Indo Canadian News News That Matters
The Mayor of Calgary, Mr. Naheed Nenshi, announced on Wednesday (Nov 25) that the City of Calgary has entered into a state of local emergency (SOLE). The step is carried out as the Alberta government tries to stop the surging pandemic.
The Mayor wrote on his Twitter account, “As of today (Nov 25) at 1:31 pm, the City of Calgary has entered a State of Local Emergency. We are doing this so we are ready and able to take action where needed to protect the safety of Calgarians. Now, what matters is kindness. It is how we will get through this, stronger, together.”
As of today at 1:31 pm, The City of Calgary has entered a State of Local Emergency.
We’re doing this so we’re ready and able to take action where needed to protect the safety of Calgarians. L
Now, what matters is kindness. It’s how we’ll get through this, stronger, together. pic.twitter.com/3PJZ18di6H
— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) November 25, 2020
The move took effect on Wednesday afternoon at 01:31 pm, a day after the Government of Alberta announced the new COVID-19 restrictions. The move allows the city to better respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of procuring resources.
On Tuesday (Nov 24), Alberta Premier Jason Kenney declared a state of public health emergency and a series of new restrictions, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the province’s new regulations, indoor gatherings are prohibited and the maximum number of outdoor gatherings is 10 people. Retail companies are allowed to continue operations, but the capacity is reduced to 25 per cent of the occupancy rate. The restaurants are will open, but diners can only dine with their friends or family.
Those who live alone can sit with up to two other people designated as close contacts. Weddings and funerals can be held, but the number of attendees is limited to 10 people and receptions are not allowed. Wearing a face mask will be mandatory in many indoor workspaces. The new provincial measures will be reviewed on December 15, 2020.
Mr. Nenshi said at a press conference with Mr. Tom Sampson, head of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), that declaring a state of emergency does not mean that the city itself is imposing any new restrictions. Declaring a state of emergency allows the city to act quickly, purchase supplies, deal with vulnerable Calgarians and obtain funding from other levels of government, among other measures.
In addition, one who breaks the rules will face fines. The province announced on Tuesday that peace officials or police can charge a fine of CA$ 1,000 per ticketed offence and up to CA$ 100,000 in court for not following the rules.
