While Drumheller has been relatively unscathed by COVID-19, there are three active cases reported in the geographical area.

The Town of Drumheller took early and aggressive measures to flatten the curve. Two cases were reported for the Drumheller area in early May but were found to originate elsewhere a short time later.

However, the first confirmed case in the area was discovered in June and the person has since recovered.

On Wednesday, July 8 there was a report of a second active case in the valley, and on Monday, July 13 there were two more cases reported.

As of Monday, July 13, there are 676 active cases in Alberta. The number of active cases peaked on April 30 at 2,996, and then fell to as low as 335 on June 6.

As of July 13, there have been 161 deaths related to COVID 19 and there were 45 current hospitalizations. While outbreaks have been common in senior residences, new data is showing more cases in 20-40-year-old residents.

So far 7,989 Albertans have recovered from COVID 19.

    The Drumheller Off-Road Vehicle Association (DORVA) was poised to host its biggest event ever this summer, however, plans have changed.
    DORVA was preparing to host an event on the Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Schedule, however concerns over COVID-19  saw the series cancel its Western Canadian events.
    “Ontario decided to go ahead and the whole series will be in Eastern Canada this year, so Western Canada got scrapped from the  Rockstar Energy Triple Crown series,” said Brad Peake of DORVA. “They had to make that decision in fairly decent time to make plans for the rest of the season, given we’re in the climate where there is a pretty short window as is.”    
    The event was scheduled for June 14. Peake notes, now some restrictions in Alberta are relaxing, it may have been possible to host the event.
    “I stayed in touch with the promoter and they have ensured they are still very interested in Drumheller and they are looking forward to seeing us in 2021. The positive thing that comes from this is I have another 12 months to put the polish on this thing and when they come to see Drumheller their first impression is going to be even better,” said Peake.
    Despite the concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, DORVA has been able to open the track with allowing resident members to use the track, and kept a careful count of riders to allow them to use the track within the protocols. They worked with town and health officials.
    “I was trying to get away from the intercommunity mingling and just let us be open as part of our community, meaning stay at home means just to stay in your own town,” he said.
    He says it has been good for the community and the riders.
    “People are finding a huge sense of mental well being by just having somewhere to go,” said Peake.
    This summer they are hosting an event that has been dubbed ‘The COVID Cup’  on August 1 and 2.
    He explains this is a club motocross race, not sanctioned by any larger organization. Registration has been further automated and is online to reduce contact.
    “We have been working diligently in the background to get these things in place,” he said.
    The event is a three moto format with racers from 50cc all the way up to pro class and veteran. The practice motos are on Saturday and moto 2 and moto 3 are on Sunday.
    “We are not opening for spectators, at this point, we are just going for participants only,” said Peake, adding they will continue to adhere to social distancing protocols.
    For more information on the coming event or DORVA go to www.dorvamx.com or check out the Drumheller Off-Road Vehicle Association Facebook page.