Strathcona County council has decided on a response to the recent provincial changes.
At 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb.8), the provincial government ended some public health restrictions in Alberta, including the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP).
During Thursday's council meeting, Strathcona County council voted to align themselves with the provincial plan. Showing proof of vaccination is no longer required in county facilities, and beginning Monday, children 12 and under will no longer be required to wear masks in any setting.
The province is planning to eliminate the mask mandate entirely on Mar.1. The municipal bylaw will remain in effect until the provincial mandate is lifted.
"Our community has been through a very difficult 23 months,” said Strathcona County mayor Rod Frank. “Taking into consideration the feedback from residents and the provincial direction, it was a good decision by council that aligns our masking bylaw with the province and supports the health and safety of Strathcona County.”
Additional health and safety measures will remain in county facilities, including enhanced cleaning, plexiglass barriers, signage, six-foot distancing markers and hand sanitizing stations.
"Everyone’s personal comfort will be different. We appreciate our community’s ongoing kindness and respect towards one another as we adapt and follow mandatory health measures," stated the county in a release.
Residents are still legally required to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19 or have core symptoms unrelated to pre-existing conditions.