In the midst of all the uncertainty regarding COVID-19, Mayor Bill Given is asking all Peace Country residents to stay calm, and be confident in the support systems we have in place. 

Yesterday afternoon in a press conference, Mayor Given said, "There's a lot of things that have helped society operate, that most of us as we go about our day to day lives don't have to think about. Now is the time when all those systems click into place, and people should appreciate the fact that they're there, and have been operating in the background day in and day out through all of their lives, and now is the time they come into sharp focus".

Mayor Given went on to say, "I am so confident in our teams at the City of Grande Prairie and throughout the region, that I am actually very calm. And I think if people keep their heads about them, we're gonna be fine as a community".

Mayor Given also addressed the idea of panic buying, and discouraged residents from purchasing more than they need. Supplies are being monitored, and Mayor Given expressed that to this point, there is no significant concern of shortage.

Mayor Given says, "The store shelves will be re-stocked, there has not been a disruption in transportation of supplies to Grande Prairie, and everybody absolutely can remain calm. There is no reason for any panic buying or stocking up". 

The Mayor recommended that people only buy what they need, and don't over do it. He stressed the fact that many people in the community cannot afford to go stock up, and only live pay-cheque to pay-cheque. We need to ensure that there are things on the shelves for everyone in the community. 

He also spoke of the possibility of additional closures within the region, however, right now the focus is on city facilities where people congregate, as well as essential services that need to be protected.

Regular updates, as well as a comprehensive list of closures can be found at www.cityofgp.com.