On Wednesday, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency, and Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced new measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19.
The measures range from private to social settings, and include retail, entertainment, and recreation facilities. With fall auctions, expos, and conferences on the horizon, we thought it would be valuable to update what those measures mean for beef producers.
Hosts and attendees of indoor retail, entertainment and recreation facilities have two options:
The Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) allows businesses to operate as usual, if all participants aged 12 and older show:
From Sept 20 to Oct 25, a single dose is considered acceptable under the REP, if received two or more weeks before the time of service. Tests must be done within 72 hours of accessing the service. Additionally, they must be either PCR or Rapid Test, and not from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.
Albertans can access vaccination records through MyHealth Records, and printable cards will be available on September 19.
While indoor “sport, fitness, recreation, and performance” group classes and activities for those over 18 years old are not currently permitted indoors, facilities and programs are eligible to implement the REP. Specific exemptions may also be granted to certain cases.
The full public health measures can be found online, along with the dates they become effective.
Public health measures vary across the country, and in some cases between regions. Please check your local health authority, and specific event or facility sites for more details.
Updated September 27, 2021.
“In light of the announcement from the Government of Alberta last night, the Oldstoberfest Committee has made the very difficult decision to CANCEL their rodeo event for this weekend.”
“The decision to cancel the event is based on several reasons including Medicine Hat and surrounding area currently having the highest number of COVID-19 cases that we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic, and the current strain on our local health care system.”
“After much thought and consideration, we have decided to postpone Cowboy Kicks until we can deliver the fundraising experience we had envisioned for our guests, We look forward to delivering a memorable fundraising experience once it is safe to do so.
“For those who have purchased tickets, we will honour tickets that have been purchased for the rescheduled event. A new date will be announced in the near future.”
Lakeland Agricultural Research Association will be implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program, and masks will be mandatory when entering or moving around in the hall.
“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution as we seek clarity on how the new public health restrictions impact performance and spectator sports in our province. Although the decision was not made lightly, the health and safety of our guests, staff and community will always be our number one priority.”
FFGa and Vulcan County are hosting the first workshop, in downtown Vulcan. COVID-19 public health restrictions will be in place, with masks required, and registration limited.
Olds Regional Exhibition will continue with its upcoming Events, “by operating at 1/3 fire code occupancy paired with masks and physical distancing.”
In accordance with the Province of Manitoba’s current health orders, Manitoba Ag Ex will require all guests 12 and over to be fully immunized against COVID-19. Guests must present proof of vaccination along with photo ID. There will be no refunds for exhibitors who cannot show proof of full immunization from before October 8, 2021. While masks are not currently mandated, they are strongly encouraged.
Westerner Park is implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program, and will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination completed at least 14 days prior to the event, a negative COVID-19 test from a privately-paid testing service within 72 hours of an event’s start time, or formal documentation of a medical exemption. Masks will also be required (anyone unable to wear one will be asked to provide their medical exception letter). The program applies to all entrants of Westerner Park.
“By adopting the Restrictions Exemption Program, we can do our part to help ensure the safety of our staff and all Central Albertans who enjoy the many events that take place at Westerner Park, while still operating at our capacity potential” said Mike Olesen, Chief Executive Officer, Westerner Park “While we do not know how long these restrictions will be in place, we are planning as though they apply to all events at Westerner Park, including Canadian Finals Rodeo, Agri-Trade, and the gatherings, functions, and shows hosted by business and community groups.”
Farmfair International will move forward with the Restrictions Exemption Program, and will thus need proof of two vaccines 14 days or more prior to the start, or a negative COVID-19 test (privately paid) within 72 hours of entrance. Masks will be mandatory within all publicly accessible locations of Edmonton EXPO Centre and Farmfair International.
Canadian Western Agribition will operate under all current and applicable Public Health Orders in Saskatchewan. Attendees must have proof of full vaccination status or proof of an approved negative COVID-19 test. Masks will be required in all indoor public spaces, with some exceptions.
See their FAQs for more information.
As above: Westerner Park is implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program, and will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination completed at least 14 days prior to the event, a negative COVID-19 test from a privately-paid testing service within 72 hours of an event’s start time, or formal documentation of a medical exemption. Masks will also be required (anyone unable to wear one will be asked to provide their medical exception letter). The program applies to all entrants of Westerner Park.
As of September 20, 2021, Camrose Regional Exhibition is implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program. People 12 years of age and older must provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test within 72 hours, or formal documentation of a medical exemption. Masks will also be required.
We will continue to update this page and our Events page as we hear more. Please comment below if you would like to provide an update on your event.
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