While the Town of Drumheller recovers from a spike in COVID-19 cases locally, the province of Alberta is battling a second wave of the pandemic, prompting further measures to be implemented with some restrictions coming into effect as of midnight on Sunday, December 13.
The province-wide restrictions have left some businesses scrambling to accommodate clients prior to four-week closures and implement further restrictions on occupancy capacity ahead of Christmas.
“Our small businesses need additional support, and they need them today,” said Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer during the Tuesday, December 8 press conference.
These restrictions have meant most retail businesses must reduce occupancy capacity from 25 per cent under previous regulations, to 15 per cent as of Sunday, December 13. The reduced capacity also applies to places of worship, and virtual or drive-in services are encouraged where possible.
While some businesses are permitted to remain open, there are several which have had to close to the public, including hair and nail salons, and tattoo and massage studios.
Restaurants, bars, lounges, and pubs are closed for in-person dining, though are permitted to remain open for curbside pickup and takeout only.
Some entertainment venues, which had previously been permitted to operate under reduced capacity, such as libraries and museums, must also be closed. Director of Library Services for the Drumheller Public Library, Emily Hollingshead says the library has been given permission to remain open until Friday, December 18 for curbside pickup only.
After December 18 the library will remain closed until the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) is permitted ro reopen due to the new restrictions.
Indoor recreation at the BCF, Drumheller Memorial Arena, and Drumheller Aquaplex are also closed to the public. However, outdoor recreation is permitted and the outdoor skating rink at Midland is ready for use. The outdoor skating rinks in Nacmine and Rosedale are in the process of being prepared for skaters.
As of Monday, December 14, the Town of Drumheller has 18 active cases and 109 recovered cases of COVID-19.
There have been two deaths locally since the start of the pandemic.
In Kneehill County there are 24 active cases, one in Starland County, and Wheatland County has been placed back on enhanced status with 13 active cases.
