Spruce Grove announces new measures to combat spread of COVID-19

On the same day provincial officials announced the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases had reached 419, the City of Spruce Grove announced new measures it is taking to try to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in its community.

“Effective immediately, all playground equipment and the Spruce Grove Skate Park is temporarily closed to the public,” the city said on its Facebook page Wednesday.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Effective immediately, all playground equipment and the Spruce Grove Skate Park is temporarily closed to the public," the city said on its Facebook page Wednesday.

“We have been monitoring the situation and have seen excellent compliance from residents regarding these amenities, however, we feel the safety of our residents is of the utmost importance and this is a necessary step to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.”

Officials from the city located a short drive west of Edmonton also announced it is temporarily suspending fare collection on all Spruce Grove Transit routes. Officials said that measure applies to both local and commuter routes. Other cities, including Edmonton, have already taken such steps with the hope that bus drivers and riders no longer exchanging fares by hand will reduce the possibility for virus transmission.

People taking Spruce Grove Transit will also be asked to board buses using the vehicles’ rear doors.

Beginning Monday, March 30, Spruce Grove Transit Route 562 will also be permanently cancelled, the city said, however, it was not clear why.

“Route 560 will continue to operate on its usual schedule,” the city said.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Travellers coming back to Canada now mandated to isolate, feds say

Officials also announced that any residents of Spruce Grove who are returning to the city from international destinations “with a recreational vehicle are being asked to contact enforcement services at 780-962-7586 to register their RV.”

“This will allow them to park their RV in their driveway or on the street for the required 14-day isolation period without resulting in any enforcement action being taken for the presence of an RV in a residential area,” the city said.

READ MORE: Alberta ramping up enforcement of public health orders; number of confirmed COVID-19 cases climbs to 419

City officials asked that citizens comply with public health guidelines and best practices laid out by provincial officials to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. As of Wednesday evening, the illness had claimed the lives of two people in Alberta.

“We are all in this together and thank you for your continued support and co-operation as we all do our part to keep our community healthy and well,” the city said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We are all in this together and thank you for your continued support and co-operation as we all do our part to keep our community healthy and well," the city said.

For more information on Spruce Grove’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Watch below: Some Global News videos from a news conference in Edmonton on Wednesday where officials provided an update on Alberta’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

0:55 ​Kenney says new enforcement rules meant for large groups

• ​Kenney says new enforcement rules meant for large groups
• ​Coronavirus outbreak: Jason Kenney announces fines for people ignoring self-isolation guidelines
• Coronavirus outbreak: Alberta announces 61 cases of COVID-19, outbreak at group home
• ‘This is the time to stay home and limit the spread’: Hinshaw
• Kenney asks people to be patient when it comes to COVID-19 self-isolation money
• Kenney says public should be patient with political leaders during crisis
• Alberta’s Dr. Hinshaw explains who should use a face mask
• Alberta health minister clarifies how self-isolation fines work
• Coronavirus outbreak: Tips to stop the spread of COVID-19 in your house from Dr. Hinshaw
• Coronavirus outbreak: Dr. Hinshaw announces additional measures for health facilities

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On Wednesday, Premier Jason Kenney announced the province is ramping up enforcement when it comes to Albertans complying with public health orders by increasing fines for failing to follow rules set out during the COVID-19 crisis.

Earlier in the day, the provincial government announced that Albertans who have been forced to self-isolate because of the pandemic and who have no other source of income can now apply for financial support from the province.

READ MORE: Eligible Albertans can now apply for emergency COVID-19 isolation support

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials say the risk is low for Canadians but warn this could change quickly. They caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.