“Please, please Strathmore stay home,” said Mayor Pat Fule at the start of his Facebook live session on Friday afternoon. The Mayor updated the public on a number of issues and answered questions.

Fuel spoke about preventing the spread of COVID19, he highlighted measures recently taken by the municipality, provincial regulations, and about community supports.

“There are four cases of COVID19 in the Strathmore region,” said Fule answering a public question.

He told people that they still need to focus on maintaining physical distance and personal hygiene like god hand-washing.

To protect Strathmore the town has taken certain measures he said, including limiting gatherings, restricting playground equipment and closing facilities.

“The town has quickly acted to prevent community transmission,” he said.

He explained that people who have confirmed cases of the virus must quarantine and are legally liable to do so.

Fule later acknowledged members of the community who are working hard to provide front-line services, like staff at the Strathmore Hospital and local businesses. “Almost all business closures in Alberta have been voluntary,” said the Mayor.

He also spoke about the amount of testing that is being done by Alberta Health Services, and about the frustrations, some people have when they can’t get through to 811 for testing and information.

He asked people to, “if you see someone who you know isn’t following the AHS public health guidelines, be a good friend and let them know that things have changed.”

He spoke about the town’s interactive map that shows service changes in Strathmore on groceries, pharmacies, and other services after a question on deliveries in town for seniors.

In terms of community supports and plans for recovery in the future Fule said the town council will be meeting next Wednesday, April 1, and there will be more announcements on supports in the municipality.

“We know that many in Strathmore face financial hardship,” said Fule. He appealed to the local landlords for flexibility in rents.

He explained that a policy on restricting evictions needs to be done by the Government of Alberta and he said people should appeal to their local MLA.

He also spoke about services for vulnerable groups and asked people to call Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) at 403-934-9090 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday.

He urged people to think about their mental health, exercise and the importance of getting a good night’s sleep.

“We’re going to get through this together, so be kind, look out for your neighbour,” said Fule.

Mayor Pat Fule’s full Facebook Live session can be viewed on the Town of Strathmore’s Facebook page.