Alberta Health Services in the central zone is reaching out to local businesses about their COVID-19 plan.
Despite Red Deer’s rise in active COVID-19 cases, which hit a new high Wednesday, the calls are not a new strategy or in response to the spike, according to AHS.
“Environmental Public Health typically reaches out to businesses in a call or follow-up call related to an outbreak or because of a complaint,” AHS said in a release.
They added that public health inspectors may also call or visit businesses in response to complaints about facilities not following appropriate COVID-19 protocols.
“In such instances, the inspector carries out an education or advisory role as an initial step when responding, outlining what is required and the risks associated with the activities,” AHS added in a statement.
“Where there are outstanding critical violations and a risk of COVID-19 transmission or burden to the health system is present, AHS public health inspectors, empowered under the Public Health Act, can conduct enforcement activities specific to facilities not obeying guidelines set by the chief medical officer of health including an absence of appropriate safety measures, or repeated refusal to put measures in place.”