The Alberta Government announced the resurrection of the provincial mask mandate last Friday, which took effect as of Sept. 4, 2021, at 8 am. The mandate requirements are as follows:
- Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces.
- Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except in work stations.
- Schools are not required to implement masking, but school boards will continue to set COVID-19 management policies as deemed appropriate.
- Masks are not required while participating in a physical fitness activity, performance activity, or a worship service at a place of worship.
Read the full Mask Mandate order here.
Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to help protect others and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, as they limit the volume and travel distance of expiratory droplets dispersed when talking, breathing, and coughing. The mandatory mask mandate, in conjunction with social distancing and vaccination, is the best way for us as a community to quell the spread of COVID-19 and the recent delta variant.
As these regulations are implemented throughout Wetaskiwin, City facilities will have different regulations and policies that need to be considered prior to visiting. In this article, we’ll go through of these policies a few to help clarify any confusion, and to make sure you can still utilize these facilities to their full potential.
The Manluk Centre
Masks will be required in public areas, such as in the reception area of the Manluk Centre. Masks are not required while in the pool, fitness areas, or changing rooms.
Click here for the Manluk Centre’s Sept. 5 to Oct. 2, 2021 Schedule.
City Hall
All persons on the premises must be masked when inside the building and in all City vehicles. Those under the age the age of 2 or those with underlying medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask are excluded from this requirement.
For more information about COVID-19 measures in Wetaskiwin, as well as helpful mental health resources and business resources, check out covidwetaskiwin.ca.
Unit further notice, all Wetaskiwin City Council meetings will be restricted to virtual attendance only — the exception being City Council and key members of staff. Links to City Council meetings can be found at the Wetaskiwin.ca website, or on the City of Wetaskiwin official social media pages.
Wetaskiwin Landfill and Recycling
At this time, there are no extra policies or mandates in place aside from masking requirements.
Wetaskiwin Public Parks
The mask mandate only requires masks to be worn in indoor public spaces and vehicles, so masks are not mandated in outdoor public spaces. It is recommended, however, to give each other a wide berth of at least 6 feet (or one moose) when passing one another on trails or in the parks.
Thank you to everyone for there continued efforts to help quell the spread of the virus. Stay safe. Be kind.
Learn more information about the mandatory mask requirements, how to choose a mask, and how to properly handle you masks at alberta.ca/masks.aspx. For ongoing updates about COVID-19, check out https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx