County of Vermilion River and M.D. of Wainwright under enhanced health measures

With 10 active cases as of December 1, both the County of Vermilion River and the M.D. of Wainwright have been designated enhanced or purple zones by the province, which means increased health protocols.

In Vermilion, one positive COVID-19 case was noted within the Vermilion & District Housing Foundation staff, so they are taking the appropriate measures to have staff and residents tested.

The lodge assures that the safety of their residents is their top priority and any concerns can be directed to 780-853-5706.

The largest difference for these areas will be seen in the inactivity of area sports as most will shut down when their corresponding community centres are closed. For example, due to the zone change, Badd Cycle in Vermilion is entering a temporary closure of their studio.

Vermilion Minor Hockey, which was allowed,

Some fitness, dance, and martial arts will be able to continue through online videos. Changes will be in effect until December 15, provided case counts go down.

Community Halls and nightclubs will be under mandatory restriction so children’s play centres, banquets, and festivals will be closed. Pop-up markets will need to be previously approved by AHS and the same goes for farmers markets by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

Restaurants and bars will remain open with restrictions. You may see other businesses putting in restrictions as well, but most retail will remain open at 25 per cent capacity. Libraries are one example of a service that will remain open with reduced occupancy.

Another change is that places of worship will have mandatory masking and be down to one-third attendance.