Alberta Health Services reports less than 50 active cases of COVID-19 in the RMWB

On Monday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) reported less than 50 active cases of COVID-19 in the region. While the total number of cases has dropped below 50, the Municipal Face Covering Bylaw remains in effect at this time.

The Bylaw was renewed for the current 30-day period on Jan. 27, 2021 and will remain in effect until Feb. 25, 2021. On the final day of the current activation period, the Bylaw will be re-assessed. If the total number of active cases is below 50 on that date, the provisions of the Bylaw will be relaxed. If cases are 50 or more, the provisions of the Bylaw will be extended for an additional 30-day period.

Provisions of the Bylaw

 The Bylaw requires individuals to wear a face covering in all indoor public places and public vehicles when active cases of COVID-19 in the region are 50 or higher. When in effect, businesses are required to display a mandated sign at the entrance of their establishment or public vehicle. Signs are now available on eight different languages including Dene and Cree. Signs can be downloaded at rmwb.ca/facecovering.

Under the Bylaw, face coverings are also mandatory on public transit, regardless of the number of active cases in the region.

Province-wide Face Covering Requirement

On Dec. 8, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced a mandatory province-wide face covering requirement which continues to remain in effect. Under the provincial requirement, face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places, places of worship and indoor workplaces unless an exception applies.

The Municipal Bylaw and the provincial requirement work together but do have some overlap and distinctions. In some cases, the provincial mandate will supersede the Municipal Bylaw. For example, if active cases of COVID-19 in the region fall below 50 after the set 30-day period, but the provincial requirement remains in effect, individuals will still be required to wear a face covering under the provincial requirement.

For more information on the Face Covering Bylaw, visit rmwb.ca/facecovering or contact Pulse.

For detailed information on all provincial requirements and public health orders, visit alberta.ca/covid19.