to determine whether they need to be tested.
Meanwhile, Davis notes the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre has been preparing for a potential outbreak of the virus.
State of Local Emergency
At this moment, the RMWB hasn’t declared a state of local emergency.
This was a measure that was most recently taken during the Horse River wildfire.
Davis says he plans on reaching out to other communities, like Calgary, who have declared.
“I wanna learn from them if there’s anything that came out of that that might have impacted their municipality in the wrong way, so when I come to Mayor Scott and our CAO with the recommendation that I’ve got all the facts.”
In the meantime, he plans on speaking with AHS to determine whether they should take this measure.
More Cases
Moving forward, the municipality is expecting to see more cases of COVID-19 pop-up.
Many believe it was only a matter of time before the virus made its way to Wood Buffalo.
“Does it change our response? No,” added David. “We stick to the plans that we have, certainly for continuity of government and ensuring that we can carry on.”
The RMWB is asking residents who aren’t impacted at this time to help out those who are in any way they can.