Your RUSA Board would like to acknowledge the hard work Alberta municipalities are currently undergoing to protect their staff from the potential exposure to COVID-19, and in doing so are striving to dampen the curve of exposure to and from the residents we serve. Many of you are working differently today as compared to the beginning of this past week as the situation is evolving on an hourly basis. This is hard on everyone.

We made the conscientious decision to cancel our Conference Committee and Board meetings next week (March 26th and 27th) and will be handling  business for the 2020 RUSA/AMHSA  Conference via email and the good old fashioned telephone. There are going to be delays as everyone involved has some very big jobs on their plates right now as well as making sure that they are doing their part to protect their family and friends too. Work on the Conference will continue, albeit at a slower pace than normal with the belief that by December 2020, we can host  you all to another great year.

Social distancing is the new normal as the COVID-19 Pandemic continue to march on. Please, take the 2 metres, or 6+ feet for those of us who grew up with the imperial system (Owen), and protect yourselves and others. Wash you r hands and don't touch your face. This is proven to help slow the spread of viruses and especially this one. As travellers return home and work through their 14 day self-isolation, the spread of the virus will move to community spread. Let's all do our part to slow this type of spread down. 

One last thing. Please take care the elderly and those who are compromised. If you can, do some shopping and meal prepping for those who cannot. Refrain from "panic purchases" to make sure that everyone gets enough as no one should be without during these surreal times.

Take good care, get outside and breathe fresh air, take up a new hobby and encourage good mental health for you and your loved ones.