A lot can change in a week.
By the time this week's edition of the Fitzhugh is in print, I am sure some of it will be out of date. The global and local situations are changing so rapidly it’s difficult to keep up.
But keep up, the Fitzhugh will. Watch our website and Facebook page for the latest news relating to Jasper.
I must say, my hero through all of this has been Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health for Alberta.
Dr. Hinshaw has kept Albertans informed of the province’s situation with regards to COVID-19 over the past few weeks with almost daily media updates.
And while the words that come out of Dr. Hinshaw’s mouth may have been scary at times, she speaks calmly, intelligently and with purpose. Each day she tells us the situation has escalated and yet, somehow, she is very reassuring.
As the situation has evolved, so has Dr. Hinshaw’s response. She is the leader we need in times like this.
Thank you Dr. Hinshaw and the healthcare professionals for working tirelessly to help keep people safe.
Thank you to cooks, cleaners, delivery drivers and everyone working hard behind the scenes to help keep the world turning.
Thank you Jasper businesses and community members, for fully embracing the adaptation to this situation.
Now, Jasper’s community spirit is going to be put to the test.
There are going to be people stuck in quarantine needing help, some unexpectedly unemployed and others needing childcare so they can work.
I implore you: If you are healthy, be a good neighbour.
Reach out to your neighbours, friends and family to see if you can help with anything. It could be picking up groceries, checking the mail, even just a friendly phone call.
This is a difficult time but one we can get through together (just, not too close).
Be safe, wash your hands, don’t touch your face and follow government guidelines.
In the words of the great Dr. H: If you are not feeling well, stay home and isolate. This is the new normal.
