Strathcona County participating in provincial Restriction Exemption Program and staff disclosure of vaccination status

Update: Vaccination information has been updated by the Government of Alberta since this news release was published.
Please note that as of October 25, accessing non-essential services requires a completed vaccination series (two doses of Moderna/Pfizer/AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen). Vaccinations must be administered at least 14 days prior to accessing non-essential services; a private, negative COVID-19 test may be presented during this wait period. Youth 12-17 participating in fitness, sport or performance activities do not require proof of vaccination, negative test or exemption.

Effective Monday, September 20, Strathcona County is participating in the Government of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program (REP).

“On behalf of Strathcona County, I am pleased to see that we will be participating in the program as our goal throughout this pandemic has always been to protect public health and safety while maximizing resident services and supports in compliance with the provincial measures,” says Mayor Rod Frank.

“Council felt it was necessary to use every tool available to help curb the COVID-19 numbers and protect our health system. Proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative COVID-19 test to access essential services and work in Strathcona County is one of those tools and I ask that all our residents remain kind to one another as we adapt to provincial measures.”

To access non-essential County services such as Millennium Place, Emerald Hills Leisure Centre, Kinsmen Leisure Centre, Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Glen Allan Recreation Complex, Gallery@501 and Festival Place, people ages 12 and over are required to provide one of the following:

• proof of single COVID-19 vaccination (one dose)
  • accepted until October 25
  • dose must be given more than two weeks before date of service
• proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (two doses)
  • required after October 25
• a privately-paid negative COVID-19 test result
  • within 72 hours of service
  • rapid or PCR test only
  • AHS and Alberta Precision Laboratories results not permitted
• medical exemption documentation

Youth (12-17) participating in sport, fitness, recreation and performance activities are only required to screen for symptoms, maintain 2 metres distancing (except while engaged in physical activity) and wear a mask (except while engaged in physical activity). If youth are spectating, proof of vaccine, private negative COVID-19 test result or medical exemption requirements apply.

Approximately 80 per cent of eligible County residents are fully vaccinated.

Albertans can obtain their proof of vaccination card from MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

By participating in REP, County facility capacities will not have to be reduced and the County can continue to positively support community mental, social and physical well-being.

Essential services

Albertans do not need to provide proof of vaccination or medical exemption to access essential services such as Transit, counselling and navigation support, in-person bill payments and voting in the upcoming federal and municipal elections. Physical distancing and masking restrictions still apply for these services.

Strathcona County staff

In addition to the REP, County employees will also now be required to provide proof of vaccination to the County or participate in the rapid testing program. Details will be rolling out to employees in the coming days, but as a first step, vaccination disclosure will be required by September 27.

Additional provincial restrictions

As a reminder, the Province mandated masks and physical distancing in all indoor places and workspaces as of September 16. Masks are also required in public vehicles. Masking and physical distancing is still required for any place participating in the REP.

For retail, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, nightclubs and recreation facilities that do not implement the REP, details about additional restrictions to services and capacities are available on the provincial website.

Residents are recommended to allow extra time entering any County facility as the exemption program begins. We appreciate your patience, cooperation and understanding.

As part of Strathcona County’s commitment to safety for guests and staff, the County has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to disrespectful conduct and masking non-compliance. Please continue to treat each other and staff with kindness, patience and respect.

Additional details will be shared when guidance documents are released and we have reviewed the provincial Public Health Order.

Further information about the public health restrictions and exemptions are online at alberta.ca/covid19.
 

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