New mandatory social gatherings restriction for Strathcona County

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is placing a new mandatory restriction on social gatherings for all municipalities in Alberta that are currently under watch or enhanced status, including Strathcona County. This restriction is effective immediately and aligns with the restriction that was put in place for Edmonton and Calgary on October 26.

Social gatherings will be limited to 15 people as a result of higher spikes in COVID-19 cases; approximately 40 per cent of COVID-19 cases have been linked to social gatherings.

AHS defines social gatherings as a “mixing and mingling” gathering including but not limited to:

• Banquets and award ceremonies
• Wedding or funeral receptions
• Parties such as anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, retirements, dinners, backyard BBQs
• Potlucks and luncheons
• Other private social gatherings and functions

This restriction does not affect current sport bookings or cohorts, gyms, places of worship, restaurants and shopping.

AHS and Strathcona County are encouraging the entire community to also continue to follow voluntary measures including:

• Wear a mask in all indoor work settings, except when stationary and separate in a workplace or cubicle: you are safely distanced from others or a barrier is in place
• Limit your cohort to no more than three (core household, school, and one sport or social activity)

COVID-19 has impacted everyone in different ways. It is important we continue to support and be kind to each other. We are in this together, and we can get through this together.

This restriction is in addition to the mandatory temporary face coverings bylaw in Strathcona County.

For more information, please visit alberta.ca/covid19.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595