The Town of Cochrane reported it's first COVID-19 death Dec. 14.
The reported death came on the heels of new stringent provincial public health measures that were enacted the day prior.
It is unfortunate to see the first recorded COVID-related death in Cochrane, said Mayor Jeff Genung.
“My heart goes out to the family of those affected – it’s sad," he said. "Any death of any resident in our community is something that we need to stop and think about. It’s the reality we’re living in. I was always hopeful Cochrane could not see any deaths.”
On Dec. 8, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced masks would be mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces in Alberta and all indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited.
Genung said the new public health restrictions that took effect Dec. 13 are helping the community and province slow the spread of COVID-19.
“From my standpoint, personally, having a provincially mandated mask has taken the pressure off,” he said. “For the province to have stepped in and made it province-wide now has taken the heat off the Town.”
Working from home was made mandatory when possible, and some businesses were required to close, reduce capacity or limit their in-person access.
The latest public health restrictions were introduced to bend the curve of COVID-19 infection in the province. They are expected to be in place until at least Jan. 12, 2021.
Genung added the fine of $1,000 for violating public health measures is helping to deter those looking to break the current restrictions. As well, municipal peace officers have received powers to enforce the current health measures.
“I hope that we never have to do it but, at least people have a little bit more of a stricter deterrent provincially mandated,” he said.
The most challenging aspect of the new COVID-19 restrictions, measures and guidelines is many residents may not be fully aware of the changes.
The Town of Cochrane is actively working to keep the community engaged and ensure they can access and understand the current information available, Genung said.
“This isn’t what we want to do, it’s not convenient, it’s a pain. However, for me, the path back to a healthy economy, a healthy society is to follow the health guidelines at this point,” Genung said. “It’s what we need to do as a community, as a province, as a country.”
Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie said the current public health restrictions are pivotal in ensuring the Alberta healthcare system is not overwhelmed.
“Like everybody, I’m not happy that we have to be underneath these restrictions – ultimately, it boils down to the healthcare system itself," he said.
Guthrie noted there was a 600 per cent increase in COVID-19-related hospitalizations in five weeks. Projecting forward two months into the future, the numbers indicated Alberta’s healthcare care system would be in a “serious situation” if no steps were taken to slow the spread of the virus.
Currently, the health care system is running at about 90 per cent capacity, according to Guthrie, noting this includes about a 30 per cent reduction in non-essential surgeries. Looking at the actual functional capacity of health care in Alberta, which takes into account available staff, the province is operating at about 130 per cent capacity.
“It would just be irresponsible to not act on that,” Guthrie said. “These measures are not taken lightly. Government has to take action.”
Some people are frustrated with the current COVID-19 measures, he said, and this is understandable given Albertans have faced countless challenges over the last nine months.
Many constituents are calling for stricter restrictions, while others are calling for limited restrictions, Guthrie said. He described it as a “no-win” situation for the province.
“Both sides of this argument, both have very, very, valid reasons for feeling the way they do,” Guthrie said. “There’s a real balancing act going on between making decisions for health, mental health, well-being, economic stability … There’s so many different factors that come into play."
Guthrie added positive steps are being taken in the province, citing the first COVID-19 vaccine being administered to a respiratory therapist in the Edmonton area on Dec. 15.
Christmas is typically a time when people want to be with their families, but that will not be possible this year for many given the current public health restrictions.
“That’s going to be very difficult and we need to try and do our best,” Guthrie said. “I hope everybody has a safe holiday.”
As of Dec. 15, there were 55 active cases of COVID-19 in Cochrane.
