Alberta now has 690 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Earlier today, the Provincial Government announced that eight Albertans have died due to this virus. Chestermere currently has six confirmed cases.

Over the weekend, the Province and City of Chestermere worked to close non-essential businesses to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

All businesses permitted to remain in operation in Chestermere during the State of Local Emergency must follow the following strict protocols:

• Hand sanitizing stations must be available for all patrons and upon entry to their premise;
• Physical distancing of no less than 2 meters must be practiced;
• Any person displaying symptoms of illness must be refused entry to any commercial establishment; and
• All keypads, payment terminals, automated teller machines, automatic transaction machines must be sanitized and disinfected after each use. Businesses are strongly encouraged to utilize “tap to pay” payment options.

“We are working with all sectors to ensure that they are taking every possible precaution to keep our citizens safe,” says Mayor Marshall Chalmers.

Specific regulations were added for taxis, ride-sharing and car washes to keep the community safe when using these services.

Additional regulations include:

• Car washes may continue to operate as long as all spray guns, handles, vacuum stations and keypads are sanitized and disinfected after each use. All coin operated machines or keypads must be sanitized and disinfected after each use and any coins removed from any machine must be sanitized, disinfected and dried daily.
• Taxi and ride share services may continue to operate in Chestermere as long as the interior of the vehicle is fully and regularly disinfected and sanitized. The City also requires that there is only one passenger per vehicle, the passenger sits in the rear seat and that rear seat must be sanitized and disinfected after each passenger pick up or drop off. Any taxi or rideshare passenger displaying signs of illness must be refused service and no driver is permitted to drive if ill. The only exception will be made for service providers transporting someone to a medical care facility as a patient.  Any such transport must be immediately reported to the Chestermere Emergency Management Agency and Alberta Health Services via 8-1-1. 

In addition to the new regulations, the City is also working to share posts of positivity through its social media feeds and invites the community to participate using the hashtag #wecandoitchestermere.

“Help us brighten up our feeds by posting positive stories and pictures of how your neighbourhood, friends, family and local organizations are supporting one another during COVID-19 and we will do the same!” says Mayor Chalmers.

All of the City’s local restrictions and updates can be found at www.chestermere.ca/covid19. Provincial information, support services and restrictions can be found at www.alberta.ca/covid19.