Editor:
Congratulations on securing the additional COVID-19 testing sites for the Town of Banff. I am writing to request that at minimum, one COVID-19 testing facility be set up in Canmore as well.
Without a testing facility in Canmore, citizens are forced to drive to Cochrane to have a COVID-19 test. It is unreasonable for Albertans who are symptomatic and feeling ill to have to drive almost an hour each way, with unpredictable winter road conditions, to receive a test. It also means that many people who are symptomatic and possibly have COVID-19 will be unable to or will choose not to be tested. The implications of this, including the lack of contact tracing that will take place for these people, may be severe in the Bow Valley.
I ask that you take action to secure a COVID-19 testing facility in Canmore.
I understand that logistics are difficult, funding may be lacking and we can no longer have an outdoor, drive in testing clinic due to winter conditions. May I suggest an innovative solution such as that recently implemented by the local Tapas restaurant: they set up a heated ice fishing tent for outdoor patio dining. Wind proof and warm up to -20 C. Alternatively, there is a large vacant building at the old Dodge dealership location. Plenty of parking and space for everything that might be required.
Please speak up for the town of Canmore now. We need your help to secure a local testing site immediately.
Andi Lonon,
Canmore
