LAKE LOUISE – RCMP in Lake Louise are threatening to fine people who are violating COVID-19 quarantine regulations in the face of rising case numbers.
Detachment commander Sgt. Gerald Walker said COVID-19 has made its long anticipated arrival in the community, and the “numbers are anticipated to increase at a rapid rate” – and precautions need to be taken seriously.
“There has been some indication that some local people have not been abiding by the health regulations, which puts the entirety of Lake Louise at risk for their health, safety, employment and way of life,” he wrote in a letter to the community.
A message from the RCMP
Posted by Lake Louise Sport and Recreation Centre on Sunday, November 15, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in Banff and Lake Louise jumped by 15 overnight on Thursday (Nov. 12), from eight to 23, putting Banff National Park on a list of 55 communities in Alberta with enhanced status.
Alberta Health Emergency Operations Centre indicated that 22 of the 23 cases had an unknown source of exposure at this time. One has been linked to travel.
With the recent cases in Lake Louise, Laggan’s Mountain Bakery and Deli as well as the Village Market temporarily closed their doors in a bid to keep the community safe.
“The health and safety of our associates and our community is our top priority,” wrote the Village Market in a social media post. “We will reopen as soon as conditions permit.”
The Village Market is Temporarily Closed. We apologize for the inconvenience. The safety and health of our associates...
Posted by The Village Market on Thursday, November 12, 2020
The Alberta government guidelines state a minimum mandatory quarantine for 14 days for anyone that is a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
There is a minimum mandatory self-isolation for anyone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or who has core symptoms not related to a pre-existing health condition. Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
Sgt. Walker said if your test comes back negative, you still are required to isolate for 14 days from the exposure with a close contact.
He said private social gatherings, both indoors or out, are limited to a maximum of 15 people.
“Each of these orders are enforceable by fines of up to $1,000,” he said.
“Please obey these orders and let’s do our best to keep each other and the community as safe as possible.”
On Thursday, Parks Canada sent a note out to businesses and stakeholders on Thursday, to let the community know there had been COVID-19 confirmed cases in the Lake Louise area.
“Parks Canada continues to monitor the situation and follow direction provided by Alberta Health Services,” read the statement from the superintendent’s office.
“Parks Canada is committed to the health and safety of the community. We will continue to support and follow the direction and guidelines of public health officials.”
Sgt. Walker asked that if you know someone who is suspected of not self-isolating or quarantining, to contact Albert Health at 1-833-415-9179.
