COVID-19 Update for Whitecourt - February 9, 2022

As announced on February 8, 2022, the Government of Alberta will begin lifting public health measures using a 3-step plan starting today as the Omicron wave subsides.  Alberta will progress through the steps as conditions show the health system’s capacity is recovering.

Step 1: Lifting of Provincial Public Health Measures

Effective Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m.:

• The Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) ends, along with most associated restrictions.
• Entertainment venues will continue to have some specific rules in place:
• Restrictions on sale of food and beverages and consumption while seated in audience settings will be removed.
• Restrictions on closing times, alcohol service, table capacity in restaurants and interactive activities will remain in force.
• For all businesses, venues and facilities — whether they were previously eligible for the REP or not — capacity limits are removed, except for:
• Facilities with capacity of 500 to 1,000, which will be limited to 500.
• Facilities with capacity of 1,000-plus, which will be limited to 50%.

Effective at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 13:

• Masks will no longer be required for all children and youth in schools.
• Masks will no longer be required in any setting for kids under the age of 12.

Alberta is tentatively scheduled to enter Step 2 on March 1, with the decision to move to Step 3 being based on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downwards.  Details can be found on the Government of Alberta’s website.

Restrictions Exemption Program removed from Allan & Jean Millar Centre and Scott Safety Centre

Operations at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre and Scott Safety Centre have changed and both facilities are open to the general public.  Adult and youth sport, fitness and performance activities must comply with the following Provincial guidelines:

• Indoor group classes, training and competitions are permitted, but participants are required to screen for symptoms.
• Spectator areas must:
• require mandatory masking (except for children 12 and under as of February 14),
• capacity at both the facilities will be limited to 50% of fire code occupancy.

Forest Interpretive Centre

The Forest Interpretive Centre remains open to the general public.  Physical distancing and masking requirements remain in place (masking requirements for children 12 and under will change as of February 14).

Whitecourt Public Library

The Whitecourt Public Library remains open to the general public.  As this is an indoor public space mandatory masking remains in effect for everyone and is removed for children 12 and under as of February 14^th.

Whitecourt Transit

Whitecourt Transit service remains active, and mandatory masking remains in effect for all transit riders.  Children 12 and under will not be required to wear masks in all settings as of February 14.