Town of Edson

Important new restrictions

Are you unable to work because of COVID-19? The Canada Recovery Benefit provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had th...eir income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance. Learn more: https://www.canada.ca//departm/economic-response-plan.html

CASE UPDATE and PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS December 14th, 2020 - 99 Active Cases (4 new & 11 recovered) The Edson Zone (Central Yellowhead County) is now listed as having 99 active cases, 54 recovered, and 1 death. There has been a total of 154 cases to date for this local geographic area.... In the status map, the Town of Edson falls under Yellowhead County. The Yellowhead County zone IS under the Enhanced category and, therefor, we do fall under the new mandatory and voluntary restrictions put in place by the Province (listed below). Yellowhead County zone has 102 active cases, 85 recovered, and 4 deaths. Overall, the Province saw 1,887 new active cases for a total of 21,123 currently active in Alberta. There are now 716 hospitalizations (+35) with 136 in ICU (no change) and 733 deaths (+14). https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx (Geospatial) PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS Expanded health measures are in effect province-wide. All Albertans, businesses, organizations and service providers must follow all new health measures. New expanded mandatory measures started Dec. 8 for social gatherings and mandatory masking. All others came into effect 12:01 a.m., Dec.13. These restrictions will be in place for a minimum of four weeks. (Jan 12). For full details follow the link below. https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx For more information on the Town of Edson’s response, some of the rules and regulations in place, supports available to residents and businesses, and links to Provincial and Federal data, please visit our website at www.edson.ca/covid. For the Provincial Health Guidelines and information, including the COVID-19 Assessment Tool and test information, please visit www.alberta.ca/covid19 Please note: No matter what your beliefs, we ask that people are treated with kindness and consideration in true Edson community spirit both in the public and online. If comments on this post become abusive, they will be removed. We will also be removing any links/pictures (memes) in this comment section.

CASE UPDATE November 19th, 2020 (5 Active Cases) The Edson Zone (Central Yellowhead County) is still listed as having 5 active cases, 4 recovered, and 1 death. That's a total of 10 cases to date for this local geographic area.... In the status map, the Town of Edson falls under Yellowhead County. The Yellowhead County zone IS under the Enhanced category and, therefor, we do fall under the new mandatory and voluntary restrictions put in place by the Province (listed below). Yellowhead County zone has 12 active cases, 23 recovered, and 2 deaths. Edson has also enacted the Mandatory Facial Covering Bylaw. Masks are now required in all indoor public spaces. Visit www.edson.ca/bylaws for details. https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx (Geospatial) WATCH LIST RESTRICTIONS Implemented as of November 13th, all residents and visitors of communities on the watch list have new restrictions in place: These measures apply to all communities on the enhanced list (purples zones). Additional measures apply to the Calgary area and Edmonton area, and the cities of Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Red Deer. Mandatory measures Restaurants, bars, lounges and pubs must stop liquor sales by 10pm and close by 11pm - applies to Class A, B or C licences (Nov 13-27). 15-person limit on social and family gatherings - indoors and outdoors - where people are mixing and mingling. 50-person limit on indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and funeral services. Faith-based gatherings limited to 1/3 capacity at one time. Voluntary measures No social gatherings inside your home or outside of your community. Instead, socialize outdoors or in structured settings, like restaurants or other business that are subject to legal limits and take steps to prevent transmission. Limit of 3 cohorts: your core household, your school, and one other sport or social cohort. Young children who attend child care can be part of 4 cohorts. Wear a mask in all indoor work settings, except when alone in a workspace or an appropriate barrier is in place. Employers in office settings should implement measures to reduce the number of employees in the workplace at one time. https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx https://www.alberta.ca/maps/covid-19-status-map.htm We would like to remind everyone of the importance of physical/social distancing and mass gathering limits. If you are experiencing ANY symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. It’s up to us to help control the spread. Masks are mandatory for indoor public spaces in Edson. (www.edson.ca/bylaws). For more information on the Town of Edson’s response, some of the rules and regulations in place, supports available to residents and businesses, and links to Provincial and Federal data, please visit our website at www.edson.ca/covid. For the Provincial Health Guidelines and information, including the COVID-19 Assessment Tool and test information, please visit www.alberta.ca/covid19

Mandatory, provincewide restrictions are in effect to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. All indoor and outdoor social gatherings publ...ic and private are prohibited. Close contacts are limited to household members only. People who live alone can have up to 2 close contacts: -must be the same two contacts throughout the duration of the restriction if the close contacts do not live alone, visits cannot be held at their home -single parents who only live with their children under 18 are permitted to have up to 2 close contacts This does not apply to: -co-parenting arrangements -service visits from caregivers, health or childcare providers -home maintenance and repairs -mutual support group meetings Learn more about the new restrictions at https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

Mandatory Mask Bylaw - ENACTED | Town of Edson FAQ --> http://www.edson.ca/public/download/files/161712 The Town of Edson has enacted Bylaw 2250, the Mandatory Facial Covering Bylaw, effective tomorrow, November 18th, 2020. This bylaw requires the use of facial coverings for all individuals over the age of 2 in all indoor, or substantially enclosed Public Place or in any Public Transportation Vehicle. Other exemptions include:... persons under 2 years of age; persons who are unable to place, use, or remove Face Coverings without assistance; persons providing care or assistance to a person with a disability where a Face Covering would hinder that caregiving or assistance; persons consuming food or drink in designated seating areas or as part of a religious or spiritual ceremony; persons engaging in aquatic activities or physical exercise; or persons engaging in services that require the temporary removal of a Face Covering. The Emergency Coordination Centre, with the support of Council, have enacted this bylaw due to the rising COVID-19 case numbers in the region. This also falls in line with the Provincial request to help reduce risk in our communities in order to prevent overloading the healthcare system and to avoid further restrictions. It should be noted that face coverings are only effective if used in combination with other health measures, such as regular hand washing, physical distancing, and reducing large gatherings. While the intention of this bylaw is not punitive, those who refuse to follow the bylaw could be subject to a $100 fine for a first offence, and $200 for subsequent offences. This bylaw will be in effect for a MINIMUM of 2 weeks and reviewed by the ECC based on the criteria of the bylaw, current risk levels in the region, and direction of the Provincial Government at the time. Please note: While masking has been a polarizing issue, we ask that people are treated with kindness and consideration in true Edson community spirit both in the public and online. If comments on this post become abusive, they will be removed. We will also be removing any links/pictures/gifs in this comment section as they cannot be verified, and this is an information post only. Official correspondence can be directed through our website or via the Town Office. https://www.edson.ca/town/contact https://edson.civicweb.net/portal/members.aspx?id=8 For more information on the bylaw, visit www.edson.ca/bylaws. More information on Edson’s COVID-19 response, as well as posters available for businesses to download, can be found at www.edson.ca/covid. Downloadable poster https://www.edson.ca/public/download/files/161652

Today, we announced new measures to help slow spread of COVID-19, and we are declaring a public health emergency in Alberta. Let me be clear, we are not moving ...into a lockdown, but with targeted restrictions to help stop the spike and prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed. For the full details on today's announcement: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm The medical data shows the number one area of COVID-19 spread is large social gatherings. As a result, indoor social gatherings are no longer permitted. Outdoor social gatherings will be limited to 10 people, and that includes weddings and funerals (with no receptions). This measure is mandatory and will be enforced with fines. Places of worship will be restricted to 1/3 capacity, and will be encouraged to move celebrations online. As for businesses in the "enhanced" status in Alberta, we will have 3 categories of new measures: - Closed - Open, with restrictions - Open, by appointment only Businesses and services that will need to close include: banquet halls, conference centres, trade shows, auditoria, community centres, children's play centres and indoor playgrounds, all team and individual sports. Restaurants, pubs, bars, and lounges will be able to remain open, subject to restrictions: - Maximum of 6 people from the same household at one table - Liquor service open until 10 pm, in-person dining closes at 11 pm - Only eating/drinking permitted - no other entertainment/services Retail establishments will also be able to remain open, at 25% capacity. These include grocery, clothing, hardware, automotive, liquor, computer and technology stores, pharmacies, farmer's markets. Other services and venues are also open, but subject to 25% capacity. These include museums and galleries, libraries, movie theatres, indoor entertainment centres and indoor fitness centres. Some businesses services will move to appointment only, and many of these have already taken precautions to operate this way. These include personal services like haircare, esthetics, wellness services, professional services, taxi and rideshare, hotels/motels, and private lessons. Another important measure - the school calendar has been updated. For grades 7-12, at-home learning will begin starting November 30, until the Winter Break starts after December 18. For all students, in-class learning will resume on January 11. I know that many of these changes will be disruptive to businesses and to all Albertans. We believe these measures carefully balance protecting lives AND livelihoods. At the end of the day, this is about protecting our healthcare system, which is at risk from rising hospitalizations and ICU cases. This is about protecting our loved ones and ensuring that Albertans who need critical access to other healthcare services can get them. These measures will be reviewed in 3 weeks, and could be extended if needed. I want to thank all Albertans in advance for your understanding and what you have done personally to protect yourself and those around you. Together, I know we can stop the spike and protect each other.

Edson Committee of the Whole Meeting - November 24th, 2020 Agenda - https://edson.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx

CASE UPDATE and PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS December 13th, 2020 - 106 Active Cases (12 new & 1 recovered) The Edson Zone (Central Yellowhead County) is now listed as having 106 active cases, 43 recovered, and 1 death. There has been a total of 150 cases to date for this local geographic area.... In the status map, the Town of Edson falls under Yellowhead County. The Yellowhead County zone IS under the Enhanced category and, therefor, we do fall under the new mandatory and voluntary restrictions put in place by the Province (listed below). Yellowhead County zone has 109 active cases, 74 recovered, and 4 deaths. Overall, the Province saw 1,717 new active cases for a total of 20,562 currently active in Alberta. There are now 681 hospitalizations (no change) with 136 in ICU (+8) and 719 deaths (+22). https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx (Geospatial) PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS Expanded health measures are in effect province-wide. All Albertans, businesses, organizations and service providers must follow all new health measures. New expanded mandatory measures started Dec. 8 for social gatherings and mandatory masking. All others came into effect 12:01 a.m., Dec.13. These restrictions will be in place for a minimum of four weeks. (Jan 12). For full details follow the link below. https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx For more information on the Town of Edson’s response, some of the rules and regulations in place, supports available to residents and businesses, and links to Provincial and Federal data, please visit our website at www.edson.ca/covid. For the Provincial Health Guidelines and information, including the COVID-19 Assessment Tool and test information, please visit www.alberta.ca/covid19 Please note: No matter what your beliefs, we ask that people are treated with kindness and consideration in true Edson community spirit both in the public and online. If comments on this post become abusive, they will be removed. We will also be removing any links/pictures (memes) in this comment section.

Nov 19 COVID-19 case numbers: Increase of 1,105 cases, now 451 deaths to date There are 10,382 active cases 31,964 recovered cases Due to technical iss...ues, lab testing data is unavailable at this time. More info: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx See more

The Province has declared a state of public health emergency and announced new restrictions. See the chart attached for a quick rundown. Finer details can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx. Edson in currently in the Yellowhead County "enhanced" area as outlined in the attached map. _________... A state of public health emergency is being declared to bring in aggressive new measures to address growing cases, starting Nov. 24. Mandatory restrictions apply across Alberta: No indoor social gatherings in any setting 10-person limit on outdoor gatherings 10-person limit for wedding and funeral services, no receptions permitted Changes to in-person learning schedules for K-12 students (see the changes and split at https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx) Working from home should be considered, where possible Additional restrictions apply to regions on the enhanced list (purple zones): Business and service restrictions start Nov. 27 (see below for more details) Places of worship limited to 1/3 of normal attendance, masks required Additional restrictions apply to the Edmonton and Calgary area* Mandatory masks for indoor workplaces except when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or an appropriate barrier is in place

OUT OF THE COLD FACILITY - ACTIVATED As the temperatures are expected to drop to near the -30 tonight with windchill, the temporary Out of the Cold space is being opened tonight (Dec 13,2020) from 9pm to 9am. This is located at the Recycle Depot. See details on the temporary facility below. _____... The temporary Out of the Cold space is now set up for the homeless population to escape from the extreme cold overnight. The heated space and washroom will be open from 9pm to 9am during extreme weather events as construction continues on the new shelter pod project. This will be advertised here and to the agencies when enacted. While we appreciate offers of support, it is important that we don’t overlap current services available within the community. As such we ask that you do not attend the site with offers of support and ask that everyone respects the privacy of these individuals during this time. Any offers of assistance can be directed through the Edson Friendship Centre at 780-723-5494.

Water Break There is currently a water break on 50th street near the Medical Centre. There will be equipment parked there overnight and work ongoing over the next couple of days.

November 19th Town Update from Mayor Zahara (COVID-19 / Centennial Park Light Up / Late Night Shopping / Homeless Pod pilot Project) Community Services FB Page https://www.facebook.com/edsoncomserv. Event starts at 6pm.

Update from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw: In the last 24hrs we identified 1,115 new cases & completed about 13,500 tests. Our provinci...al positivity rate sits at over 8%. There are 348 people in hospital with 66 in ICU. There are active alerts or outbreaks in 318 schools. These schools have 1,135 active cases. 181 schools have outbreaks with 65 on the watch list. Sadly, I must report 16 new deaths from COVID-19. In the last 2 weeks alone, we have lost 103 people to COVID 62 were in continuing care, 12 were linked to acute care outbreaks & 29 were in the community. Of the community acquired cases, 14 were under the age of 70. This highlights that this infection can be deadly even for younger adults and underscores the importance of the measures announced today. I extend my sympathies to all who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The sooner we can bend the curve, slow the infection rate, & reduce the need for COVID hospital care, the sooner we can rebook the surgeries that will mean an end to pain & suffering for other Albertans. We must take action now. A summary of new restrictions can be found on our website. The spread of the virus, the impact on our health system & the challenges it poses to our health are serious. I believe in Albertans. We are in this together & we will get through this together. Get COVID-19 updates at http://alberta.ca/COVID19

Update from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw: Over the past 24hrs we have identified 732 new cases & completed approx. 13K tests. Our prov...incial positivity rate sits at about 5.5% & we have 10K+ active cases. There are 287 people in hospital including 57 in ICU. AHS is working hard to meet demand & has plans to ensure beds for COVID-19 patients are available if needed. AHS can increase hospital spaces by reducing the number of other patients. This means reducing elective surgeries & ambulatory care visits as seen in the Edmonton zone. Hospitals are increasing spaces by opening units & equipping spaces. AHS can create temp. ICU beds in spaces that would otherwise be used for specialized care. But, there are consequences - delayed access to non-COVID care & there is a ceiling to capacity expansion. We need Albertans to do their part. By working together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community, we can reduce the need for hospitalization and demands on our hospitals. There are active alerts or outbreaks in 320 schools about 13% of all school in AB. This includes 64 schools on the watch list. In-school transmission has likely occurred in 157 schools about 83 had only 1 new case result. I must report 11 new deaths over the past 24 hrs. My condolences go out to those mourning lost lives today & since the pandemic began. Almost 1/4 of our COVID-19 deaths have happened since Nov. 1. If we do not change our trajectory, the implications are grim. Every day about 250-350 people are getting sick & we have been unable to ID the source. This puts us all at greater risk. This is why we put last week’s measures in place. They are focused on settings where there is the highest risk of one case spreading to many. I am disappointed at reports of orgs & businesses continuing activities - fitness studios running group classes w/a video rather than an instructor; or some team sports continuing practice by moving to neighbouring community’s rink or teams continuing to socialize together. The intent of these measures is to facilitate a 2 week hard stop of all activity that can provide an opportunity for large scale spread. I have heard people say they believe it will last longer, so they don’t want to comply. We cannot create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Any individual, group or business that chooses to continue, is risking the time limited nature of the restrictions and risk further restrictions for their own businesses & activities & further restrictions for all those choosing to comply. I thank the many doing their part. This is deadly serious. I ask everyone to abide by all public health measures. Albertans cannot write off symptoms as just a cold. What is a mild illness to many is deadly to some. Stay home & get tested if you have symptoms. Do not avoid testing because it’s inconvenient or you don’t want to get a party host in trouble. With unknown sources at current levels, there are cases we don’t know about each is a threat to the health of others & the healthcare system. Alberta, we can still bend the curve. If we work together, if we live by the same rules, if we take the same precaution and if we believe in a common goal. We can slow the spread. Coming together is the only way we can. Get COVID-19 updates at http://alberta.ca/COVID19

Council Notes November 17th, 2020. CAPP Delegation, Uncollectable Accounts, Homeless Shelter Pods, and more. Follow the link for full notes and meeting video. https://www.edson.ca/town/town-news/post/76380

CASE UPDATE November 24th, 2020 (8 Active Cases) The Edson Zone (Central Yellowhead County) is now listed as having 8 active cases, 6 recovered, and 1 death. There has been a total of 15 cases to date for this local geographic area.... In the status map, the Town of Edson falls under Yellowhead County. The Yellowhead County zone IS under the Enhanced category and, therefor, we do fall under the new mandatory and voluntary restrictions put in place by the Province (listed below). Yellowhead County zone has 14 active cases, 27 recovered, and 2 deaths. Overall, the Province saw 1115 new active cases for a total of 13,349 currently active in Alberta. There are now 348 hospitalizations (+20) with 66 in ICU (+4) and 492 deaths (+16). Edson has enacted the Mandatory Facial Covering Bylaw. Masks are now required in all indoor public spaces. Visit www.edson.ca/bylaws for details. More detail on the new provincial restrictions to come. For more information on the Town of Edson’s response, some of the rules and regulations in place, supports available to residents and businesses, and links to Provincial and Federal data, please visit our website at www.edson.ca/covid. For the Provincial Health Guidelines and information, including the COVID-19 Assessment Tool and test information, please visit www.alberta.ca/covid19 Please note: No matter what your beliefs, we ask that people are treated with kindness and consideration in true Edson community spirit both in the public and online. If comments on this post become abusive, they will be removed. We will also be removing any links/pictures (memes) in this comment section.

Mandatory Facial Covering Bylaw Q&A with CAO Derricott Frequently Asked Questions --> https://www.edson.ca/public/download/files/161712

LIVE at 4:30 - Watch Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health and officials provide an update on COVID-19 and the ongoing work to protect public health.