COVID-19

February 28, 2022 Update

On March 1, Alberta will move into Phase 2 of a three step plan to ease COVID-19 measures. Including:

• Any remaining school requirements removed (for example: Kindergarten to grade 6 cohorting).
• Youth screening activities for entertainment and sport activities removed.
• Capacity on all large venues and entertainment venues lifted.
• Indoor and outdoor social gathering limits lifted.
• Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted.
• Provincial mask mandate will be lifted except in high-risk settings, including on public transit, at AHS-operated and contracted facilities, and all continuing care settings.

Learn more about COVID-19 public health actions here.

Masking at Town operated facilities is no longer required. You may still see some Town of Strathmore employees wearing masks so don't feel alone should you choose to wear one.

The Town of Strathmore is grateful to residents and visitors for helping to keep our facilities safe and respectful. Thank you for continuing to be kind and supporting one another!

February 9, 2022 Update

On February 9, Alberta moved into Phase 1 of a three step plan to ease COVID-19 measures. The following is now in effect:

• Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
• Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
• Capacity limits for locations not covered under the REP program are removed.
• Mandatory masking requirements removed for:
  • children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
  • children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14

Town of Strathmore Recreation Facilities will not be requiring proof of vaccination for entry as a part of Phase 1. Masking in indoor spaces is still required for everyone over the age of 2 years until February 14. On February 14 masking indoors will be required for those 12 years and older until Alberta enters Phase 2 of the plan. 

Learn more about COVID-19 public health actions here.

December 21, 2021 Update

Today the Province announced additional measure to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant. The Province is asking people to reduce their social contacts by 50% . Additionally, COVID-19 booster doses are now available to Albertans 18 years and older five months after their second dose. Book your COVID-19 booster dose here.

The Government of Alberta has also placed further restrictions businesses that are implementing the Restriction Exemption Program, effective December 24 at 12:01am. 

Indoor facilities that participate in the Restrictions Exemption Program:

• Must limit capacity to:
  • 50% if venue seats more than 1,000 people.
  • 500 people if venue seats between 500 and 1,000 people.
• No food and drink consumption in seated audience settings or during intermissions in the above mentioned venues.
• No capacity or food/drink change for venues under 500 people.

Restaurants, Cafes, Bars and Nightclubs:

• Limit of 10 people maximum per table. No mingling between tables.
• No interactive activities (For example: dancing, darts, billiards)
• Liquor service ends at 11pm and must close at 12:30am.

Find up to date information about the latest restrictions here. 

December 16, 2021 Update

The Provincial Government announced on December 15, new measures to help reduce transmission of the new Omicron Variant. Free rapid testing kits will be made available to Albertans for home use. Rapid test will also be available in K-6 schools on Alert status (2 or more confirmed cases). Rapid test will be distributed by the Province to Alberta Health Services locations and select pharmacies for pick up. The Strathmore Health Unit at 650 Westchester Road, is the free rapid test pick up location for Strathmore.  Rapid test may not always be in stock, please call 403-361-7200 for more details.  Learn more about the free rapid test program here. 

The Province has also relaxed private gathering restrictions slightly. View the latest Provincial restrictions here.

Vaccinations

First and second doses of COVID-19 MRNA vaccinations are available to all Albertans over the age of 5 years. COVID-19 vaccines help prevent you from getting infected and protect you from getting severely sick if you do get it.

COVID-19 booster doses (third dose) are being rolled out in stages. Booster doses can be given 6 months after your second dose to increase protection. Find out if you're eligible here. 

Book a Vaccination

Restriction Exemption Program October 16, 2021

Keeping Strathmore safe is the Town’s top priority. Our recreation facilities are fully participating in the Government of Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program (Vaccine Passport). This program ensures that our facilities can continue to serve as many participants as possible without restricting capacity.

Here’s what you need to know:

Programs and Activities:

All our programs and activities will proceed unchanged and as planned at this time. Sports and fitness opportunities are vital to our community’s mental and physical health. We are happy we can continue to provide these exceptional experiences and services to you.

Mandatory Vaccinations:

Youth between the ages of 12 (vaccine eligible) to 17 years of age are exempt from the Restriction Exemption Program vaccination requirement to enter the facility for the purpose of participating in any internal or external youth organized activity.

All spectators, or those that wish to visit any Town of Strathmore recreation facility (public areas) that are 12+ but are not participating in a youth program, must show proof of vaccination, proof of a negative test, or exemption to gain entry to the premises.

All adult sport participants, 18+ years of age, must show proof of vaccination, proof of a negative test, or medical exemption to gain entry to the premises to participate in any recreation or sport activity, or any public area.

From Sept 20 to Oct 25: The vaccine requirement can be fulfilled if a user has received at least one dose of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of a single dose is acceptable as long as the dose was given more than two weeks before time of entry to a Town of Strathmore recreation facility.

From Oct 25 onward: Participants required to provide proof of vaccination must have received two doses of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines.

From Nov 15 onward: The Alberta Vaccine Record with QR code will be the only valid proof of vaccination accepted. 

• Get you QR code now at https://covidrecords.alberta.ca/home

• If you need help printing your QR code, Gold Key Registries can assist you at no cost. Learn more about how to find and print your QR code record here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-records-helpdesk.aspx

• We’ve looked after each other and worked hard to stop the spread, but there’s still need for caution. If you haven’t gotten a vaccine yet, you can book and appointment here.

Existing COVID-19 Controls:

We are also maintaining existing controls. Face masks and distancing are required in all public areas, and dressing rooms, until entering the activity.

Checking Vaccination Records:

Alberta Vaccine Record QR Code: From Nov 15 onward, the Alberta Vaccine Record with QR code will be the only valid proof of vaccination accepted. You can get your QR code here.

The QR code can be saved as an image on your device, or printed. If your QR code is printed don't reduce the printing size or fold across the QR code to ensure it scans properly. Staff will be using the AB Covid Records Verifier app to scan your QR code. When your code is scanned it will only show your name, date of birth and vaccination status. Your information will not be stored on the device scanning your code. Learn more here. 

Mandatory Employee Vaccination Policy:

To protect the health and safety of our community, the Town is developing an employee vaccination policy. The policy will include a phasing-in period. More information will be shared as the policy is completed.

COVID-19 Tests:

The Town of Strathmore will be accepting negative COVID-19 test results in lieu of vaccine status. Tests must be privately-paid, Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test completed within the previous 72 hours.

Valid test results should be a written or printed copy that clearly outlines the type of test, time of sample collection, clear indication of a negative result, and laboratory that completed the test, if applicable. Photos of a rapid test result taken offsite is not sufficient.

Do not bring completed self-tests or rapid tests to businesses due to communicable disease risk. Tests must not be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.

Vaccine Exemptions:

We are currently developing a process to manage requests for exemptions. While we are building this process, exemptions will be provided. This policy is subject to change upon completion of an internal review. Medical exemptions must conform with the requirements provided on the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program webpage: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx

As of September 4, face masks are required in all indoor public areas.

The Alberta government announced new COVID-19 public health measures at a press conference on September 3. A provincial mask mandate, $100 vaccine payment, and recommendations on in-person gatherings were rolled out. For a details please view updated COVID protocol on the Government of Alberta website - click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Everyone Born in 2009 or earlier (turning 12+) is eligible to get vaccinated.

Click here for information on vaccines and how to get you FREE vaccination. 

Remember to follow up for your second shot. 

Click here to find a participating pharmacy.