Following the Thursday, April 30 announcement from the government of Alberta, the Town of Drumheller has rescinded its order to close private campgrounds in the valley.
In keeping with the policy and directive with the Government of Alberta’s Opening Soon relaunch strategy, The Town of Drumheller announced campgrounds may re-open immediately. The order issued on April 23, 2020 is rescinded.
AHS guidelines will be in effect and will be monitored to ensure campgrounds are maintaining appropriate prevention measures.
The thru plan launched last week including barricades placed throughout town to encourage Local Traffic Only, will remain in effect until Stage 1 of the “Opening Soon” strategy is implemented, which is scheduled for May 14, 2020. This does not affect our surrounding residents who work in town and utilize local services. They are considered part of the local community and will continue to be welcomed.
The Director Emergency Management Darwin Durnie explains, “the announcement yesterday from the Province is encouraging. We have transitioned from fighting the pandemic to managing the risk. However, we wish to remind everyone that we are still under a State of Public Health Emergency. Our facilities and attractions remain closed and we are still concerned that an increased number of visitors could increase the spread of COVID-19 to our community and if an injury occurs, it will put stress on our small local health care system. We want to have all available resources for the management of COVID-19. We continue to respond in a careful, compassionate and caring manner and the safety of our community is our first priority.”
Mayor Colberg is hopeful the “Opening Soon” strategy will help the town recover from this devastating pandemic.
“I was pleased to hear the Premier’s announcement yesterday. I’m glad our campgrounds can begin to open and welcome a limited number of visitors. However, the barricades will remain in place as a reminder that we are not out of the woods yet. If we open the barricades and let visitors into town, we run the risk of becoming infected and shutting down completely again. So we will begin to re-open slowly and continue to clean clean clean, and maintain social distancing. Together we can get through this,” she said.

There have been two positive tests for the COVID-19 virus in Drumheller.
As of Friday afternoon, May 1, the information was shared at Alberta.ca during Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw’s daily briefing. It notes there have been two positives tests and both are recorded as active cases.
Mayor Heather Colberg said it was expected there would eventually be a case in Drumheller. It has been 50 days since they activated the Emergency Operations Centre.
“While it is scary to hear this news, it was likely inevitable. I don’t know the details about the individuals, but I hope they are able to fight the virus and recover,” said Colberg.
Senior advisor Dr. Rithesh Ram noted as per Alberta Health Services (AHS) protocols, the people would have been alerted and contact tracing will be underway. Last week AHS begun testing at the Drumheller Health Centre and he says they anticipate there will be more cases in the coming weeks.
Heather Kipling, AHS Central Zone communications director says, “To protect patient privacy, we are not providing characteristics of each confirmed case on a per community basis …Typically such information is only shared when confirming a COVID-19 related death and that would only come from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.”
Mayor Colberg calls on the community to remain vigilant.
“Now more than ever, I want to stress the importance of social distancing, washing hands and clean, clean, clean. Together we are at war with this virus and can fight this, but we need to stay committed in our efforts. STAY HOME. Practice social distancing,” she said. “Help your neighbour. If they need assistance with groceries or their prescription, pick it up for them. We are responding to this virus by being careful, compassionate, and caring.”
Further, she notes to always:
· Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
· Wash. Lather your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
· Avoid touching your face