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COVID-19

The Town of Didsbury is monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and taking extra precautions within our organization and facilities. We strongly encourage residents to listen to the updates and information provided by Alberta Health Services. Please check back here regularly for information and updates in regards to the Town of Didsbury's response to the current COVID-19 situation.




UPDATE FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Alberta will enter Step 1 on February 9. The following changes will come into effect at that time, unless otherwise stated.

  • Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
  • Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
  • Capacity limits for locations not covered under the REP program are removed.
  • Mandatory masking requirements removed for:
    • children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
    • children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14

For more information on Alberta's current restrictions, please visit Alberta.ca


Effective February 9, 2022 the following is in effect at the DIDSBURY MEMORIAL COMPLEX:

  • Reintroduction of Public Skates, Sticks and Pucks and Shinny to our schedule. There are no restrictions on youth versus adult programming ... these programs are open to all ages! Click HERE to view our updated recreation schedules. 
  • Removal of the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) during any ice use. Proof of vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID test are no longer required for any of our user groups.
  • Food and beverages can once again be enjoyed during all programs in our facility.
  • Masking remains in effect for the time being. Please be aware that this remains a provincial requirement at this time.
  • The concession is no longer operating under an REP. Masking remains required and no outside food or beverage is allowed within their operating space. They are currently expanding their hours to accommodate more of our users. Please watch for posted hours.
  • Capacity of the arena remains at 500 people currently.



COVID-19 Info for Businesses

Click HERE to access business specific COVID-19 information brought to you by the Town of Didsbury Economic Development department.


Do you require assistance from the Town Office? We are open to the public, however, we are strongly encouraging residents to do what they can online, and over the phone in order to reduce the amount of traffic in our offices. Have you signed up for eGov yet? Click here to access our eGov portal. Need some help signing up? Contact us at 403-335-2030!


Things you can do to help prevent the spread: 

We all have a responsibility to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta. Take steps to protect yourself and others.

PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE

  • Stay home if you are feeling sick
  • Wash or sanitize your hands often
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Avoid touching your face

KEEP PHYSICAL DISTANCING

  • Stay at least 2 metres away from others when in public or social settings
  • Wear a mask in public and when gathering with family and friends outside of your cohort
  • Avoid overcrowded public spaces
  • Limit the number of people you come into close contact with
  • Have your groceries or other items delivered, if possible, if you are at high risk of severe disease

MONITOR YOUR SYMPTOMS

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses and can range from mild to severe. Even people with mild symptoms can spread COVID-19 to others.

If you have any symptoms, stay home, and take the online assessment to arrange testing.


ADDITIONAL FACTS ABOUT COVID-19

  • Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should contact their primary care provider or call 8-1-1. DO NOT GO TO A HOSPITAL OR A CLINIC.
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada has set up a COVID-19 telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397
  • The Town is following all guidelines provided by the Alberta Ministry of Health to help mitigate the spread of the virus.


PROVINCIAL & FEDERAL SUPPORT

Click the links below to be redirected to the Government of Alberta/Canada websites where you will find more information on financial supports being offered through our governments.

SUPPORT FOR ALBERTANS

SUPPORT FOR ALL CANADIANS


LINKS AND RESOURCES

Alberta Health Services FAQ for COVID-19

www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

myhealth.alberta.ca/   



ALBERTA'S PATH FORWARD - COVID-19 Update on APRIL 7, 2021.

A road map was developed to help Albertans understand how restrictions will be eased in steps over the coming months. A Path Forward outlines the sectors that will see gradual restriction changes at each step based on hospitalization benchmarks. 

Alberta has moved back into STEP 1 due to the rising hospitalizations and cases in the province. Visit Alberta.ca for more information and details on the restrictions re-introduced as per STEP 1, and what it means for you and your family.  

DIDSBURY'S RETURN TO INDOOR RECREATION

On Friday, January 29, 2021, the Government of Alberta announced its plans for the gradual easement of restrictions within the province in regards to COVID-19. Step 1, which goes into effect on February 8, 2021, sees restriction changes that allow for indoor fitness facility use by both the schools and for 1-on-1 training sessions. 

As a result of these changes, we are excited to announce that the Didsbury Arena will reopen for 1-on-1 training opportunities, restricted team usage (for minor groups only), and school use on February 8, 2021! Please visit www.didsbury.ca/p/didsbury-arena for more information on use, rates, and booking contacts.

Due to the limitations of what is currently allowed in terms of indoor recreation, we will be postponing reopening the Didsbury Aquatic Centre until we are able to offer programs and activities beyond 1-on-1 training. We will continually review guidance from the Province to determine when the pool can open again to our users.

UPDATE: The Alberta government announced Saturday that it had added “limited school and minor sports training” as well as dance and gymnastic classes to Monday’s Step 1 of the province’s staggered COVID-19 relaunch plan. Previously, only school-related sports were set to be included in Step 1. Now, effective Feb. 8, children and youth will be permitted to participate in lessons, practices, and conditioning activities for indoor and outdoor team-based minor sports and athletics. Games remain prohibited.

On Thursday, January 7, 2021, the Province of Alberta along with Alberta Health Services announced the extension of the current public health orders in place until JANUARY 21, 2021. 

Read a summary of the new restrictions below. For more details and information about these restrictions, please visit www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

GATHERING RESTRICTIONS

Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency to protect the health care system from COVID-19. Social gatherings are the top source of transmission.

Effective Dec. 8, all indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited. This will be enforced with $1,000 fines.


WORKPLACES, SCHOOLS & CHILDCARE

  • Effective Dec. 8, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces.
  • Effective Dec. 13, working from home is mandatory when physical presence is not required.
  • Current child care and K-12 learning measures remain in effect.


BUSINESS AND SERVICE RESTRICTIONS

Effective Dec. 13, some businesses will be required to close, reduce capacity, or limit their in-person access.

All previous restrictions from Nov. 27 remain in place until the new restrictions come into effect.


FOR OUR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS:

Most retail businesses may remain open with capacity limited to 15% of the occupancy set under the Fire Code. Some entertainment and event services may remain open with capacity limited to 25% of the occupancy set under the Fire Code. The occupant load is the maximum number of persons allowed within a building or a suite within a building. 

CLICK HERE to view more information on how to determine your reduced capacity occupancy loads.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Alberta and the situation is critical. Stronger public health measures are now required to address the growing number of cases. Together, these measures will help protect our health care system, keep schools and businesses open as much as possible, and protect vulnerable Albertans. 





See the list of communities under enhanced status (purple areas) here.

For a more detailed description of the measures in place, go online to www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

Communities Under Enhanced Public Health Measures - Didsbury.

Mountain View County has entered Alberta Health Services "Enhanced" measures zone due to the concerning increase of COVID-19 cases within our rural communities, Didsbury included. Click HERE to view more information about communities under enhanced public health measures and what that means for you and your family.

A statement from Didsbury's Mayor and Council from the November 10, 2020, Regular Council Meeting;

"In the best interest and wellbeing of our community, Council supports the Chief Medical Officer and strongly encourages our residents and businesses to follow the recommendations of the Public Health Orders as set out by the Province of Alberta for all measures and recommended practices."



Mandatory Measures:

As of November 6, all residents and visitors of communities on the watch/enhanced measures list must follow the mandatory:

Applies to all social gatherings, including but not limited to:

  • banquets and award ceremonies
  • wedding or funeral receptions
  • luncheons or potlucks
  • parties: birthday, baby showers, retirement, dinners, backyard BBQs
  • other private social gatherings and functions

Read CMOH Order 36-2020

Does not apply to structured events, including but not limited to:

  • seated-audience conferences, sports, and shows
  • dining in restaurants
  • fitness centers
  • funeral services
  • wedding ceremonies
  • worship services

Current gathering limits and prevention measures remain in place.


Voluntary Measures:

As of November 6, all residents and visitors of communities on the watch/enhanced measures list are recommended to:

  • Limit your cohorts to no more than 3: your core household, your school, and one other sport or social cohort. Young children who attend child care could be part of 4 cohorts, given that child care settings have not been a high risk for spread.
  • Wear a mask in all indoor work settings, except when alone in a workspace like an office or cubicle where you are safely distanced from others, or an appropriate barrier is in place.


As businesses prepare to reopen as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, resources are available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe. 

Click here to access the Biz Connect Website

Call 403-335-8719 to sign up for the Caring Calls program, or complete the form below. Email your completed form to dnp@didsbury.ca or drop it off OUTSIDE of Didsbury Neighborhood Place in the dropbox. 


Caring Calls Intake Form






Call 403-335-8719 to sign up for the Doorstep Companion program, or complete the form below. Email your completed form to dnp@didsbury.ca or drop it off OUTSIDE of Didsbury Neighborhood Place in the dropbox.


Doorstep Companion Intake Form

Click the links below to find funding criteria and an application form for this newly announced program! For more information, contact Didsbury FCSS at 403-335-8719 or email community@didsbury.ca

Effective April 21, 2020, the Government of Alberta will be temporarily suspending applications for the $30 million in emergency social services funding to charities, not-for-profits and civil society organizations to support their COVID-19 response. Government has received over 600 applications. Current applications are being reviewed, and approvals for urgent requests will occur before reopening intake of applications.  


COVID-19 Funding Guidelines

COVID-19 Funding Application



Click the link below to meet Dee Bremner and Dulcie Ingram!

Phone Call Counselling with Dee and Dulcie

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RETURNING SNOWBIRDS

Alberta Health Services has provided some valuable information for "snow birds" returning back into Canada from their winter vacations, via land. Click the links below to read more! 

Land Border Return FAQ - Alberta Health Services

COVID-19 Isolation & Symptom Information - Public Health Agency of Canada


UPDATE - March 24, 2020 at 7:11 pm

TOWN OF DIDSBURY PLAYGROUNDS, PLAYSTRUCTURES, CAMPGROUND & SKATEPARK CLOSED.  

Please be advised that effective immediately, all playground equipment, play structures, skatepark facilities, and Rosebud Valley Campground are CLOSED to the public.

Sport fields, green spaces and dog parks remain open. However, large groups congregating in these spaces is prohibited. Please ensure no more than 2 residents are using the designated dog parks at a given time, and remember to stay 2 meters apart from those around you to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

UPDATE - March 17, 2020 at 8:30 am

TOWN OF DIDSBURY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE CLOSURE: 

Effective immediately: The Town of Didsbury Administration Office is now CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC until further notice. We encourage our residents to use our online services, and contact us on our Information Line at 403-335-2030 for assistance. Our staff will remain in the building, working to ensure essential services for our residents are not affected.

COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLATION: 

Please be advised that Didsbury Town Council has decided to CANCEL all scheduled Regular Council Meetings until April 6, 2020.

UPDATE - March 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm

DIDSBURY OUT OF SCHOOL CARE ASSOCIATION (DOSCA) CLOSURE: 

Please be advised that our before and after school program, DOSCA is now CLOSED effective immediately as per the recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer for Alberta. For any questions or concerns regarding the DOSCA closure, please contact our DOSCA Facilitator at 403-335-8719 or email dosca@didsbury.ca

The Didsbury Municipal Library is also closed indefinitely, effective immediately.

UPDATE - March 14, 2020 at 8:00 pm

DIDSBURY MEMORIAL COMPLEX CLOSURE:

The health and safety of our residents, visitors and staff is of the utmost importance to the Town of Didsbury. As such, in response to the COVID-19 situation, we have made the decision to close the Didsbury Memorial Complex to the public until further notice. This includes all use of the Didsbury Aquatic Centre, Arena and Multi-Purpose Room. The Didsbury Curling Rink will remain open for the duration of their current bonspiel, which ends tomorrow evening. We thank all residents and users for their understanding of this decision.

UPDATE - March 13, 2020 at 10:45 am

Town of Didsbury Service Closures: Effective immediately, the following closures/ cancellations have been implemented:

  • The Public Works building is closed to any walk-in traffic to protect essential service operational staff.
  • The Didsbury Seniors Support Services weekly program has been cancelled until the fall.
  • The Didsbury Aquatic Centre is closing the hot tub and steam room to the public, as recommended by the Lifesaving Society of Alberta.
  • Public Skating times will be cancelled at the Didsbury Memorial Complex until further notice.
  • Events over 250 people at the Didsbury Memorial Complex have been cancelled by their organizers, including tonight’s Mountain View Colts game and this weekend’s Fun Team Hockey Tournament. The Didsbury Curling Club has chosen to proceed with their bonspiel, as the expected attendance is well-under the 250 attendance threshold.
  • Residents are encouraged to access our online payment and/or telephone services wherever possible. Visit www.didsbury.ca or call 403-335-2030 for more information or assistance.


The Town of Didsbury is being proactive to protect our staff and our community from the risks associated with COVID-19. In order to keep our facilities as safe as possible, the Town of Didsbury is undertaking the following internal measures:

  • We have implemented internal working structures to promote social distancing including allowing staff to work from home, wherever possible, and cancelling all non-urgent meetings.
  • Mandatory self-isolation of staff members returning from out of the country for 14 days as recommended by the Province.
  • Promoting a healthy work environment, encouraging those who are sick to stay home, and discontinuing the need for a sick note to keep our doctor's offices and emergency room clear.
  • Increasing already rigorous cleaning procedures at all our facilities.


The Town of Didsbury continues to monitor this developing situation and will continue to post updates as changes occur. As always, residents are encouraged to continue accessing information and following guidelines from the Province of Alberta regarding COVID-19 at www.alberta.ca.

Click the link below to view a great list of resources provided by Mountain View County! 

Mountain View County Resource List

ONLINE SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL

Health Link continues to experience high call volumes, regularly receiving more than 6,300 calls daily. To help manage wait times, AHS has doubled Health Link staff and tripled call line capacity. AHS has now implemented a new online assessment tool. This tool will guide Albertans to answer questions about symptoms and take them through steps to help determine whether they need testing.

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/Pages/COVID-Self-Assessment.aspx

POSTERS & AWARENESS

The Alberta Government has created a set of three posters to support awareness and actions that can be taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta. Click HERE to download the posters for your to help spread awareness.