(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

“Imperative that we remain diligent"

Veer comments on rising COVID-19 cases in Red Deer

Oct 20, 2020 | 1:07 PM

Red Deer’s mayor is weighing in on the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city and across the Central Zone.

After there were just three on Oct. 6, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Red Deer as of Monday (Oct. 19) is 39. The Central Zone now has 148 active cases.

Tara Veer says the rise in cases is concerning and that the community needs to be diligent when it comes to limiting spread of the virus.

“In addition to other public health protocols in place, city council adopted a bylaw requiring all transit users to wear face coverings, and The City also requires face covering in some parts of City facilities,” Veer noted in a statement issued Tuesday. “In addition, City Council may revisit the topic if or when Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health indicates further measures are warranted.”

It was in August when council passed a bylaw making the wearing of face coverings mandatory for Red Deer Transit users, while tabling a bylaw to make mask wearing mandatory in public places in the city.

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For a region to be put on “watch” is to have at least 10 active cases and a rate of over 50 active cases per 100,000 population.

“As active cases rise in our community, council and administration are closely monitoring the situation and are continually responding to public health guidelines to determine what additional steps may need to be taken,” said Veer.

“This year has been a challenging one for everyone, but we will come through this if we continue to work together. Please continue to take personal precautions to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering when distancing cannot be maintained and limiting the number of people you share close contact with.”

Veer added, “It is imperative that we remain diligent and remember that every measure we take is not only to protect ourselves, but to protect all Red Deerians and capacity at our local hospital.”

RELATED: Council makes mask wearing mandatory on Red Deer Transit, but not in public places