The Town of Westlock is following the recommendations and directives from Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta in responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans
Update October 25, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Effective October 25, 2021, the provincial requirements for the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP):
Adults, 18+ years, must provide valid personal identification and one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination (14-days from second dose)
- Proof of medical exemption
- Proof of negative COVID-19 test within the last 72-hours
All persons 12+ years must provide one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination (14-days from second dose)
- Proof of medical exemption
- Proof of negative COVID-19 test within the last 72-hours
Update October 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Town of Westlock staff met with Alberta Health Services (AHS) representatives to clarify the Province of Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program (REP). The Recovery Task Force then held a meeting to discuss moving to the 1/3 capacity COVID-19 restrictions or staying with REP and adjusting our initial requirements to align and comply with AHS requirements.
It was determined that we would continue with REP and adapt our processes for the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre and the Westlock Aquatic Centre effective Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
All people 18 years and over are required to produce valid personal identification and show one of the following:
- partial vaccination (one dose) accepted September 20 to October 25 if received 2-weeks before the time of service
- full vaccination (two doses) required after October 25
- proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)
- original vaccine medical exemption letter
Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 NOT engaged in sport (spectators) are required to show one of the following:
- partial vaccination (one dose) accepted September 20 to October 25 if received 2-weeks before the time of service
- full vaccination (two doses) required after October 25
- proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)
- original vaccine medical exemption letter
Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 taking part in sport, recreation or performance activities are not required to have proof of vaccination.
Masking and distancing
A reminder that masks and 2 metres of physical distancing are also required in all indoor buildings.
A reminder that our staff did not make these provincial decisions but have been tasked to help implement them. Be patient and kind and treat them with respect, and that harassment will not be tolerated.
Update September 21, 2021 at 12 p.m.
While the Town of Westlock Office remains open, we are following the Government of Alberta's Mandatory Work from Home order. To continue assisting residents, we are alternating staff working on-site and at home.
We are able to accommodate walk-ins with general inquiries or bill payments. Please book an appointment for more specific requests and discussions by calling 780-349-4444, so we can connect you with an appropriate department.
Update September 20, 2021 at 1:15 pm.
The Government of Alberta has provided further information on their current COVID-19 measures and the Restrictions Exemptions Program (REP).
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx
So we are now able to share some clarifications with how these measures will be implemented within our facilities.
Participating in REP:
Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre, Westlock Aquatic Centre, and the Community Assistance Bus
- Adults (18+ years) participating in sport, fitness, recreation, and performance activities or accessing the Community Assistance Bus must provide one of the following:
- proof of at least one dose of a vaccination
- a negative test result from a COVID-19 test completed within the past 72 hours
- proof of medical exemption
Spectators:
Spectators at either facility do not require proof of vaccination, as the Town of Westlock will follow Alberta Health Services’ business capacity and operating restrictions of 1/3 of fire code capacity, must be of a single household or two close contacts if living alone, must be masked, and maintain 2 metres of physical distancing.
User groups:
User groups will be responsible for ensuring the required proof of their user’s eligibility and that required protocols are followed.
Youth (under 18) sport, fitness, and performance activities:
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
The program does not apply to:
- Employees, contractors, repair or delivery workers, volunteers or inspectors entering the space for work purposes
- Children under 12
Following current COVID-19 restrictions:
Town of Westlock Office, Operations, Westlock Fire Hall, or Westlock & District F.C.S.S. remain open to the public with capacity limited to 1/3 fire code occupancy.
Note: This is our interpretation of the current information from the Government of Alberta and is subject to change.
This is a divisive and emotional topic, and not everyone will agree. Please remember that our staff did not make these provincial decisions but have been tasked to help implement them, so please be patient and kind and treat them with respect.