The public health orders related to COVID-19 in Chestermere have been lifted today. And on Monday the City will lift the Local State of Emergency.

“In order to align with the Premier’s announcement this week, Council and CHEMA have agreed to end all public health orders and lift the local state of emergency as the COVID-19 infection rates in Chestermere have remained low for more than a month now,” says Chestermere Mayor Marshall Chalmers.

“We are also encouraged by the success of our first stage of the re-launch strategy, and the fact that the province will be ending their State of Public Health Emergency next week.”

Provincial health orders are still in place. That includes social distancing, wearing a mask when you can’t be physically distant, regular hand-washing, and staying home and self-isolating if you are sick.

“These common-sense guidelines will continue to be observed and will be part of the ‘new normal’ for all Chestermerians, Albertans, and Canadians for many months to come,” says Chalmers. “Our success so far is a result of your continued vigilance and dedication to protect each other and those of us that are most vulnerable and we must not become complacent while we begin to enjoy further relaxation of the rules.”

Bernie Morton, Director of Emergency Management and Chief Administrative Officer for the City says, “As Dr. Hinshaw stated this week, we ask our citizens to temper their enthusiasm with caution as COVID-19 has not yet been eradicated.”

Morton says, “Yes, we are relaxing rules and reopening businesses and facilities, but we all have a personal responsibility to continue to think of others and observe public health guidelines. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently and vigorously, stay two metres away from anyone who does not live with you, and wear a mask when needed.”

Right now, Chestermere’s Emergency Command Centre is still operating, but in an advisory role to help local organizations and business to plan for reopening.

The State of Local Emergency will go back into effect, should there be a second wave of COVID-19 in the community in the future.