By rdnewsNOW Staff

Breaking

State of local emergency renewed in Red Deer due to COVID-19

Sep 17, 2021 | 1:24 PM

The City of Red Deer has declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) as of Friday morning, in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases and strain on the healthcare system.

Officials say the State of Local Emergency gives the City access to additional resources and special powers under the Emergency Management Act, including personnel, from other orders of government, if required. The State of Local Emergency will be in place up to 60 days.

“The COVID-19 pandemic remains a dynamic situation. City administration is continuing to review the impacts of the most recent restrictions on City services and will provide an update once details are available,” reads a City press release on Friday.

Information about the City’s COVID-19 response is available online at reddeer.ca/COVID-19.

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Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer says in these types of situations it’s better to act early than late.

“It’s far better for the public that we serve if we get ahead of the curve and act sooner before we’re past the point of no return. “

She says a lot of thought and time goes into the decision to declare a local state of emergency.

“We don’t enter into those lightly. In doing so, it’s an exercise in leadership in order to get ahead of the curve, and to do what we can on the front end before we’re past the point of no return, where our actions will not have the impact we’re looking for.”

Manager of Emergency Services Ken McMullen says this declaration does give them additional powers and authority they don’t normally have.

“It certainly does allow for things like short notice staffing changes if required, access to logistic equipment including personal protective equipment, just to name a few of the options we will be considering in the hours and days to come.”

So far nothing has been implemented since this declaration was sent out shortly before 10:30 Friday morning, but McMullen says they will be having discussion next week to see what, if any, additional public health safety measures may be implemented in Red Deer.

Residents are reminded to follow the provincial government’s public health restrictions to help protect the health care system and to protect fellow Albertans. Vaccination appointments are available for those looking to book their first or second dose. Details about public health guidelines and vaccination bookings are available on the Government of Alberta website at alberta.ca/COVID.