The MLA for Steinbach is calling on his fellow residents to step up as the city endures what is one of the highest transmission rates of COVID-19 in the country.

“It’s really high, it is really significant, and there is a lot of the virus spreading within our community,” states Kelvin Goertzen, noting the case count in the Steinbach region right now is nearly four times higher on a per-capita basis than that of Toronto. 

As Steinbach braces for at least one full month of level red under the Pandemic Response System, the most severe government restrictions yet, Goertzen pleads with people to listen to the rules that are being clearly outlined by health officials.

“What we shouldn’t be doing is trying to find ways around them because this is an inconvenience,” he stresses. “This is an inconvenient time and collectively we need to do what we are being asked to do."

The public health advice Goertzen is referring to has remained relatively unchanged throughout the past many months; it is critical that people wash their hands, wear their masks, and avoid social gatherings. He admits the rules have been met with some opposition lately and, though it may be tempting, he implores Steinbach to turn away from defiance. In a regular year, the city is characterized by its generosity and kindness. Goertzen says those caring instincts do not need to change now that there is a global pandemic. Indeed, he urges residents to embrace their identity. 

“There has never been a better time to demonstrate what this community has always been about,” he says. “It might not be you individually or me individually who ends up getting sick, but we can be part of helping those around us.”

On the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goertzen says he would rather the people of Steinbach be proud of the sacrifices they made for the common good than wishing they had done more.