A number of retailers in the valley are showing support for seniors and the vulnerable as well as taking precautions to keep customers safe.
    Freson Bros. and Extra Foods in Drumheller have adopted the Golden Hour shopping policy.  At Freson Bros. their locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and reserve this time for the elderly and those who are immune-compromised to do their shopping. This allows the store to be cleaned and sanitized, and also allows the shoppers to avoid the crowds and maintain social distancing.
    “We’re doing cleaning all throughout the day, and then in the morning we do a major clean on the front ends,” said Drumheller Freson Bros manager Darryl Jacques. “We are trying to hit all the touchpoints.”
    With concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been times that shoppers have not been able to purchase all the items they wish.
    “We are reaching out to our suppliers to minimize any shortages that could occur,” said Jacques. “To keep our supply adequate for each of our customers we have had to put limits on some areas.”
    At Extra Food in Drumheller, the store has shortened its hours and now closes at 8 p.m. to allow for
sanitizing. It is also opening at 7 a.m., reserving that time for elderly shoppers and those with disabilities.
    Extra Foods also announced for the safety of its staff, it asks shoppers to leave their reusable grocery bags at home, and will not be charging for bags at the checkout.

In efforts to safeguard the community and help slow down the spread of the Coronavirus, the Town of Drumheller has made the decision to close community playgrounds.

This follows suit with a number of other communities including Calgary which have made a similar decision.

“This was a difficult decision for our Emergency Management Agency to make as we know it's important to provide safe outdoor recreational opportunities for families. But we need to break the chain of COVID-19 contact and practice social distancing. We will continue to change our behaviour as we adapt to the new normal,” said Mayor Heather Colberg.

As part of the town’s efforts to maintain a standard of cleanliness, crews have been outside cleaning high traffic areas such as doors at businesses, mailboxes, and even playgrounds.

Director of Emergency Management Darwin Durnie says at the March 23 Special Council meeting that even if playgrounds are closed they will continue to maintain them.

“We need to establish a benchmark in Drumheller, whether it is in this council room, or a grocery store, or playground, of how clean is clean, and we want to get it as clean as possible.

“We will still see cleaning at those facilities whether we do or we don’t close them.”

He also notes that it is important for everyone’s mental health to use town infrastructure such as parks, walking paths, and even benches, while at the same time practicing the recommended social distancing and cleaning protocols.