State of Local Emergency (SOLE) declared

Today, The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has declared a State of Local Emergency in response to the Region’s worsening COVID-19 situation.

On Sunday, Council voted to pursue the declaration of the SOLE to help stop the continued spread of COVID-19 in the region, protect the local health care system and take action to address other local challenges and risks related to the on-going pandemic.

The worsening situation

Over the last 30 days, the region has experienced a rapid and significant increase in the number of COVID-19 and variant cases reported by Alberta Health Services (AHS). On Sunday, AHS reported 1,102 active cases in the region.

The worsening COVID-19 situation has put a clear and critical strain on the local health care system, and further action is required to protect local resources.

How the SOLE will support

Under the Emergency Management Act, municipalities can declare a SOLE during events that require a prompt coordination of action to protect the safety, health and welfare of people, or to limit the damage to property or the environment.

The SOLE provides the municipality with access to a wide range of powers to use within municipal boundaries, to take immediate action to address the worsening COVID-19 situation.  

Measures under the SOLE

At this time, no further public health measures have been made. On Tuesday, the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Emergency Management will present a series of recommendations to Council at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting.

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.