Jasper鈥檚 hospital is prepared in case there is a surge of COVID-19 patients.
According to Greg Van Tighem, director of emergency management for Jasper, Seton is operating below baseline and is well equipped for supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and staff.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 foresee any issues in the future,鈥� he said.
鈥淎lberta Health Services has been preparing for months and has adequate medical supplies available.鈥�
Van Tighem said the Emergency Pandemic Plan operates at four surge levels and Jasper has capacity up to and including level three.
鈥淎t four they would initiate a secondary treatment centre and bring in additional resources,鈥� he said.
But Alberta Health Services (AHS) has no current plans to set up an emergency facility for COVID-19 in Jasper, according to Sara Blake, a senior communications advisor for AHS.
The Municipality of Jasper activated its Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) and initiated its Pandemic Influenza Plan and Emergency Social Services Plan on March 12 .
And while AHS has the lead role in responding to the pandemic, Van Tighem and his emergency response team are in contact with the local Alberta Health director multiple times a week.
In a report to council, Van Tighem said Jasper is at a point where all non-essential businesses are closed and grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations have reduced hours of operation.
He said there are 鈥渘o major issues鈥� on supply chains or human resources but with most businesses closed, at least 1,700 people have been laid off, about 35 per cent of the working population.
鈥淲e need to treat this pandemic emergency as an ultramarathon not a sprint," said Van Tighem. 鈥淲e need to stay focused in the present but be prepared for a strong recovery in the hopefully near future.
鈥淎s we navigate these new waters, please keep in mind we are all in this together, we need to stay positive, help our families, friends and neighbours, and help AHS by doing the right things.鈥�
The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise good hygiene.
This includes cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, and disposing of tissues appropriately.
Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment at .
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit .
