From The City of Red Deer

City of Red Deer modifies service and programming amidst COVID-19

All City delivered recreation and culture programming at City of Red Deer facilities is temporarily cancelled to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is effective immediately.

According to Alberta Health (AHS), there are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in Red Deer, and the risk to residents remains low. The City of Red Deer is taking preventative measures in the interest of social distancing.

Measures being taken by The City of Red Deer at this time include:

• Activation of a City of Red Deer Emergency Operations Centre
• Cancellation of City programs in public facilities, including but not limited to, fitness classes, swimming lessons, educational and cultural courses
• Closure of hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas
• Closure of child minding services at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre and Collicutt Centre
• Revised cancellation policies for recreation facility passes, programs and rentals
• A shift from in-person to online City of Red Deer public participation and consultation activities
• Enhanced cleaning and janitorial services in high traffic areas and touch points
• Continued focus on hygiene
• Mandatory 14-day isolation period for all City of Red Deer employees who are symptomatic and/or who travelled internationally, effective March 12 at 4 p.m.
• Activation of a City of Red Deer call centre for residents to make non-emergency inquiries about City policies and facilities (403-342-8111), operation 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice.
• The City is in communication and sharing information with contractors operating City facilities

  (i.e. Heritage Ranch, Museum & Art Gallery, Bower Ponds, and neighbourhood activity centres), however, business decisions remain with those individual operators.

  “The health and safety of our residents is priority number one,” said Karen Mann, Situational Monitoring Centre Director, The City of Red Deer. “We know some of these measures may cause frustration and disrupt the routines of individuals and families who engage in our many programs and services. However, we strongly believe these are necessary steps in minimizing the potential spread of COVID- 19 in our community.”

  At this time all City recreation facilities remain open, such as the Collicutt Centre and G.H. Dawe Community Centre. Public facilities like City Hall, downtown RCMP and ES Counter Service remain open. Residents are reminded not to attend City facilities or any public place if they’re feeling ill. Please consider the following:

  • Practice “social distancing”
  • Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
  • Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
  • Keep at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
  • Follow good respiratory hygiene; cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze (dispose of the used tissue immediately)

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing and have travelled outside Canada or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home and call Health Link 811. If you are not seriously ill, do not go to a physician’s office, a health care facility or a lab without consulting with Health Link 811 first. Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention and inform them that you may have COVID-19.

The City of Red Deer’s call centre is available to provide general information about The City’s response to COVID 19 as well as to ensure 811 and 911 are left available to those requiring emergency assistance. The City’s call centre will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., until further notice.

The COVID-19 outbreak remains a fluid situation and information can change quickly and often. The City of Red Deer is prepared to make additional changes as required in order to keep residents safe and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Residents are urged to visit the Alberta Health Services website at www.ahs.ca for the most up to date information.

Sylvan Lake closing NexSource Centre until further notice