COVID-19 Response
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo continues to monitor the on-going COVID-19 pandemic in the region and the province. We continue to follow the direction of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health as the leading authority and trusted information source on the COVID-19 response. Factual, up-to-date information continues to be available on the Government of Alberta website, alberta.ca/covid19. For information on the COVID-19 response in the region, review the sections below.
State of Public Health Emergency
On September 15, 2021 the Government of Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency and introduced a number of new restrictions to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health care system. Learn more about these province-wide restrictions here.
Face Coverings Mandatory
A province-wide face covering requirement is now effect. Albertans are required to wear a face covering in all indoor public places, on public transit and in workplaces. Other new province-wide public health measures are also now in effect. Learn more at alberta.ca/covid19.
Alberta's Vaccine Program
All COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. The vaccines help prevent you from getting infected and protect you from getting severely sick if you do get the virus. All eligible Albertans are encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine Information
The Government of Alberta's COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway. COVID-19 vaccines help prevent you from getting infected and protect you from getting severely sick if you do get it. All vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.
Everyone born in 2009 or before (turning 12+) can get their first and second doses now.
Fort McMurray Clinic: An AHS COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is located in Fort McMurray at 105-108 Wolverine Drive (Thickwood Medical Plaza). The hours of operation are:
- Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
AHS also continues to offer immunization clinics every second week in Conklin and Anzac.
To learn more about the vaccine program or to book your appointment, visit alberta.ca/vaccine or call 811.
To view vaccine rates and statistics for the region and the province, visit Alberta Statistics.
Third doses
Third doses are now available for eligible groups at highest risk of severe outcomes as well as some travellers. Those who are eligible include:
- Immunocompromised Albertans ages 12 and older
- Residents of seniors’ supportive living facilities
- Travellers to jurisdictions that don't recognize Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed series doses can get additional dose(s) of vaccine.
Learn more about third doses at alberta.ca/vaccine.
Vaccine records
The Government of Alberta provides your official vaccine records at MyHealth Records. Alberta does not have a vaccine passport. To learn more, visit alberta.ca/vaccine or read the Government of Alberta's proof of vaccination FAQ.
Face Covering Information
As of September 4, 2021, the Government of Alberta requires face coverings to be worn in all indoor public places, on public transit and in workplaces until further notice. Learn more at alberta.ca/masks.
Municipal Face Covering Bylaw
On June 22, 2021 Council voted to repeal the Face Covering Bylaw (No. 20/024), meaning this municipal bylaw is no longer in effect, even if there are 50 or more COVID-19 cases in the region.
However, face coverings continue to be mandatory under the province-wide requirement. Face coverings are mandatory in:
- All indoor public places
- Public transit, including ride shares, taxis, motor coaches and shuttles
- Workplaces
Learn more about province-wide requirements.
How to properly discard your mask
Help keep our community clean by properly discarding your disposable mask in a lined garbage bin at home or in one of the many garbage receptacles in the region.
- Discard your disposable masks in a garbage bin after use.
- Please do not place them in the recycling bin.
- Remember to wash your hands after before and after you remove your mask.
For more information on sorting your waste, visit rmwb.ca/sorting.
Enforcement
To report an infraction to the province-wide mask mandate, or any other Public Health Order, click here.
Provincial Restrictions
The Government of Alberta continues to provide direction on the response to COVID-19 in the province. On September 15, 2021, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency and announced new measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health care system.
These measures include mandatory work from home requirements, limits to indoor social gatherings and capacity limits and restrictions for some sectors.
Find full details on all province-wide restrictions at alberta.ca/covid19.
Community Updates
Based on information provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health during live briefings, the RMWB prepares regular Community Updates that include information on local case numbers, outbreaks and measures. Updates are posted here after most briefings.
Municipal Closures and Service Interruptions
Some municipal spaces and services have been impacted by COVID-19.
| Parks, trails and green spaces |
| At this time, parks and trails remain open. Please follow all public health guidelines including physical distancing and proper hand hygiene. Do not use parks and recreation spaces if you are sick.
Benches, tables, playgrounds and park amenities are not sanitized. Use at your own risk. |
| Municipal facilities |
| At this time, Municipal facilities and buildings are closed to the public. Services can be accessed online on our website.
Bill and/or fine payments can be paid at pay.rmwb.ca or contact Pulse. You can apply for permits at rmwb.ca/epermitting. |
You can find updates and information about changes to spaces and services in the following places.
- News section on RMWB website
- Facebook page
- Twitter page
- Signs at municipal spaces
You may also contact PULSE.
Information for Business
| Government of Alberta restrictions |
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COVID-19 restrictions, put in place by the Government of Alberta, may impact the operation of your business. Find full details on all current restrictions at alberta.ca/covid19. |
| Financial support |
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Funding was made available by the Government of Alberta for small and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. Check the status of your application. |
Resources and Support
Resources and support are available to you.
| Federal and provincial support programs |
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Federal and Provincial support and resources are available for residents, First Nations, local businesses and community organizations affected by COVID-19. |
| Language resources |
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Alberta Health Services has compiled multilingual resources for COVID-19. Here are some key resources available in multiple languages: |
| Other resources |