With the long weekend now upon us and the ability for people to take a break from COVID at campgrounds it is expected that the highways are going to be very busy.
As such, the Hanna RCMP, Oyen RCMP and Special Areas Peace Officers will be conducting a Joint Forces Operation to prevent bad driving behaviour through enforcement.
The Joint Forces Operation will be starting today and going through until Monday. Speeding, distracted driving, careless driving among other offences will all be enforced stringently throughout the weekend.
The RCMP are also taking time to remind residents and visitors of the restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic
"We are already seeing a trend starting where people feel this long weekend is like any other long weekend. It isn't. We are still in the midst of a pandemic. There is still a significant risk of spreading the virus if the appropriate and responsible precautions aren't taken," RCMP states in a release.
"We want people to enjoy themselves this weekend. We all want to enjoy the weekend. But please, continue to use the precautions that have been legislated due to the COVID-19 virus. If, after this weekend, the virus begins to spread again it could likely mean that the small gains that have been made to have some campgrounds and recreation areas open will be lost and these facilities will be closed again."
Please, observe the social distancing rules. If you want to go fishing with a couple of buddies and you don't live in the same residence take separate vehicles. Maintain the 3m distance while fishing. Ensure your gathering doesn't exceed 15 people.
The Hanna RCMP and Special Areas Peace Officers are asking the public to not put them in that awkward position where they have to start using enforcement (which means tickets in the range of $1200) to ensure this weekend doesn't result in COVID-19 spreading further in Alberta.
Please observe the COVID-19 rules and ensure you police yourselves to stay within the regulations.