NEW TARGETED MEASURES TO FIGHT COVID-19: STATEMENT FROM RACHEL NOTLEY

EDMONTON – Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley issued the respond to today’s COVID-19 update from Jason Kenney and the announcement of new public safety measures:

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones during this pandemic. Our hearts go out to all Albertans who have been impacted by this pandemic.

“The threat of COVID-19 in Alberta today is greater than in it was in April. The threat is very real. While other jurisdictions, including Ontario and B.C. today, have presented updated modelling and publicly released frameworks for when changes to public health measures will be triggered, Jason Kenney is hiding the data and blaming Albertans for his own failure to act.

“What we learned today is the UCP have blown past their own previously stated triggers by 50 per cent and only now are we getting the most limited of actions. There were several things missing from today’s announcement. Where are the supports for seniors in long-term care? Where are the supports for small businesses that are now closing for two weeks? Where are the supports for workers if they become sick?

“Today, the Premier said the virus is starting to win. That’s because he’s refused to put up a fight. He’s done nothing for weeks and now claims to be taking “targeted measures” by implementing temporary restrictions on sporting events and the arts. We have no way of knowing if that will be enough, given that he’s hiding information.

“Here’s what we do know — we can’t identify the source of 67 per cent of COVID-19 cases. The UCP have been sitting on their hands, refusing to hire contact tracers for weeks — they only just posted for new positions last week. This week, in multiple separate instances, hundreds of front-line physicians have come forward to demand action from this government. We cannot ignore the alarm bells from the front-line.

“Two weeks ago, I proposed six, practical, non-restrictive measures the government could have implemented that would have helped reduce cases and keep our economy running. The Premier did nothing. Alberta is very close to becoming the most dangerous place in the country to live with COVID.

“We must do better.”