鈥淎lthough perhaps inevitable, it is nevertheless so deeply regrettable that despite the best efforts of our community members to stop the spread, the virus has arrived in our small town,鈥� said Richard Ireland, mayor of Jasper, last night.
Jasper鈥檚 first case of COVID-19 was confirmed yesterday (Mar. 21).
It was revealed by Alberta Health鈥檚 , which shows a breakdown of cases in the province.
鈥淚 extend deepest sympathy and best wishes for a full recovery to the patient, their family and loved ones,鈥� said Ireland in a statement.
鈥淚 also extend my highest respect, praise and admiration to our incredible health care professionals who continue to serve the community so well and so selflessly despite personal risk.鈥�
For patient privacy and confidentiality reasons Alberta Health Services would not release any details about the case, like if it is travel-related or community spread.
But the Municipality of Jasper has requested more information too, so officials can assess our situation.
鈥淎s we await further information from AHS, including a risk assessment, I encourage everyone to take this crisis as profoundly serious, to continue to be absolutely vigilant in taking all recommended steps for personal care and to relentlessly practice social distancing,鈥� said Ireland.聽
The news of Jasper鈥檚 first confirmed case came less than 24 hours after Ireland released a video message to the town.
In his message, Ireland talked about the impact of COVID-19 on the Municipality of Jasper, its residents and visitors, and the steps being taken in response.
鈥淐OVID-19 is having a profound impact globally with some real repercussions right here in Jasper,鈥� said Ireland in his video message on Youtube.
Hundreds of frontline staff in the hospitality industry are facing layoffs in Jasper, many businesses have adapted their services to meet new provincial requirements, some are running with reduced staff, others are encouraging staff to work from home, still others are shutting down altogether.
鈥淐ouncil acknowledges with thanks the selfless proactive steps taken by many businesses in our community to protect their employees, safeguard their customers and help flatten the curve,鈥� said Ireland.
He said council is 鈥渁cutely鈥� aware of the impacts this crisis is having on our community.
鈥淲e want you to know that we are committed to supporting you in this time of stress, turmoil and uncertainty,鈥� said Ireland.
On Thursday, March 12, Jasper activated its Emergency Coordination Centre.
Operating in virtual fashion the municipality has been able to more effectively, efficiently coordinate with other agencies on contingency plans, communicate with the public and implement its own measures to help 鈥榝latten the curve鈥�.
And Jasper鈥檚 Community and Family Services department is now operating under an Emergency Social Services structure to better meet the growing need for support.
While the Community Outreach Services building is closed, Outreach Workers continue to provide free confidential, non-judgmental support by phone at 780-852-2100.
The municipality has also closed facilities and is allowing staff to work from home.
Municipal staff employed in facilities affected by closures are being redeployed elsewhere.
鈥淣o one knows how long social distancing must last, how long business restrictions will last, whether additional measures become necessary, when visitation will return or when our local economy will start to recover,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淲e do know that everyone is doing what they can.
鈥淲e also know that our community is facing unprecedented strife. We are facing financial instability due to COVID-19鈥�
Ireland encouraged Jasperittes to apply soon for available federal and provincial programs, and talk to your bank, landlord and creditors.
鈥淭ourism is our main, arguably our only industry and the disruptions caused by COVID-19 may last for some time,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淒on't delay making arrangements if you鈥檙e affected.鈥�
Iceland said council 鈥渃ould not be more proud鈥� of the response of the community and praised local healthcare providers.
He said the municipality will will continue to maintain essential services including water, sewer and garbage 鈥渢hrough these trying times鈥�.
鈥淧lease take care of yourselves, your families and friends and continue to be part of what makes Jasper such a caring, compassionate and supportive community,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淒o all of that , of course, at the recommended, responsible social distance.
鈥淭ogether we will build a bridge to better days.鈥�
