COUNCIL CORNER: Mayor Deb Dueck emphasizes social distancing with second COVID-19 case identified in the area
Friends, we recently learned of the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Tofield region. This information has come to us through Alberta Health Services. One must please know, the Tofield region is a large geographic space as identified by Alberta Health Services, through the Alberta Governments geospatial map. Please know, Alberta Health Services has a duty to protect the identity and patient privacy, but also has a duty to keep the public informed. The balance between the two is an exceptionally fine line, and I believe that they are walking this line very well.
We as a community should not be channelling our focus on identifying the identity of the confirmed cases. These people deserve their privacy in what must be an exceptionally emotional and challenging time. Above all else, we wish these individuals a full and speedy recovery. Please know, Alberta Health Services will be notifying close contacts of these individuals through their contact tracing data. Please know that with these two cases it is very likely that we may see additional confirmed cases within our area. With a virus of this magnitude, sadly this is now the new norm and truly inevitable. This may be difficult for many to understand and even frightening, however, we as a community must not panic.
At this time, we collectively as the community of Tofield need to focus on the steps we can take to limit the spread. These steps mean self isolation if you are unwell. This means physical distancing, keeping 6 feet (2 meters) between yourself and others. Non-essential travel is not recommended. It can not be emphasized enough to follow the protocols set out by Alberta Health Services. https://www.alberta.ca/COVID19
This challenging time is providing us with the necessity to support one another. Although we can not gather physically, we can find other means to stay in touch, and must for our mental health and wellbeing.
Now is the time to support one another and to strengthen and build our social bonds without being physically together. Praise and thank you goes to each of you who are practicing and reinforcing this new normal. Although not physically as one, we are together collectively. Tofield, we will get through this.
Sincerely,
Mayor Debora Dueck
Town of Tofield
