City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick is urging residents to maintain their pace in terms of combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mayor cautioned residents about being lulled into complacency thanks to the arrival of warmer weather, with spring only 16 days away.

“It is bright sunshine this past couple of days, with melting in the streets and news that vaccinations are gaining momentum. I don’t know about you, but it leaves me with a feeling of freedom – the kind of freedom that comes after being constrained for a year,” Mayor McCormick stated on social media this morning, adding, “Be aware. It is a false sense of freedom. COVID is still all around us. Kimberley dealt with five more confirmed cases over the last few weeks. We will not see mass vaccinations until summertime. Now is not the time to become complacent.

“Residents, businesses and visitors have all been amazing this past year. Tightly following the basic protocols has allowed us to maintain some sense of freedom. We have not lost any businesses to COVID-19. We are moving freely about the community. We are enjoying our amazing outdoor recreation amenities. We are fortunate,” he said.

Spring brings a “heightened risk,” he noted. “I am asking our accommodators to keep your tight protocols is place; do not book any large groups; stick to family units. I am asking visitors to forget the parties; enjoy the skiing but keep to your family unit. And I am asking businesses to tighten up the hand sanitizing and space allowances. And above all everyone; wear masks! If we do all of this, we will navigate the spring breaks having had an awesome, safe time. It takes only one mistake to flush all of our efforts down the toilet.”

The mayor concluded with further encouragement. “Hand sanitizing, physical distance, and masks have been a way of life for a year now. We have a few more months to go. Please stay safe.”

Lead image: Reassurance for newly arrived customers at the Sullivan Pub in Kimberley. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW photo

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