BANFF – The Town of Banff has put a call out for critical supplies as a back up for essential services like the RCMP and Mineral Springs Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials with Banff’s emergency coordination centre (ECC) say they would welcome protective equipment and cleaning products - from businesses or institutions that may have reduced operations due to the coronavirus crisis - to ensure backup supplies are available to support the community.
Silvio Adamo, the Town’s director of emergency operations, thanked everyone who has been able to offer support, noting priority items include hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, gloves, medical masks, N95 respirators, gowns/scrubs and eye protection.
“It is so great to see the corporate community come together during this difficult time,” he said.
“We would like to urge any other businesses to see if they have resources to help maintain continuity of service for emergency and essential services.”
If you can help, email [email protected] or via the online form to identify any supplies that can be contributed by sale or by donation.
Meanwhile, the ECC announced strict protocols for local grocery stores.
With IGA and Nester’s Food Market among the highest risk locations for the spread of the coronavirus in Banff, the emergency coordination centre has asked residents to follow key directions to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Adamo said grocery stores in Banff are continuing to elevate rigorous measures to ensure a clean and safe environment.
“We expect all customers to take the precautions very seriously and follow extra measures to slow the spread in our community,” he said.
ECC requires all customers to strictly follow all protocols: maintain a two-metre distance between people, don’t go into a store if you have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose or fever, do not touch items you are not buying, bag your own groceries - and only one person per household to visit the grocery store.
Despite increased sanitation measures at grocery stores, customers may be concerned about the virus surviving on products they purchase. Precautionary measures at home include wiping down boxes, packaging and cans, transferring products from store packaging to home containers, washing fruits and vegetables under running water and cleaning household surfaces touched by groceries or grocery bags.
“Personal hygiene, specifically frequent and thorough hand washing, remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others,” said Adamo.
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