Foothills residents waited with bated breath to hear what the Province would come down with at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.
Would it mean a full lockdown right before Christmas? How would local shops deal with the guidelines and mandates handed out this time around?
It's not easy, working day to day and not knowing what could come down the pipe next with COVID-19 measures. But the fact of the matter is, the number of cases continues to rise in Alberta - and in the Foothills area. As of Monday, there were 132 cases reported in the region with 65 in Okotoks and 67 in Foothills County.
While some continue to play the math game - 65 cases out of 35,000 people is a very small fraction of the population - others are taking a broader look down the road. The Province needs to implement its measures to curb the increasing numbers of people contracting COVID so that these numbers do stay as low as they are.
And it comes down to those who live in the community to adhere to the rules, whether they agree with them or not.
So wear a mask, maintain distancing (even while wearing that mask), avoid crowds and gatherings, and be diligent about hand hygiene.
But don't let the new measures deter you from supporting our local economy, which stands to lose out if the majority of shoppers take to online outlets for their Christmas gifts in light of COVID regulations. Our small businesses need our help now more than ever.
Be safe this holiday season - follow the guidelines, support local business, and keep spirits high as much as possible.
Let's all work toward being able to gather again in the new year.
