The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for everyone and especially for businesses. Here at the Central Alberta Bike School, we struggled with the decision to continue into the 2021 season after having to shut down classes in the previous year. With so much misinformation out there regarding this virus it is important to always defer to trusted sources. We find that in the guidance provided by the Alberta Provincial Government.
“Alberta is now in Stage 2 of relaunch. Albertans can and should confidently support Alberta businesses, while continuing to act responsibly and following all public health measures.” is the message on Alberta.ca, the governments hub for COVID-19 directives.
With this statement from the Alberta Government we will push ahead and provide the classes to our students. This one statement puts the onus on the people to act responsibly.
All public health measures and COVID-19.
CABS is a part of Circuit Cycle & Sports, a bicycle shop, which has been identified as an “Essential Business” during the pandemic. The activities of CABS is a process of providing bicycle repair, and that alone falls well within the provincial guidelines. It is important that while in class, we practice all health measures. These are:
- practice physical distancing of 2 meters and wear a mask in public.
- practice good hygiene: wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face.
- monitor for symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
- self-isolate for the legally-required 10 days if you have any symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or medical condition.
While in class students and instructors will be provided surgical masks as some instances during instruction may draw the students closer than 2-meters. Hand-wipes are provided to sanitize as you enter and exit the tech area. Cleaners will be used to wipe down the tools after each class, and the cleaning cloths for each day will be disposed.
Students who feel ill should report their condition and self isolate for the prescribed period of ten-days. In the event a student falls ill, the entire class my be suspended. This is an unfortunate circumstance of our situation we are required to observe.
Let’s talk COVID-19 numbers.
During conversations with many people who have looked to us for classes, it has become clear that a certain level of fear regarding COVID-19 is running throughout our culture. We can report that here in Millet, the home of CABS, no cases have been reported. In fact the Town of Millet, has rescinded the state of emergency as no cases are currently in this town. Further, unlike the City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary, Millet has not created a law forcing citizens to wear a mask. Mask wearing in Millet is voluntary.
In Alberta there are 9 people in intensive care in the entire province with a total of 47 people in the hospital with the COVID-19. Total Albertans tested for the virus are 1.01 million. Alberta’s population is 4.3 million.
The COVID-19 situation changes as new information comes to light, and if you are already registered for a class, we will contact you with policy changes here at CABS. In the meantime, we push ahead with classes, and look forward to seeing you in the coming seasons.
Image: Covid-19. Image compliments of Image by Pixabay