Mayor Jeff Genung is holding a Facebook Live stream at 11 a.m. on Friday specifically for Cochrane youth.

"This has obviously taken a toll on Cochrane's young people as well. They have a perspective to share and may have questions and concerns that I'd like to address with them specifically."

Youth are invited to answer these question ahead of time (or submit questions of their own):

• How are you dealing with having to stay home?

• How are you feeling?

• Are you missing your friends? How are you staying in touch?

• How have you adjusted to all the change — no school, no sports, no activities?

• What’s the best thing about staying home?

• What do you think the Town can do to help you? 

The town is also preparing to re-open the Eco-Centre on a limited basis and will be determining if trailer and utility vehicles can be parked on driveways earlier than usual.

During last night's Facebook Live broadcast, Mayor Genung and interim CAO Drew Hyndman continued to keep residents up-to-date on the town's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. An extensive question and answer period followed. 

The mayor said the increased number of confirmed cases identified in the Cochrane-Springbank brings home the need to follow the protocol established by health officials.

"The continued spread in and around our community underscores the importance of what every one of us can do: stay home, be kind, and save lives."

As of yesterday, the number of confirmed cases had almost doubled to nine from five late last week.

Local bylaw officers have a role in enforcement and are taking an education-first approach in assisting public health officials, said CAO Hyndman. Their role includes visiting local playgrounds to enforce their closure.

Hyndman said more information will soon be available on the limited reopening of the Eco-Centre. It comes at a time when many Cochrane area residents have begun their spring cleaning.

"Over the past week, we've revisited this decision and identified opportunities on how we can operate this facility safely."

Genung and Hyndman will continue to provide weekly updates on Mondays at 5 p.m.