COVID Restriction Changes - Dec 15, 2021
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Edson, Alberta, December 15th, 2021 – A number of changes have been announced to the Provincial Covid-19 restrictions, including changes to the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP), social gatherings, booster vaccinations, and rapid testing.
REP at Repsol Place
Under this program, the Town of Edson will be requiring all patrons/attendees aged 12 and over to provide valid:
- proof of vaccination, or
- proof of a privately-paid negative rapid test result taken within 72 hours of service, or
- documentation of a medical exemption
At no time will these medical documents be kept or stored by staff. The documentation must be shown on each visit to the facility unless a stamp is provided. Please ONLY use the main entrance to Repsol Place at this time.
Youth under the age of 18 who are accessing the facility for the sole purpose of taking part in a youth sport or recreational activity, as defined as out of scope by Alberta Health, would NOT need to provide proof of vaccination status, medical exemption, or negative test.
Individuals 12 years and older that are attending to spectate or use any other amenity in the facility MUST show one of the acceptable options for proof of vaccination, medical exemption, or paid negative COVID-19 test. As well, REP applies to youth taking part in activities that include adult participants, such as public swimming, public skating, and shinny hockey.
Following an individual’s 12th birthday there will be a grace period to allow them to become fully vaccinated under REP. There will be a 10-week grace period. (8 week interval between the two doses, plus two weeks).
Rapid Testing
Starting December 17, rapid test kits can be picked up at select locations on a first-come first-served basis, while supplies last. This is for home self-evaluation only. Albertans can pick up free rapid test kits at participating pharmacies in Calgary, Red Deer or Edmonton, or at select AHS clinics in other communities. Limit of one kit per person every 14 days, while supplies last.
- To ensure as many people have access as possible, there is a limit of one box per person within a 14-day period (must provide your personal health care number). You can pick up one additional box for another person(s) if you provide their health care number.
- Rapid tests can be used by symptom-free:
- people aged 14 and older
- children aged 2 to 13 if performed by an adult
- These rapid test kits cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Unvaccinated individuals must pay to obtain proof of negative test result through a private vendor or pharmacy to gain admission.
- These are for non-symptomatic individuals only. Those with symptoms and those that do test positive with a rapid test are asked to follow up with a PCR test.
Social Gatherings
- Indoor private social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people 18 and older, no limits on those under 18. No household limits.
- Outdoor private social gatherings limited to a maximum of 20 people, with 2 metre physical distancing between households at all times.
- No difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
- Rapid testing is encouraged prior to gathering and prior to returning to work/school.
Vaccine Booster Doses
People 50+ and all healthcare workers can now book at least 6 months after the second dose. All Albertans 18 to 49 will eventually be able to get a third dose at least 6 months after your second dose. More details as eligibility changes.
More information on current restrictions at https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx