Calgary declared a local state of emergency, but what does that mean?
Via Kyler NixonVia John Andersen on Flickr
In our lifetime, we can only coherently remember Calgary declaring a local state of emergency one other time. The June 2013 floods were chaotic and unfortunate for the city and everyone living in it, but we got through it, and we’ll get through this!
For everyone who may not know or recall what Calgary’s announcement means for them, here’s a simplified rundown:
Local states of emergency are not declared to ensue panic. This is extremely important to remember! This is just a precautionary measure the city is taking to keep everyone safe and alert. It also gives officials the power to reduce the capacity of events and facilities by about 50%.
“Your water will keep running and your power will stay on. Transit will keep operating and if you have an emergency, you can still call 911 for help from fire, police and ambulance!” Said Tom Sampson, Director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, in a press release sent by the city.
Essential services will remain available, but Calgary-run recreational facilities, like the library and the YMCA, will close in order to prevent large gatherings. This sucks, but it beats the alternative by a mile.
Casinos, airports, shopping centres, pharmacies and grocery stores WILL stay open! So please, purchase within your means, guys.
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An update from the City of Calgary: we have declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE). Please see the attached documents for further information. Most importantly, stay home as much as possible so we can contain the spread of COVID-19. Our collective health depends on it. pic.twitter.com/As5EZGh0pO
— Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) March 16, 2020
Alberta Health Services will also be exempt from these closures, considering how important medical assistance is at this time. (Shoutout to Calgary’s nurses and doctors, you guys are the real MVPs) and Council chambers will enforce distancing chambers and “be allowing people who are interested in public hearings to call in.”
The city is also asking that people stay up to two metres away from other people just in case. In addition to encouraging employers to let their employees work from home, they also request that everyone take their meetings virtually. So yes, you are about to find out which meetings could have been phone calls. Hopefully, this sticks even after the virus is gone.
Lastly, be kind and understanding! As Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi put it best, “I want to remind Calgarians that we need to look after one another. Clean hands, clear heads, open heart.” Stay Safe, folks!
