Northern Sunrise County’s COVID-19 Response

Jocelyn GagnonArchived

September 17, 2021

Public Notice

In accordance with the Government of Alberta’s public health guidance announced on September 16, 2021, Northern Sunrise County will be implementing measures to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

We ask that patrons abide by current regulations while visiting County facilities. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available upon entry for your convenience. We recommend you contact the office prior to coming in as staff are working remotely at this time.

For more information about current COVID-19 measures, visit alberta.ca/covid19

Thank you for your cooperation

September 16, 2021

Alberta declared a state of public health emergency on September 15, 2021. New temporary measures to reduce transmission and protect our health care system come into effect September 16.

September 7, 2021

Mandatory Restriction, Effective September 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

  • Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces.
  • Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except while alone in work stations.
  • Schools are not required to implement masking, but school boards will continue to set COVID-19 management policies as they deem appropriate.
  • Masks are not required while participating in a physical fitness activity, performance activity, or a worship service at a place of worship.
  • Alcohol service must end at 10 p.m. in all licensed establishments.

Recommended Measure – Effective September 4 at 8:00 a.m.

  • Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person contacts.
  • Unvaccinated Albertans are strongly recommended to limit indoor social gatherings to close contacts of only 2 cohort families up to a maximum of 10 people.
  • Employers are recommended to continue work-from-home measures where possible, and to pause or revert plans to have staff return to work.
  • If employees are working on location, they must mask in all indoor settings except work stations.

For more information visit alberta.ca

July 2, 2021

Alberta entered Stage 3 of the Premier’s Open for Summer plan on July 1st, meaning nearly all health measures have been lifted.

Changes include:
• All public health measures have now been lifted, including the ban on indoor social gatherings
• Requirements for isolation/quarantine and some protective measures in continuing care settings remain in place
• Mask use in public indoor settings is no longer required except for some specific situations

For more information visit alberta.ca

What does this mean for Northern Sunrise County’s operations? Effective July 1st:
• Masks are no longer required, but regular sanitization is still encouraged;
• All County facilities are open to the public.

Please remember that this is a big change for us all. Some residents will be more comfortable with this reopening plan than others. Please continue to be respectful.

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June 29, 2021

Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan safely eases restrictions in 3 stages as vaccination targets are reached and hospitalizations decline.

Alberta entered Stage 2 on June 10, and has met the threshold to enter Stage 3 on July 1.

June 11, 2021

Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan safely eases provincewide restrictions in 3 stages as vaccinations go up and hospitalizations go down. Alberta entered Stage 2 on June 10.

See all mandatory public health restrictions

May 14, 2021

Masks are mandatory in all indoor workplaces and facilities outside the home, except:

  • when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or a barrier is in place
  • rental accommodations used solely for the purposes of a private residence
  • farm operations (exempt)

Anyone unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition will require a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional.

  • The medical exception letter must come from a nurse practitioner, physician or psychologist.
  • The medical exception letter may be presented when in a public setting if requested by enforcement officials, or retrospectively in court if a ticket is issued.
  • See the list of medical conditions for which an authorized health professional may issue a medical exception letter.

Additional resources:

May 6, 2021

Mandatory public health measures remain in place provincewide:  Public Health Measures

Beginning May 5, 2021, additional restrictions came into effect for regions with at least 50 cases per 100,000 people, and at least 30 active cases.  The new restrictions will be in place for at least 3 weeks and will be extended if necessary. The active case rates are updated daily and are available here:  https://www.alberta.ca/maps/covid-19-status-map.htm.  The affected region list is also updated daily and is available here:  https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid19-restrictions-high-case-regions.pdf.

As of May 5, 2021 Northern Sunrise County sits at 20 active cases, which is down from 28 the previous day.  At this time, the County is not on the expanded restrictions list for high case regions and are not required to follow the additional restrictions that are available here:  https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx#regions.  All previous restrictions that were in place for the County still apply.

April 9, 2021

Mandatory public health measures remain in place across the province. Alberta returned to Step 1 of the Path Forward on April 6. Additional restrictions for restaurants take effect April 9 at noon.

For an updated list of current public health measures click here: Updated Health Measures – Effective April 6, 2021

March 9, 2021

Additional Step 2 changes for retail, community halls, performance groups, and collegiate sport activities came into effect March 8.

For an updated list of current public health measures click here: Updated Health Measures – Effective March 8, 2021

March 3, 2021

Effective March 1, 2021, updated health measures are in place for indoor fitness and libraries.

For an updated list of current public health measures click here: Updated Health Measures – Effective March 1, 2021

February 4, 2021

Effective February 8, 2021, additional health measures will be eased for restaurants, indoor fitness and some children’s activities.

All other public health measures will remain in place.

For an updated list of current public health measures click here: Updated Health Measures – Effective February 8, 2021

January 19, 2021

The following changes to public health restrictions came into effect Monday, January 18: 

  • Outdoor social gatherings are allowed up to 10 people. Indoor gatherings remain prohibited.
  • Personal and wellness services can open by appointment only (hair and nail salons, etc).
  • Funeral ceremony attendance has increased to 20 people, with mandatory masking and 2 metre physical distancing between households. Funeral receptions are not allowed.

All other restrictions remain in place:

  • No indoor social gatherings
  • Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes open for take-out or delivery only.
  • Retail services and shopping malls must reduce customer capacity to 15%.
  • Health services, like physio and massage, open by appointment only.
  • Entertainment and indoor recreation facilities remain closed.
  • Places of worship limited to 15% capacity for in-person attendance.
  • Working from home is mandatory unless a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness.

Albertans must continue following all public health measures to reduce case numbers: wash your hands, wear a mask in public, keep 2 metres apart, and stay home and get tested when sick.

December 8, 2020 Updated January 7, 2021

Mandatory, provincewide restrictions are in effect to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19.

These mandatory restrictions apply provincewide and will be in place at least until January 21, 2021.

As per the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Order 41-2020, masks are mandatory in all indoor places.

For all current public health measures in place, please click on the following link. https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

December 4, 2020

At 4:00 p.m. today, Northern Sunrise County will move to Enhanced Status on the Provincial Relaunch Status Map, with 13 active cases and an active case rate of 407.8 per 100,000 people. This status change includes all communities within the County’s limits.

Please note that the new measures for Enhanced Status communities will remain in place until at least December 15.

Effective November 24, the following measures were put in place across Alberta:

  • No indoor social gatherings in any setting
  • Outdoor gatherings have a maximum attendance of 10
  • Weddings and funeral services have a maximum attendance of 10, with no receptions permitted
  • No festivals or events
  • Grades 7-12 will be doing at-home learning between November 30, 2020 to January 11, 2021
  • ECS-Grade 6 at-home learning after break until January 11, 2021
  • Working from home should be considered, where possible

Effective immediately, Northern Sunrise County will be following the additional measures for areas under Enhanced Status:

  • For places of worship, the maximum in-person attendance is 1/3 of the occupancy set under the Alberta Fire Code, with mandatory masking
  • Restricted access to some businesses
  • Effective immediately, all community halls, community centres, senior centres, ‘pop up style’ indoor markets that have not been previously approved by Alberta Health Services, and farmers’ markets that have not been previously approved by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry are closed

More information on the new measures, including the specific restrictions on businesses, can be found here.

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For further information, please contact:

Cindy Millar
Chief Administrative Officer
780.624.0013 or 780.625.3290
cmillar@northernsunrise.net

November 26, 2020

COVID-19 Information Update – Nov 24
Alberta is declaring a state of public health emergency and putting aggressive measures in place to protect the health system and reduce the rising spread of COVID-19 cases.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GATHERINGS (PROVINCE-WIDE)

Effective immediately, no indoor social gatherings will be permitted. Individuals who live alone may have up to 2 non-household close contacts. They must be the same two people throughout the duration of these measures.

Outdoor social gatherings are permitted to a maximum of 10 people.
Funeral services and wedding ceremonies must follow all public health guidance and are limited to a maximum of 10 in-person attendees. Receptions will not be permitted.

Not following the mandatory restrictions could result in fines and enforcement.

K-12 SCHOOLS (PROVINCE-WIDE)
In all schools, grades 7-12 will move to at-home learning on Nov. 30, ending in-person classes early. Students in Early Childhood Services and Grades K-6 will remain learning in-person until Dec. 18.

All students will return to at-home learning after their winter break and resume in-person learning on January 11, 2021. This measure is mandatory.

Alberta’s government is making diploma exams optional for the rest of the school year. Students and their parents can choose whether to write the exam or receive an exemption for the April, June, and August 2021 exam sessions.

More information is available at https://bit.ly/33hNqn9

May 29, 2020

The County’s relaunch strategy is based on current information from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Province of Alberta.  This is an organic document that will change with updated information from health and government officials. 

To view the relaunch strategy please click here.

May 21, 2020

The County Administration Office has reopened to the public.
Office Hours are 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

All public entering the building will be expected to sanitize their hands upon entry and continue to physical distance at 6 feet apart. All other provincial health guidelines remain in effect.

The County Agricultural Services, Community Services and Public Works remain closed to the public, however, if required, access is available by contacting staff at each of the following locations.

Agricultural Services Department – 780-322-3831
Nampa Community Services Office -780-322-3954
St. Isidore Community Services Office – 780-624-8071
Cadotte Lake Community Services Office – 780-629-2476
Public Works Department – 780-624-9230

May 15, 2020

Northern Sunrise County’s relaunch strategy focuses on COVID-19 prevention and control measures, and alignment with timelines, phases and conditions directed by the Government of Alberta.

Re-opening objectives focus on physical and mental health and safety for staff and residents; ensuring staff are empowered and enabled to do their job duties under new public health measures; and understanding and accommodating the change in community needs.

The County’s relaunch plan will be continuously revisited and adjusted based on on-going direction from Alberta Health Services.

Physical distancing of two metres will be required through all stages of relaunch.

For each facility, service and program, the County is evaluating the infection and control measures that must be in place. This includes occupational health and safety requirements for staff; how to program for limited group sizes; and cleaning and hygiene.

The County will continue to increase resident awareness of parks and outdoor etiquette:

  • Practice hand hygiene 
  • Practice physical distancing (two metres apart) 
  • If you cannot maintain physical distancing, wear a non-medical mask  
  • Avoid touching commonly touched surfaces, such as rails 
  • Stay home if you are sick or displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 
  • Gatherings of over 15 people remain prohibited

Throughout the pandemic, the County continues to deliver its critical services, while remaining resourced and prepared to respond to seasonal events, such as wildfires and flooding. The County also continues its focus on ensuring residents have access to social supports.

We are working on a plan to reopen the Administration office to public access and hope to reopen in the near future. However, before the office can be reopened we need to make sure we have proper safety measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our staff and our patrons. We are currently awaiting the delivery of some necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will be able to announce reopening information after it arrives.

At this time, Campgrounds and Playgrounds will not be opened. Further information will be shared when available.

GUIDANCE FOR REOPENING BUSINESSES
As businesses get closer to reopening as part of Phase 1 of Alberta’s relaunch strategy, we would like to share the resources available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe.  If you require anything further as you prepare to reopen your businesses, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

To open your business to the public, you must complete a plan to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among your staff and customers. The completed template must be posted in your place of business or online within 7 days of the public being able to attend your business.

Template: Relaunch considerations for businesses (DOCX, 49 KB) 

General guidance
This guidance supports all workplaces in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

General workplace guidance for business owners re-opening or continuing operations (PDF, 108 KB)

Enhanced infection prevention and control measures (AHS)

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) resources

COVID-19 orders and legislation

Flushing water systems (PDF, 180 KB).

Sector Guidance
This guidance supports sectors currently allowed to operate under public health orders.

Disability service providers

Farmers’ Markets (PDF, 263 KB)

Golf course operators (PDF, 37 KB)

Health non-essential services

Health sector PPE guidelines (PDF, 88 KB)

Homeless shelters (AHS)

Industrial work camps (PDF, 715 KB)

Outdoor shooting ranges (PDF, 33 KB)

Private and municipal campgrounds (PDF, 83 KB)

Planning for Operations
This guidance is intended to prepare for Stage 1 relaunch when public health orders will be amended to allow operations to resume.

Day camps (PDF, 192 KB)

Daycare & out-of-school care (PDF, 188 KB)

Hair salons and barbershops (PDF, 33 KB)

Museums and art galleries (PDF, 135 KB)

Outdoor recreation (PDF, 82 KB)

Places of Worship (PDF, 267 KB)

Restaurants (PDF, 86 KB)

Retail (PDF, 80 KB)

All resources and updates can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx#guidance.

May 1, 2020

Northern Sunrise County recognizes the impact that outdoor recreation has on our mental well-being and our green spaces are all still open to be enjoyed.
The Government of Alberta laid out the relaunch strategy on April 30,2020 and this will be followed by the County. 
Playgrounds will remain closed until Stage 2 of the relaunch strategy is announced.
The County is preparing a plan for the opening of our campgrounds, but it will not be before the May long weekend. Hopefully we will be able to open them for June 1, 2020, the same as provincial parks.
Physical distancing measures must be adhered to at all times while enjoying the great outdoors.
Information about visiting parks can be found here:
https://albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/response-to-covid-19/

April 6, 2020

The Government of Alberta’s Emergency Isolation Support program is now closed after successfully distributing about $91.7 million to 79,596 eligible Albertans since the launch of the program – close to double the amount originally allocated.

This was a temporary program to provide one-time funding until the Government of Canada announced its own support program. The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is available starting April 6. Payments will be retroactive to March 15, 2020. Please read these questions and answers for more details.

March 30, 2020

Effective Monday, March 30, 2020 all Northern Sunrise County offices are CLOSED to the public.

The Council made this decision with the health and safety of staff and residents in mind.

Staff are available to assist you via telephone 780-624-0013; email general@northernsunrise.net;

or the Northern Sunrise County staff contact list https://northernsunrise.net/contact-us/.

Information on COVID-19 for Albertans:
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

Support for Albertans:
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx

Support for employers and employees:
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-support-for-employers.aspx

Restrictions on gatherings and businesses:
https://www.alberta.ca/restrictions-on-gatherings-and-businesses.aspx

Essential Services:
https://www.alberta.ca/essential-services.aspx

March 26, 2020
All Albertans need to work together to help prevent the spread and overcome COVID-19.

Interactive aggregate data on COVID-19 cases in Alberta is available. This data includes age range, sex, geographical area and AHS zone of cases. Data included in the interactive data application is up-to-date as of midday of the date of posting and is available online at alberta.ca/covid19statistics.

Emergency isolation supports are available for Albertans who are self-isolating or who are the sole caregivers for someone in self-isolation, and have no other source of income. Applicants can view eligibility criteria and apply at alberta.ca.

The Emergency Financial Assistance web page includes information on the federal and provincial supports.

On March 17, 2020 the Alberta government announced additional emergency funding to charities, non-profits and civil society organizations through the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program to support their COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Emergency Social Services Support Funding Criteria
COVID-19 Emergency Social Services Funding Request Form.

March 19, 2020
Here is a list of resources that are available to residents.

Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response plan Including:
– Support for Canadians (Income Support, Tax info, and more)
Supports for Businesses

Government of Canada, COVID-19 Outbreak Information
Includes information on risk to Canadians
– Information on the current situation across the country

Government of Alberta, COVID-19 Information
Current Situation
– Info for Albertans
– Government Service Changes
– Court info

March 18, 2020
On March 17, 2020 the Province of Alberta declared a state of emergency under the Public Health Act in response to COVID-19.  More information can be found on the Government of Alberta’s website at:  https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

New public health measures are recommended to limit time that Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces.  Please refer to the above website for information on these public health measures.

The County Office will remain open for the time being from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a cough, fever, fatigue, or shortness of breath please do not come into the office. Instead, phone (780) 624-0013 to make alternate arrangements.

March 17, 2020
Health information on COVID-19 can be found on the Alberta Health Services website as well as Alberta Health’s. There is also an online self-assessment tool for those who are concerned about symptoms. Alternatively, AHS’ Health Link service – dial 811 – is available to offer health advice and information.  

Northern Sunrise County’s COVID-19 Response
Northern Sunrise County is working from our Pandemic Business Continuity Plan which will ensure critical services are maintained.
The County office will remain open for the time being with regular hours of operation.
The County will continue to inform residents of any events being cancelled.

Community Services Update – March 17, 2020 14:40

Effective immediately, all non-essential community service programs are cancelled.  We will still coordinate the community van service for those seniors who require medical and essential shopping in the Town of Peace River.  At this time we still plan to offer the Wheels to Meals program for our seniors with meal delivery only. 
The recent news release from the Government of Alberta declaring a state of public health emergency necessitates us to take action to care of our staff and residents.

March 13, 2020
Health information on COVID-19 can be found on the Alberta Health Services website at ahs.ca. Alternatively, AHS’s Health Link service – dial 811 – is available to offer health advice and information.

Northern Sunrise County is currently drafting a Pandemic Business Continuity Plan.

The Province of Alberta’s Pandemic Influenza Plan (March 2014) does a great job in summarizing the municipality’s responsibilities:

Local Authorities
Under the Municipal Government Act, the role of the local authorities (municipalities, Métis communities) is to ensure a safe and viable community through the continuity of local government and critical services and emergency response. Local authorities’ responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing and implementing response plans (Municipal Emergency Management Plans) and business continuity programs.
  • Maintaining the continuity of critical municipal services in consultation with AHS and business and industry (fire, police, water treatment/delivery, waste management).
  • Liaising with AEMA, AHS and other partners to align with broader provincial response and recovery.

Northern Sunrise County is drafting a Pandemic Business Continuity Plan to ensure that critical services are maintained – this includes identifying personnel that can backfill positions within the organization, ensuring materials and supplies are adequately stocked, and taking steps to safeguard the health of County employees. The County will also do what it can to assist the Province and AHS in dealing with the health impacts, if and when that time comes.

Restrictions announced by the Province on March 12, 2020, asked organizers of events with more than 250 people to cancel those events. At this time, the County is reviewing all planned events and will inform residents of any events being cancelled.

Information on the County’s preparation, provision of services, or other announcements will be made on our website (northernsunrise.net) and our social media platforms.

In order to keep a single point of information, the County is not providing health information but instead is directing residents and the public to the Alberta Health Services website at ahs.ca, where there are up-to-date details on COVID-19. The 811 Health Link number is also available to offer health advice and information.

Community Services Update – March 13, 2020 16:37

At this time Northern Sunrise County/Nampa Community Services Department is assessing all community services programming and report the following:

  • All programming at Mamowintowin Hall in Cadotte Lake has been postponed until further notice, following the direction being taken by Woodland Cree First Nation. 
  • Remaining planned programs and events will continue to be offered within the Village of Nampa and Northern Sunrise County pending further updates from the County. 
  • Risk assessments will be conducted prior to all events to determine whether to proceed, postpone, or cancel. 

Please follow the Community Services Facebook pages for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/cadottelakefcss
https://www.facebook.com/NampaFCSSProgram
https://www.facebook.com/stisidorefcss

Or contact your local Community Services Office:
Cadotte Lake 780-629-2477
Nampa 780-322-3954
St. Isidore 780-624-8071
Director of Community Services 780-625-3287

Programs and events may be cancelled with little to no notice. 

At this time, the Community Van Program will run for essential trips only (medical, groceries, etc.). Trips could be cancelled with little to no notice. Contact the Director of Community Services at 780-625-3287 for inquiries.

Participants are asked to avoid the programs and events if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has experienced symptoms.