Council continues strong advocacy for additional support to address COVID-19

Province announces increase to vaccine dosages and lowered age eligibility for the region

No further restrictions or closures enacted at this time.

(Fort McMurray, AB – April 28, 2021) – On Tuesday, Council met to discuss the worsening COVID-19 situation in the region and the steps the Municipality can take to help stop the spread of the virus, protect the local health care system and keep community members safe.

At this meeting, Administration recommended increased education to residents and key community partners, along with continued advocacy to the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS) to provide more support and resources to the region.  The recommendations did not include enhanced restrictions for the region or any further closures, outside of measures already in put in place by the Government of Alberta. 

The recommendations were part of a Council Report for the Declaration of a State of Local Emergency. The Council Report is included in the April 27 Agenda Package and can be viewed at rmwb.ca/council

Province announces increase to vaccine dosages and eligibility for Wood Buffalo

At a Wednesday press conference, Premier Kenney announced additional vaccine dosages are being allocated to the RMWB and new eligibility guidelines for the region to make vaccines more accessible.

“I’d like to thank Premier Kenney, Minister Shandro and the Government of Alberta for listening to our concerns, allocating additional vaccines and making adjustments to eligibility guidelines for our region. I’d also like to thank Indigenous leadership for championing this issue and pushing our situation to the forefront for the betterment of all our people,” said Mayor Don Scott. “This is a step in the right direction, but there is still much progress to be made. Our region continues to see rapid growth of cases and the vaccine is just one part of the solution. Everyone has a role to play and must continue to follow all public health guidelines to help keep our communities safe.”

Get vaccinated when you are eligible

Alberta’s Vaccine Program is well underway and anyone who is eligible is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Additional details regarding the Province’s announcement to the reduction of age eligibility for vaccines in the RMWB are expected to be released shortly.

A Rapid Flow Through Clinic is located at MacDonald Island and walk-in appointments are available on a first come, first served basis. Certain eligible residents may also book an appointment ahead of time.

To learn more about the vaccine program, or to book your appointment, visit alberta.ca/vaccine. 

Do your part – continue to follow all public health measures

Don’t pick and choose when it comes to public health guidelines. Continue to follow all measures, including washing and sanitizing hands often, practicing physical distancing, avoiding all indoor social gatherings, wearing a face covering and staying home when sick. 

The COVID-19 outbreak remains a fluid situation and information can change quickly and often. AHS remains the trusted authority and primary information source for updates on COVID-19. Factual, up-to date information will continue to be available at rmwb.ca/covid19 and alberta.ca/covid19.

For further information or questions, contact PULSE at 780-743-7000, toll-free 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.