By rdnewsNOW Staff

Step 1: Ease of restrictions

Town of Blackfalds removes Restrictions Exemption Program

Feb 16, 2022 | 3:19 PM

The Town of Blackfalds shared an official update on Wednesday regarding public centres and COVID-19 restrictions.

In response to the Government of Alberta’s announcement on Feb. 8, council approved removing the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) from the Abbey Centre and Community Centre as of Feb. 9, 2022.

“Adopting REP was one of the more difficult decisions we’ve had to make to keep our facilities open to as many people as possible, and although we knew this measure would be temporary, I recognize this was difficult for many,” said Mayor Jamie Hoover. “I’m happy that we’ve reached the point where the Government of Alberta is allowing us to welcome everyone back to our facilities – regardless of vaccinations status.”

Step 1 ease of restrictions now in effect include the following:

• Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
• Capacity limits are extended to all large facilities and entertainment venues (500+), but food and beverage consumption is now allowed in seats.
• Interactive activities, liquor service, and operating hour restrictions remain in place for food-serving entities.
• Physical distancing of 2 metres between households is encouraged, operators should facilitate distancing between patrons where possible.
• Mandatory masking requirements removed for children under 13 in all settings and students of any age attending K-12 schools and participating in school activities as of Feb. 14.

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“We are excited to see familiar faces back in these facilities and are looking forward to some exciting events in the future,” said Ken Morrison, Director of Emergency Management. “We would like to remind all; facemasks will continue to be required in these facilities unless consuming food or drink or under the age of 13. Hopefully, we will see further restrictions lifted by March 1 when the province moves into Step 2.”

Step 2 will include:

• 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.
• Indoor masking no longer required.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League has also rescinded REP, so residents and visitors are welcome to take part in the Blackfalds Bulldogs hockey games without needing proof of vaccinations.

Residents can stay up to date by visiting the Town of Blackfalds’ COVID website.