Albertans continue to process the harsher restrictions and business closures that were announced by the province on Tuesday.

Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung says that it has been an unprecedented year and he acknowledges that these additional measures are especially difficult leading up to the holiday season.

"You're not alone," says Mayor Genung. "We're all in this together, we've been saying that since the beginning but now more than ever we need to be kind and generous and what Cochrane is renowned for, and that is helping out our neighbours."

Active cases of COVID -19 continue to rapidly increase provincewide and after months of relatively low case numbers in Cochrane, our numbers are now registering at over 60 active cases. Mayor Genung says there has always been an elevated risk of high exposure for Cochrane residents since we are a part of the Calgary zone, and he credits Cochranites for continuing to do our part to keep our numbers on the lower end of the spectrum.

"We've been in the hot zone in the Calgary region right from the get-go," says Mayor Genung. "To keep our numbers as low as they were for so long is incredible. Yes, cases are on the rise and that's concerning and we'll have to follow these restrictions to keep the provincial curve going down."

The mayor says that he has confidence that Cochranites will continue to practice the provincial health and safety measures in place and flatten "Cochrane's curve."

While the holidays are going to have a very different look and feel this year, the mayor is encouraging Cochranites to find ways to relax, recharge and still celebrate the festive season.

"Try and find a way to maybe celebrate the small things at your own home," says Mayor Genung. "Putting our feet up, relaxing if we can, finding a bit of a mental break and focusing on recharging the batteries. It's not going to be flipping a switch for next year and right back to normal. So, I think we have a bit of a road ahead of us but we need to celebrate this season as best as we can."