With rising COVID-19 cases in Jasper and an outbreak declared at the hospital, mayor Richard Ireland is encouraging residents and visitors to follow the rules and help keep the town safe.
“Together we can again, we must again, flatten the curve,” Ireland said in a video message released Nov. 30.
He said in our relatively isolated, small mountain town, it may be tempting to attribute the “alarming” increase of local cases of COVID-19 to “one of the unfortunate effects of visitation”.
“While that may be a factor,” Ireland said, “the undeniable reality is that once the virus enters our population, it can and it will spread among us.”
There are currently 32 active cases of COVID-19 in Jasper, including one at Jasper Elementary School, one at Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge, and four at Seton - Jasper Healthcare Centre.
Ireland said he knows many residents are concerned, but the municipality has been assured by Alberta Health Services that the Jasper hospital remains a safe place to receive care.
“Still, this is no time for complacency,” he said.
“We started and we remain in this together.
“We must all be ever vigilant, ever diligent in taking action to protect ourselves, to protect each other and to keep Jasper safe.”
Ireland said just as the municipality has reminded visitors to learn and follow local and provincial rules to help keep Jasper as a community and destination safe, “so too must we all do the same”.
He encouraged residents to only socialize with members of their household, wear a mask in all indoor public places and downtown sidewalks, and adhere to occupancy limits and other restrictions in local businesses - or take advantage of home delivery or takeout provided by “so many local businesses”.
“Remember, shop local, support local businesses, especially during this holiday season,” Ireland said.
“We all have a role to play. Please be kind, respect each other, respect the rules, help keep Jasper safe.”
