Some local municipalities have adjusted their operations and facility hours in light of the new enhanced public health restrictions announced this week.
The Town of Whitecourt is currently at 114 active cases of COVID-19, the highest it’s been during the pandemic. Whitecourt is listed as an enhanced zone under the new restrictions.
The town says the Allan & Jean Millar Centre will close to the public on Sunday, May 9. All memberships will remain on hold. Scheduled outdoor fitness classes will also be cancelled and registered participants will be notified directly.
The Forest Interpretive Centre, RCMP Detachment, Whitecourt Fire Hall, and Whitecourt Public Works Shop remain closed to the public.
The Town Office continues to be open regular office hours, however, occupancy in the building is limited.
The Whitecourt River Slides and Splash Park at Rotary Park usually open over the May long weekend, weather permitting. The town says the slides will remain closed under the current health restrictions but the Splash Park will open as scheduled, weather permitting, on May 22.
Facility users must follow current public health guidelines and ensure physical distancing is maintained between households.
The Town of Edson has also announced changes to some of its operations.
The town says its emergency coordination centre (ECC) is operating under high-risk profile due to the continuous spread of COVID-19 in Edson and neighbouring communities.
Edson has 23 active cases but falls under Yellowhead County so the new enhanced health measures do apply to the community.
Repsol Place in Edson will be closed after May 9 to adhere to the new restrictions on indoor recreation spaces. This includes the pool. Edson’s Civic Centre and Public Works Building will be closed to the public after tomorrow, May 7.
The Town of Edson says there will be increased monitoring of public outdoor spaces to ensure Public Health Guidelines are being met regarding gathering limits and distancing, including at locations such as the skate park and playgrounds so they can remain open.
The Town of Fox Creek does not currently fall under the enhanced public health measures since they only have four active cases, and therefore they follow the previous health restrictions that were in place.
Fox Creek did announce, however, that the town will once again be closing the Fox Creek Greenview Multiplex and Community Hall to the public after Sunday, May 9. Both the Community Resource Centre and the town’s Administration Office will continue to remain open by appointment only.
Additionally, Fox Creek says that as of Sunday night, all in-person programming that was previously scheduled will be cancelled or made available virtually.
