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March 13, 2020 4:12 PM

Coronavirus Information Updates

News and Updates from The Town of Slave Lake about COVID-19.

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Latest Update:

September 16, 2021 11:08 AM

New Provincial Restrictions


Overview:

Alberta has declared a state of public health emergency. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, largely in unvaccinated Albertans. New measures to protect the health care system, stop the spread, and increase vaccination rates come into effect starting September 16.

Getting vaccinated makes us all safer. A one-time incentive of $100 is available for Albertans 18+ who get their first or second dose between September 3 and October 14.

Restriction exemption program

Starting September 20, discretionary events and businesses must follow one of these 2 options:

1. Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination or negative rapid test result to continue operating as usual, or

2. Follow capacity and operating restrictions as outlined on the page below.

Business Requirements

Businesses that implement the Restrictions Exemption Program can operate as usual if they only serve people (ages 12 and over) who have:


  • proof of vaccination
  • single dose accepted between September 20 and October 25 if received 2 weeks before time of service
  • double doses required after October 25
  • documentation of a medical exemption
  • proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)

Businesses do not need to apply for the program. Audits and enforcement will occur to ensure rules are followed.


The Restriction Exemption Program would not apply to:

  • businesses or entities that need to be accessed for daily living
  • employees of businesses participating in the program
  • children under 12


Proof of negative test

To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people aged 12 and older can show proof of a negative test result.

  • Tests must be privately-paid COVID-19 PCR or rapid tests completed within 72 hours.
  • Tests must not be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.

Proof of vaccination

To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people ages 12 and older can provide proof of vaccination or documentation of a medical exemption.

  • Sept. 20 to Oct. 25: proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than 2 weeks before the time of service.
  • After Oct. 25: proof of double vaccination is required.

Find out how to access your records

Book your vaccination

Gatherings

Social Gathering (indoor and outdoor)

Mandatory restriction - Effective Sept 16.

Indoor social gatherings

  • Vaccinated: Indoor private social gatherings are limited to a single household plus one other household to a maximum of 10 vaccine-eligible, vaccinated people and no restrictions on children under 12.
  • Unvaccinated: Indoor social gatherings are not permitted for vaccine-eligible people who are unvaccinated.

Outdoor social gatherings

  • Outdoor private social gatherings limited to a maximum of 200 people, with 2 metre physical distancing at all times.

Places of worship

Mandatory restriction - Effective Sept. 16

  • Capacity limited to 1/3 fire code occupancy.
  • Masks are mandatory.
  • 2 metres physical distancing between households, or 2 close contacts for those living alone.

Weddings and funerals

Mandatory restriction - Effective Sept. 20

  • Indoor wedding ceremonies and funeral services are permitted with up to 50 people or 50% of fire code occupancy, whichever is less.
  • Indoor wedding and funeral receptions are prohibited, unless the hosting facility implements the restrictions exemption program.
  • Outdoor ceremonies, services and receptions are permitted with up to 200 people and must follow liquor sales and consumption restrictions (sales end at 10pm, consumption by 11pm), unless the hosting facility implements the restrictions exemption program.

Businesses

Sport, fitness, recreation and performance activities

Mandatory restriction - Effective Sept. 16 and 20


Adult (over 18) sport, fitness, recreation and performance activities (Sept 20)

  • The following restrictions apply unless the facility or program implements the restrictions exemption program:
  • Indoor group classes and activities are not permitted.
  • Indoor competitions are paused except where vaccine exemptions have been granted.
  • Indoor one-on-one training and solo activities are allowed with 3 metre physical distancing.
  • Outdoor activities can continue with no restrictions.

Youth (under 18) sport, fitness, recreation and performance activities (Sept 16)


  • Indoor group classes, training, and competitions are permitted, but participants are required to:
  • screen for symptoms
  • maintain 2 metres distancing, except youth while engaged in physical activity
  • wear a mask, except youth while engaged in physical activity
  • Spectator attendance is restricted to 1/3 fire code capacity, attendees are limited to a single household or 2 close contact if living alone and must be masked and maintain 2 metres physical distancing.
  • Outdoor activities can continue with no restrictions.

Day and overnight camps (Sept 16)

  • Day camps required to maintain physical distancing between participants and masking indoors.
  • Overnight camps must follow cohort models.

Restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs

Mandatory restriction - Effective Sept. 20


The following restrictions apply to businesses that do not implement the restrictions exemption program.

  • Indoor dining is not permitted.
  • Outdoor dining only with a maximum of 6 people per table (one household or 2 close contacts for those living alone)
  • Liquor sales and consumption restrictions apply (sales end at 10pm, consumption by 11pm).

Retail, entertainment, and recreation facilities

Mandatory restriction - Effective Sept. 16 and 20


Indoor retail, entertainment, and recreation facilities (Sept 20)

  • The following restrictions apply to any indoor facility that does not implement the restrictions exemption program.
  • Capacity restricted to 1/3 fire code occupancy.
  • Attendees must be with household members only, or 2 close contacts if they live alone.
  • Masks and 2 metre physicial distancing is required.

Outdoor events and facilities (Sept 16)

  • Fully outdoor events and venues have no capacity restrictions (excluding washrooms), but must maintain 2 metres distancing between households or 2 close contact for those living alone.


Masks, Schools, and work from home

Masks and physical distancing

Mandatory restriction – Effective Sept. 4 and 16

  • Masking and physical distancing are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces. This measure extends to places of worship as of September 16.
  • Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except while alone in work stations.

Schools (K to 12)

Mandatory measure - Effective Sept. 16 

  • Mandatory masking for students in Grades 4 and up, plus staff and teachers in all grades.
  • Schools that implement an alternate COVID safety plan can be exempted from mandatory masking.
  • Elementary schools to implement class cohorting.
  • Indoor sports, fitness, recreation, and performance activities are permitted in schools, with requirements to maintain 2 metre physical distancing where possible.
  • Masks and distancing are not required by youth under 18 while engaged in physical activity.
  • Spectator attendance restricted to 1/3 fire code capacity and limited to households or 2 close contacts for those living alone. Attendees must be masked and distanced.

Working from home

Mandatory measure - Effective Sept. 16

  • Mandatory work-from-home measures are in place unless the employer has determined a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness.
  • If employees are working on location, they must mask in all indoor settings, except while alone in work stations.


Testing, tracing and isolating

Testing

Measures in effect

  • COVID-19 testing for Albertans with symptoms remains available at assessment centres.
  • Asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended.
  • A wastewater baseline testing program will be launched to provide area trend information and monitor variants of concern. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

Isolation and quarantine requirements

Measures in effect

  • Isolation is still legally required for people who have COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive.
  • Quarantine is no longer legally required for close contacts positive cases, unless directed to do so by local public health officials.
  • International travellers must still follow federal travel requirements.
  • Isolation hotels and quarantine supports are no longer available.

Contact tracing and case investigation

Measures in effect

  • Individuals with positive tests will continue to be notified.
  • Contact tracers will not notify close contacts of positive cases, but will ask that individuals do so when informed of their positive result.
  • Contact tracers will continue to investigate cases in high-risk settings, such as acute and continuing care.

Outbreaks

Measures in effect

  • Outbreak management and identification will focus on high-risk locations, including continuing and acute care and high-risk workplaces.
  • Community outbreaks with a surge in cases leading to severe outcomes will be addressed as needed.

Health care and congregate care settings

  • Existing public health orders for acute care remain in place.

For more information on current restrictions in these settings, see protecting residents at congregate care facilities.

https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx

Prior Updates

View All Updates
July 2, 2021 3:41 PM

Stage 3 Reopening


Alberta entered Stage 3 on July 1. All public health measures have now been lifted except for isolation/quarantine requirements and masking requirements in health care settings and public transit.

Stage 3 restrictions


Masking:

Mask use in public indoor settings is no longer required except for some specific situations:

  • working in or visiting some health care settings, such as long-term care
  • using public transit, including ride share vehicles, taxis, motor coaches and shuttles

Note: Municipalities and businesses are free to set masking requirements as they see fit. For example, businesses may require staff and/or customers to wear masks inside their place of business.

While masking is no longer required in most situations, it is important to support those who may wish to continue wearing masks while adjusting to Stage 3.

Learn more about masking, including how to wear and care for your mask.


Isolation and Quarantine Requirements:

Alberta’s requirements for isolation (if you have symptoms) and quarantine (if you have been exposed to COVID-19 through a close contact) remain in place.

For more information, see isolation and quarantine requirements.

Provincial quarantine rules for returning international travelers have been lifted, but federal requirements remain in place.

For more information, see COVID-19 travel requirements.


Health Care and Congregate Care Settings:

Alberta’s move to Stage 3 does not change requirements in the existing public health orders for licensed supportive living, long-term care and hospice settings. Stage 3 will impact activities off-site, but existing on-site restrictions will remain in place at this time.

For more information on current restrictions in these settings, see protecting residents at congregate care facilities.


Lifted Restrictions:

All other public health measures have been lifted. This includes all restrictions on:

  • social gatherings – there are no longer capacity limits on either indoor or outdoor gatherings
  • recreation, performance and entertainment activities
  • business closures and capacity restrictions
  • large events, including concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and festivals


Additional Guidance for Businesses and Event Organizers

In Stage 3, businesses can resume the same operations and level of activity as they were able to do before the pandemic began.

See guidance documents to learn more.


Assessing Personal Risk:

With the removal of most mandatory restrictions, Albertans are encouraged to assess and manage their personal risk during the final stages of the pandemic. It is reasonable for people to continue using precautions that will serve their needs.

Risk factors

When assessing your personal risk, it is important to consider your setting, individual health and wellness factors, and comfort level.

Factors that increase COVID-19 risk:

  • You are not fully vaccinated yet.
  • You regularly interact with children 11 and under who cannot be vaccinated yet.
  • You attend crowded indoor spaces.
  • You have risk factors for severe health outcomes from COVID-19.

Factors that lower COVID-19 risk:

  • You are fully vaccinated.
  • You mostly socialize outdoors, instead of indoors.
  • You have a small social circle.
  • You can normally maintain distancing from other people.

Consult your physician or primary health care provider if you want input on assessing your personal risk of severe outcomes or to assist in determining your personal risk level.

Additional precautions

The best thing you can do to support your health and reduce the risk to the broader community is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are our best protection against COVID-19 and the safest and most effective way to protect against infection and severe illness.

Additionally, all Albertans should:

  • practice good hand and respiratory hygiene
  • stay home when they are sick

If you have risk factors as described above, it is reasonable to consider additional precautions such as:

  • avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded indoor places
  • minimizing close contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms
  • continuing to use a face mask


Mental Health Supports:

As we enter Stage 3 and mandatory restrictions are lifted, Albertans face a period of adjustment. Although the easing of restrictions is welcome, re-opening will impact everyone differently, and may bring increased anxiety for some.

We encourage Albertans to access supports that are available, if and when they are needed, and to respect how others are adjusting in this time of transition. For additional guidance, see mental health support (PDF, 270 KB).

June 2, 2021 11:07 AM

Vaccine Update June 2nd 2021 --

Speeding up second-dose appointments

Everyone who’s already gotten their first dose, can soon book their second dose to get the best and longest lasting protection from COVID-19.

You don’t need to wait to be contacted to book an appointment once you’re eligible and you can choose where to get your second dose. 

If you got a first dose in March or earlier, you can book your second dose today.

Second dose for mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) recipients

If you got an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your first dose, you should get an mRNA vaccine for your second dose to become fully vaccinated.

When to book

    First dose in March or earlier – book second dose starting June 1

    First dose in April – book second dose starting June 14

    First dose in May – book second dose starting June 28

How to book

    Visit any participating pharmacy

    Book with AHS (online or 811)

Book your Pfizer or Moderna second dose


Second dose for AstraZeneca recipients

If you got AstraZeneca for your first dose, you can choose either the AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) for your second dose. Both options provide protection and count as completing your immunization.

When to book

    First dose in March or earlier – book second dose starting June 1

    First dose April or later – book second dose at least 8 weeks after the first dose

How to book

    AstraZeneca second dose - Book with AHS (online or 811) or visit a pharmacy offering AstraZeneca

    mRNA second dose - Book with AHS (online or 811) or visit any participating pharmacy

Learn more about your second dose options after AstraZeneca


Second dose for profoundly immunocompromised

People who are profoundly immunocompromised and meet the eligibility criteria can book their second doses earlier.

When to book

    Pfizer or Moderna 21 to 28 days after your first dose

    AstraZeneca - 8 weeks after your first dose is recommended but you may choose to get your second dose as early as 28 days after your first dose

How to book

    Call 811 for an evaluation of your eligibility and to book your appointment. Do not call a pharmacy or use the AHS online booking tool. 

See the list of eligible conditions

Can’t find a spot?

Appointments are based on vaccine supply. More spots will be added as supply increases. Please be patient.


Can’t make your appointment?

If you already booked a shot but can’t make it, don’t forget to cancel or modify your appointment so no doses are wasted.


Need time off work?

All working Albertans can access 3 hours of paid, job-protected leave to get each dose of the vaccine. Learn more. 


Need a ride?

Isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges can call 211 for help finding a ride to an appointment.


Let's get back to normal

Alberta's Open for Summer Plan safely eases restrictions in 3 stages as vaccinations go up and hospitalizations go down. If Albertans continue doing their part to follow public health measures and get vaccinated, all restrictions could be lifted by early July.

     

Vaccines are safe, effective and vital. They make our immune systems stronger to help prevent and fight off diseases. Get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.

Get the facts