As Jasper settles into enhanced public health from the Alberta government, mayor Richard Ireland is urging visitors to follow the rules.
鈥淲e are thrilled that regional visitors continue to support Jasper鈥檚 tourism industry during the pandemic,鈥� said Ireland in a statement released by the Municipality of Jasper.
鈥淲e kindly ask that our guests continue to follow the health restrictions in place across the province, and local requirements, when visiting our community.鈥�
With more than 10 active cases of COVID-19, Jasper is on Alberta Health鈥檚 enhanced list, or 鈥榩urple zone鈥�, meaning there is restricted access to some businesses and services on top of other provincially mandated measures.
Regional visitors planning to come to Jasper over the next three weeks should do so only with people from their own households. This includes carpooling to Jasper, sharing hotel rooms, and eating at restaurants, said the Municipality of Jasper鈥檚 media release.
鈥淛asper businesses are working hard to keep our services and amenities as safe as possible,鈥� it reads. 鈥淰isitors following the health rules in place locally and provincially is the key to keeping our residents, our visitors and our community safe, and therefore our destination open.鈥�
Greg Van Tighem, fire chief and director of Jasper鈥檚 Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC), said the municipality has noticed many weekend visitors coming to town and enjoying what Jasper has to offer, providing 鈥渕uch needed support to our business community during the pandemic鈥�.
鈥淯nfortunately,鈥� he said, 鈥渨e鈥檝e also noticed several visitors being quite oblivious to the current health restrictions, and that poses a real threat to our ability to remain open and provide these services into the coming months.鈥�
With Jasper being a small community with limited resources, he said, the effects of a COVID-19 outbreak would be 鈥渄evastating鈥�.
From the Municipality of Jasper:
Jasper has a lot to offer this winter season, including several opportunities for outdoor activities with members of your household.
When visiting Jasper, please remember to:
鈥� Travel with members of your household only.聽聽
鈥� Wear a mask in all indoor public places, on downtown sidewalks, and wherever it is difficult to maintain a two metre distance from others.
鈥� Learn and follow the rules in place in each business you visit.
鈥� Be prepared to move on if an establishment is at capacity, or plan to get food for take-out or delivery whenever possible.
Jasper takes pride in its ability to welcome visitors and offer memorable experiences. Please be kind and respectful to our community and its residents so we can continue to welcome you this winter season.
Provincial restrictions (Jasper is 'Enhanced (purple) Area'):
