Calgary,
27
March
2020
|
16:20
America/Denver

City announces further restrictions due to COVID-19

NEWS RELEASE

March 27, 2020

CALGARY – The City of Calgary announced further measures to reinforce physical distancing as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective immediately, The Calgary Emergency Management Agency has ordered the closure of massage parlours as well as hair and nail salons.

“We recognize the impact this will have on the business community and we don’t make this decision lightly,” said CEMA Chief Tom Sampson. “Many of these businesses have already reached out and advised they could not guarantee the safety of their staff and customers and had made the difficult decision to close themselves.”

The City also announced the closure of all skateparks, sports fields and called for an end to all organized sports including football, basketball and soccer due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The City had previously announced a closure of playgrounds.

Sampson said these are extra-ordinary measures but they are warranted to help flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19.

“This is not a typical time,” said Sampson. “Things are different. So, we must all act differently.”

Sampson said that doesn’t mean Calgarians who are not in quarantine can’t enjoy our great outdoors.

Parks will be open and there will be new signage encouraging Calgarians to physically distance by two metres from one another.

“Parks staff will be monitoring City parks and reporting back on compliance,” said Sampson. “We’ll be watching and reminding congregated people to back up and give each other some space. We have 8,000 hectares of gorgeous parks space out there – two metres distance should be very easy to maintain if we are not all going to the same park.”

Sampson said that while most Calgarians are being responsible in the face of recent restrictions, some are not getting the message.

“Folks, these orders are because we are not all getting it yet,” said Sampson. “We are seeing people not following the rules. Most people understand and are doing the right things. For some people, we need to be extra clear.”

The City anticipates an influx of Citizens taking to the outdoors as the weather improves.

Sampson said Calgarians should responsibly take advantage of the good weather.

“This is going to be a beautiful weekend and we don’t want to kill the buzz of a gorgeous spring day. So, if you go out – spread out,” said Sampson.