The community is searching for a new normal in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As residents are looking at ways to protect themselves, local businesses are looking at better ways to serve their customers.
     Last week, with each new announcement from the province, saw another barrier to businesses as Albertans figured out how best to keep themselves safe. At the same time, the continuity of businesses to serve customers with their needs is vitally important to the vitality of the community.
    “I guess I feel a moral obligation to my community, a community that has had my family’s well being in focus for the past two decades,” said Bernie Germain of Bernie and the Boys Bistro.
    His offering at the restaurant over the last few days brings with them his own sense of optimism and fun. Ever try his Mammouth Burger? There’s a challenge for a family. What about some freshly baked french bread as a treat?
    “There is really not a lot I can do, and it seems to be a very small contribution, but if everyone does something small, it becomes something big,” said Germain.
    One way businesses are reaching their customers is through delivery. This could be food or goods.
     With the new rules of social distancing in effect at eateries and the closure of bars, the Alberta government has allowed off-sales and delivery of alcoholic beverages. This means you can order food and a drink to your door.  Valley Brewery can bring a growler of their best right to your door. They have opened up an online store at www.valleybrewing.ca
    They are just one of the many businesses in Drumheller offering delivery services. The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Town of Drumheller’s efforts during this crisis and acting as a conduit for information for residents and businesses. It has compiled a list of businesses that are offering deliveries during this difficult time at www.drumhellerchamber.com
     Megan’s Moves, a fitness outlet in Drumheller is using technology to reach its clients. Last week instructors Megan McLauchlin and Andrea Leavitt cancelled their Zumba, Zumba Strong and Pound exercise classes out of caution. Instead, they taught their classes online.
    “I still want to be able to connect with my fitness participants so I decided to take my classes virtually,” said Mclaughlan. “Using Zoom software and an internet connection they can stream my class live from the comfort of home. I want us to stay healthy, have some fun, and be together in a time of uncertainty and isolation. I’m going to continue as long as we are to remain home.”

The Province of Alberta has granted law agencies the full authority to enforce public Health order and issue fines.
This means that police and some community peace officers will be able to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 Public Health Orders. Currently, these include self-isolation for 14 days following travel outside the country as well as people with close contact with those with confirmed COVID-19 cases as well as to any individual with symptoms, such as a fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose.
“We must do everything we can to protect Albertans through this pandemic. While the vast majority of Albertans are doing their part to flatten the curve by self-isolating, practicing physical distancing or helping those who are self-isolating, some are not,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “Self-isolation orders are not suggestions or guidelines – they are now the law and they must be followed. Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.”
Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders. Fines now administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations. These new fines will be in force over the coming days.
“The chief medical officer of health has the full cooperation of community peace officers and local policing to ensure Albertans comply with orders. Albertans’ health is and will always be our top priority, and we will use all necessary enforcement measures to ensure Albertans take this situation seriously by self-isolating and limiting mass gatherings,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General