Westlock responds to coronavirus

WESTLOCK - It was just a few short weeks ago when the coronavirus (COVID-19) was a problem for people on the other side of the world, but now with a potential exposure of staff member at Westlock County’s administrative office to the virus, the true nature of what a global pandemic actually is is starting to hit home.

Residents were notified March 13 at 1 p.m. that the county office would be closed to the public until further notice following the potential exposure of an employee, to the COVID-19 virus after recently returning from a trip abroad.

“They were feeling symptoms, so they have gone to get tested and have self-isolated,” said Westlock County reeve Lou Hall, shortly after the press release was distributed.

Protocols from Alberta Health Services were put into place and the office was closed “out of an abundance of caution” for the public and staff.

“Rather than risk sharing with the public, they have decided to close the county office to the public, so that if anyone else in the office has been in contact with someone who has tested positive, that we make sure the public is safe,” said Hall.

Hall didn’t have any further details, and said she didn’t even know who the staff member is.

She did reiterate that the county office is still open and it is business as usual inside, there is just to be no direct contact with the public. Those inside can still be reached by phone, e-mail, fax and regular mail and bills can still be paid online.

Hall said that depending on the results of the staff member’s test, which will take four to five days to confirm, the office could open later this week. Further notices will be posted on the county website and released to the press as the situation develops.

“We’re taking each day as they come … We’re not trying to make this crazy, we’re trying to make it reasonable,” she said.

Meanwhile on Sunday night, March 15, the Town of Westlock closed the Rotary Spirit Centre and Aquatic Centre to the public. The town also cancelled its committee of the whole meeting scheduled for March 16.

Government actions

With the exponential spread of the virus, which has killed more than 6,500 across the globe, the province and municipalities are taking action.

It should be noted, there have also been 174,603 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide as of March 16 and 77,867 of those individuals have completely recovered.

As of March 16, Canada has seen one death as a result of the virus and 324 other cases have been confirmed. Of those, 56 are in Alberta; Ontario has 145; and British Columbia 73. The remainder are spread throughout rest of the country.

On March 11, the Town of Westlock posted a notice for residents on its website and Facebook page providing info about the virus itself, the actions being taken, and how to prevent and prepare for the spread of the virus.

The town’s director of emergency management, Stuart Koflick said March 12 he was part of a teleconference with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who has also been providing public updates on the situation on a daily basis.

Municipalities are following Alberta Health Services lead when it comes to the information disseminated and the recommendations that are given to the public.

Koflick reiterated that the risk in the Westlock region is low, but public health officials are care-fully monitoring the situation in Alberta, Canada and across the globe.

Their concern is making sure the health system is ready to respond in an effective manner and that healthcare professionals are kept apprised of development so cases are recognized and promptly reported.

Recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus include good hygiene practices and frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Those who are feeling ill are advised to stay home and keep away from others and to contact your primary health provider or call Health Link 811 with questions and concerns.

Officials also urge people to create a household plan of action that includes discussing contingencies should an outbreak occur in the community; planning for those who may be at greater risk and having sufficient medications and supplies on hand; talking about emergency planning with your neighbours; and creating a list of local organizations that information, support and resources when applicable. Creating an emergency contact list is also advised.

Stockpiling of goods is not recommended at this time. While it’s always best practice to have three days worth of supplies on-hand, no one is recommending Albertans purchase food or other materials in bulk.

Koflick added there is a pandemic plan in place, so far as the continuity of municipal services is concerned.

“That speaks to ensuring that we provide the essential services that are required to sustain safety and health and life within a community — ensuring we have water and waste water treatment, provision of emergency services, looking after our own staff internally, and how in the event that we have reduced numbers of staff, how are we still going to provide those essential services and there is a whole bunch of different ways we can do that,” said Koflick.

For instance, should the town ever have to curtail non-essential services, like recreation, there is a plan in place to re-purpose those staff to fill in gaps within administration and other areas, he said, adding there are also mutual aid agreements in place with Westlock County and Barrhead to fill in specific roles, such as water treatment plant operators.

The town and Westlock County have what is called an all-hazards mutual aid agreement.

“We have the ability to share everything from heavy equipment, public works staff, administration, reception and financial staff,” said Koflick.

The town will continue to follow the lead of Alberta Health Services during this fast-moving and fluid situation, said Koflick, but urges residents to take the recommended precautions to heart and work together to be part of a positive outcome for everyone in the community.

More information can always be found at the Alberta Health Services, Town of Westlock or Westlock County websites.

Community reacts

The Westlock News reached out to its Facebook audience just before the announcement of a potential case of exposure at the county office, asking how they were coping with the pandemic.

While some joked about cornering the market on toilet paper, others said they were doing “absolutely nothing” and that it was overblown and nothing more than a case of the media causing hysteria, many others were getting prepared and taking the recommended precautions.

Jeff Hamel responded:

“Living in a rural area we normally keep a few weeks of supplies on hand, especially during winter. With pre-existing health issues and being older we have chosen to stay away from crowds and people in general. If we have to go out we wash our hands frequently. We are not overly concerned, but are taking precautions.”

Tiffany Scarnati said she had been to Costco earlier that day and joked that she took her son with her as back-up, if things got out of hand.

People have been stockpiling and hoarding items like toilet paper and disinfectant. Shelves are empty in many locations as many are purchasing much more than is needed. There have even been incidents of people trying to sell their hoarded goods online for profits.

Last Thursday, March 12, both local grocery stores had toilet paper on the shelves, but some were empty as they waited to be re-stocked.

One respondent, Florence Merchant went over some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and provided a shopping list, noting it was a respiratory disease, as opposed to a gastrointestinal one.

“You do not need toilet paper, just Kleenex, hand soap and water, face masks, if you are shopping, latex gloves and sani-wipes,” she said.

Scarnati survived her trip to Costco to tell the tale and went on to comment about the precautions she was taking in her household.

“I have talked to my children about it, I keep on them to wash their hands after touching things. I Lysol my house nightly, wiping handles and door knobs, that sort of thing. I think my family is coping rather well for now,” she said.

Jennie Chambers shared that she is trying to be mindful of others when she shops.

“I’m trying to not be selfish and to have on hand what my family needs, so I don’t need to shop too much and just try to remain calm,” she said.

“My job allows me to work remotely if needed, so if the schools or daycare closes down for a period I’m prepared to stay home with my kids. Lots of games , arts projects, home projects, animals to care for, chores around the barn and just trying to keep everyone busy, but happy as possible.”

J.P. Petryshen Holm said she always uses disinfectant wipes to clean shopping carts or menus at restaurants and washes her hands regularly after going through a buffet.

“Soap and water works best when possible,” she said.

March 14 also saw the first community Facebook post, volunteering to assist the most vulnerable and those who have chosen to self-isolate for 14 days. Many others have since put their names forward on the same post to help however they can.

• With files from Andreea Resmerita

Chris Zwick, TownandCountryToday.com