'Every tool in our toolbox': State of local emergency back on in Calgary
Months after dropping COVID-19 case numbers lifted restrictions, as well as a local state of emergency, in the city of Calgary, officials say the current situation means the policy is back in force.
There's also a return of a bylaw that led to a multitude of protests.
The City of Calgary declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) on Friday afternoon in order to help "support efforts to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus."
The SOLE will allow city workers to access resources more efficiently and effectively, as well as paving the way to put local health orders in place.
Those will help Calgary navigate some of the challenges ahead, officials said.
"This SOLE helps us to take further actions to protect the most vulnerable in our community," the city wrote in a release.
"We are going to continue to use every tool in our toolbox and work extremely hard in the best interests of our citizens, communities and businesses."
A SOLE was last declared in November 2020 and lifted in June 2021. Prior to that, a SOLE was in effect from March 2020 to June 2020.
RETURN OF THE MASK BYLAW
A special council meeting also led to another change Friday night: the municipal mask mandate is back in effect.
That mandate was taken away in early July, but councillors believe the current situation calls for it to be reinstated. Starting on Saturday, masks will once again be required in indoor public spaces and on city transit.
The bylaw automatically expires on the last day of 2021, but it could also be rescinded before then if the city's per capita cases fall below 100 for 10 consecutive days.
The province also passed a similar mandate Friday, though councillors said enacting a municipal rule makes enforcement easier and will allow the city to decide if and when it's lifted.
In the meantime, the city encourages all Calgarians to practice proper health procedures such as wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining physical distancing, practicing proper handwashing and acquiring two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.