With high rates of COVID-19, concern is growing in Calgary’s bedroom communities



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Airdrie’s family physician Dr. Fozia Alvi says she had a total of two COVID-19 test positive patients last spring – but that has changed.

“For the past two weeks, I have been receiving one to two positive patients every day,” Alvi said. “And I’m one of only 50 doctors in Airdrie.”

As of Friday’s provincial update, Airdrie now has 277 active cases of COVID-19, putting the community in an “advanced state,” with an active case rate of 395.7 cases for a population of 100,000.

Last week, the increase in cases triggered the Airdrie mandatory mask law. Mayor Peter Brown said the city is committed to obtaining information on the new restrictions announced on Thursday.

“There is a lot of fear in the community,” Brown said.

WATCH | The premier, the best doctor says new restrictions are needed:

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, currently self-isolating, has announced new interim measures to fight COVID-19. The premier said that the increase in COVID-19 cases has led to “limited, targeted and targeted measures”. 4:07

Beginning today, Alberta has suspended indoor group fitness programs, team sports and group performance activities and reduced the opening hours of restaurants, bars and pubs, stopping liquor sales at 22:00

These restrictions are expected to last until November 27, but further restrictions could be implemented if the case count does not decrease to the extent the province hopes.

All areas under the advanced state will fall under the new restrictions. This means that communities like Airdrie and Chestermere are subject to the new regulations.

Brown said he wants more detailed information from the province about the provenance of the cases, so that people can make informed decisions.

Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown says he wants more detailed information from the province about the origin of the cases. (Evelyne Asselin / CBC)

“If we can identify, OK, the family ones, the school ones?” Brown said. “How are they related to the rest of us?”

Chestermere

The city of Chestermere, also in a strengthened state, has 60 active cases of COVID-19, representing an active case rate of 287 per 100,000.

The community has seen several outbreaks in the past few days, including a CrossFit gym, dance studio, and social gathering that has resulted in at least 20 cases.

Chestermere Mayor Marshall Chalmers said the time has come for the community to consider a temporary mask law.

“We just recently had a notable peak, and it’s very painful to see these levels rise,” said Chalmers. “Our advice is saying, look, it’s time to have this debate, even though our community is doing very well.

“This is really the only other lever we have left, and it is really up to the province to implement these public health measures.”

Chestermere city council will discuss its mask regulation on Tuesday.

The city of Okotoks is also in a state of improvement, with 28 active cases, representing an active case rate of 80 per 100,000 population.

The city of Cochrane is in the open state with 16 active cases, representing a rate of 48 per 100,000.

Current outbreaks in Airdrie and Chestermere include:

  • Abstract Dance Academy in Chestermere: 6 cases (all recovered).
  • Chestermere Lake CrossFit: 15 cases (7 active, 8 recovered).
  • Private meeting in Chestermere: 20 cases (13 active, 7 recovered).
  • Little Angels Daycare in Airdrie: 19 cases (5 active, 14 recovered).
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