Strathcona County preparing for provincial four-stepped reduction of COVID-19 restrictions

Strathcona County continues to work with community groups, businesses and the community as part of the collective effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. An important part of this work requires thoughtful consideration on how to safely re-open County recreation facilities, in alignment with the province’s four-step plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

On February 8, 2021, the Government of Alberta is planning to introduce the first of four steps towards easing provincial COVID-19 restrictions for businesses and individuals. If provincial hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain under 600 by February 8, step one aims to ease restrictions related to:

• Indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance (school-related only). Note: no group or team sports permitted.
• Indoor personal fitness, one-on-one and by appointment only.
• In-person dining at restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes.

Provincial public health measures will be eased in steps, based on provincial hospitalization benchmarks. Provincial movement between each step will happen at least three weeks apart for the Government of Alberta to assess the impact on COVID-19 cases.

In response to the province’s four step plan, Strathcona County administration will be presenting its approach and overall considerations, including recreation facility programming and availability, to Council during the Emergency Advisory Committee meeting at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021. Once confirmed, Strathcona County will provide an update about next steps.

Moving forward, the safety of Strathcona County staff and the public remains a priority as the County delivers its programs and services, in alignment with the provincial health direction.

In the meantime, County programs and services continue to be modified and adapted to support the community’s mental and physical well-being. Free recreation and virtual programming are available for all ages and abilities. 

As a reminder, all indoor social gatherings continue to be prohibited. Outdoor social gatherings up to 10 people are permitted, while following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Face coverings are required in all indoor public places.

Please continue to be kind to each other. Remember to stay two metres apart, wear a face covering and wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. The ongoing pandemic and its impacts can be difficult to cope with. Mental health, financial, parenting or other supports are available by calling Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 or visiting strathcona.ca/fcs.

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

- 30 -

Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595