Calgary,
04
June
2020
|
14:12
America/Denver

City of Calgary update on response to COVID-19 – June 4, 2020

The City of Calgary would like to remind citizens that we remain in a State of Local Emergency. This is to support the Government of Alberta’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. The City of Calgary, in collaboration with social agencies, the business community, civic partners and citizens is taking immediate action to respond to COVID-19.

As the relaunch moves forward with more activities and businesses starting to return to normal operations, The City of Calgary will begin scaling down the regular live media updates to one per week. The next update will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 1 p.m.

Please see below for the latest updates.

311 Call Volumes

Currently 311 is experiencing higher than normal call volumes and long wait times. We have had 3,000 more calls last week than the same time last year. Typically, June is a busy time for tax questions into 311 and with questions this year about the tax relief plan and COVID-19 calls, there is a higher than normal call volume, which means that wait times are a bit longer.

If you are submitting a service request for something that’s not tax or COVID-19 related, many service requests can be completed online at calgary.ca/311 or you can download the mobile app and submit requests there.

Eau Clare Congestion

Calgarians are still spending a lot of time in the Eau Claire area. As a result, The City has expanded the routes available to pathway users at Eau Claire. Since May 29, an adaptive roadway has been put in place on Riverfront Ave from 1 St. S.W. to 2 St. S.W. and on 2 St. from Riverfront Ave. up to the Eau Claire promenade for wheeled travelers on bikes, rollerblades, scooters, etc.

This was put in place to relieve congestion and help Calgarians maintain the minimum 2 metres of physical distance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to have a walk-only zone at Eau Claire as well, for safety and distancing measures.

Bylaw and Parks’ Ambassadors will be on site this weekend, to support physical distancing and ensure public safety.

Flood Risk/River Safety

The forecast is calling for wet weather over the next week, which may result in higher river flows on the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Overland flooding into communities is not expected, but a boating advisory will likely remain in place and there may be pathway closures in low areas near the river.

Higher river flows are normal for this time of year. We are monitoring conditions 24/7 and will update you if there is change in advisory. We encourage Calgarians to know their home’s flood risk, taking precautions to prepare their family and property like moving valuables out of their basement, reviewing their emergency plan and where they might stay if they were evacuated and stay informed throughout the season.

You can also monitor flow rates in Alberta’s rivers and check forecasts and advisories on the Alberta Rivers website. A link is available by visiting calgary.ca/floodinfo.

As a reminder, especially during this time of year, be cautious around the river as conditions can change quickly. Our aquatics crews are patrolling the river. We have only had one incident in the last few days, on Monday, two rafters overturned in Harvie Passage and needed rescuing but were not injured.

Team Sports

The City is reminding Calgarians that team sports in Calgary are currently not allowed. Play fields, which are unstaffed fields in a community with no amenities, can be used with limitations.

Don’t gather in groups, or with people outside your immediate household. Groups larger than 50 people are strictly prohibited. Stay at least six feet/ two metres apart from people outside your immediate household at all times.

Playing catch, baseball or other activities with members of your immediate household is safe, and permitted. But it is not permitted with those outside your immediate household.

Calgarians are urged not to share objects, like balls or sports equipment, with people outside your household or cohort family as this greatly increases the risk of infection by passing objects from person to person.

Please do not participate in any organized team games or activities.

Be Kind to Businesses

With many businesses reopening under very different circumstances, remember your part in keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy. Before heading out, inform yourself. Read the Government of Alberta’s guidelines for businesses and customers so you know what to expect when you’re out.

Be patient with local businesses; many of them may be feeling uneasy. They want to stay safe and want you to stay safe too. We’re all in this together, and together we can get our economy back up and running in a safe and healthy way.

It's up to all of us; our small actions make a big difference.

For more information, visit calgary.ca/covid or calgary.ca/covid-business.

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