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COVID-19 Information for Residents
If you think you may have COVID-19, please immediately complete this resource and then call 811.
Case numbers are reported by the Province.
For information on current case load in Hinton, please click here for the regional status map and here for Alberta Statistics tool.
Last Update: February 23, 2021 10:00 AM
The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide pandemic involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
Premier Jason Kenney announced that all seniors aged 75 and older will be able to book appointments for COVID-19 vaccines beginning February 24, 2021. Please consult the AHS webpage for booking information.
Due to Alberta’s high case numbers, aggressive action is still required to protect our health system from being overwhelmed.
The current situation is still critical.
Health officials actively continue to evaluate the situation and will adjust measures if required.
Town Facilities Opening Status
All Town of Hinton facilities remain closed to the public, adhering to the Provincial recommendations. These closures will make all buildings only accessible by the public on an appointment basis. In the interest of continuity of service to our community, we are including key information for important facilities in Hinton, in our weekly newsletters (subscribe via the link below)
For the most up to date information, subscribe to weekly COVID-19 Update newsletter from the Town of Hinton via "News & Announcements" Newsflash in NotifyMe.
Hinton Emergency Operations Centre
The Hinton Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active, receiving guidance from both the Province and Local Agencies on statuses and needs.
The Hinton EOC strongly encourages Hinton residents to comply with the contact tracing, should an individual receive a positive test. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hinshaw said that there has been an increase in Albertans who aren't participating in the contact tracing process. This poses significant risks for other people in the community and increases chances for community spread of the virus.
For other online resources, see below:
Province of Alberta COVID Webpage
Province of Alberta - Emergency Management Act
Government of Canada COVID Webpage
World Health Organization COVID Website
Current Restrictions
Indoor Social Gatherings
All indoor social gatherings are prohibited – public and private.
Close contacts are limited to household members only
People who live alone can have up to 2 close contacts:
- these must be the same two contacts throughout the duration of the restriction
- if the close contacts do not live alone, visits cannot be held at their home
- single parents who only live with their children under 18 are permitted to have up to 2 close contacts
This restriction does not apply to:
- co-parenting arrangements
- service visits from caregivers, health or childcare providers
- home maintenance and repairs
- mutual support group meetings
Outdoor Social Gatherings
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Effective Jan. 18
Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people maximum and must not have an indoor component.
Backyard gatherings that require movement in/out of homes are not permitted.
Attendees should remain distanced at all times and follow all public health measures.
See sport and physical activities for information on outdoor recreation.
Out of Town Visitors and Travel
Starting Monday, February 22, 2021, Air travellers landing in Canada will have to quarantine in a hotel, at their own expense, starting today. All travellers flying into Canada from abroad land in one of four cities — Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Montreal — and are responsible for booking their own rooms there even if they plan on travelling on to other destinations.
All travellers arriving at land border crossings are required to show proof of a negative PCR test completed in the United States within the previous 72 hours — in line with new federal rules.
Returning to Alberta
If you do not have a household in Alberta, you must not stay in other people’s homes while these restrictions are in place.
If you belong to the household, you are permitted to return to the home (e.g., child returning home from post-secondary).
If participating in the Border Testing Pilot Program, all program directives must be followed before rejoining the household.
Visitors to Alberta
Out-of-town visitors cannot stay in other people's homes while these restrictions are in place, regardless of where they are coming from.
While we appreciate this may affect travel plans to visit family, the increase in cases is very serious. These measures are required to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Weddings and Funerals
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Revised Jan. 18
Wedding and funeral receptions are not permitted.
Wedding ceremony and funeral service attendance is limited to:
- 10 people maximum for wedding ceremonies
- 20 people maximum for funeral services, with mandatory masking and 2 metre physical distancing between households
The maximum limit:
- includes the officiant, bride/groom and witnesses
- does not include funeral service or facility staff, funeral clergy or event organizers who are not considered an invited guest
- applies to any facility, including places of worship and funeral homes
- applies to services held indoors or outdoors, seated or non-seated
This measure will help limit exposure, reduce outbreaks and protect vulnerable attendees.
Places of Worship
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Effective Dec. 13
Faith services are limited to 15% of fire code occupancy for in-person attendance:
- Physical distancing between households must be maintained
- Mask use is mandatory
Alternatively:
- Virtual or online services are recommended
- Drive-in services where people do not leave their vehicles and adhere to guidance are allowed
Additional safety measures:
In-person faith group meetings and other religious gatherings are:
- not permitted in private homes while these measures are in effect
- permitted when conducted at a place of worship as long as physical distancing and public health measures are followed
Faith leaders and other speakers can remove their masks while speaking if there is a distance of 2 metres. The mask must be put on again once finished speaking.
Group performance activities, such as choir singing and playing music, are permitted if they are normal worship practices and not for the purpose of entertainment. Performers must wear masks at all times.
Business and service restrictions
Some businesses are required to temporarily close, reduce capacity or limit in-person access. Masks are mandatory in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and places of worship.
Step 1 restriction changes, effective Feb. 8:
- Restaurants can open for in-person dining
- Children and youth can participate in limited school and team sport activities
- One-on-one indoor fitness training is permitted, by appointment only
- Retail
- Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges and cafes
- Entertainment and recreation facilities
- Personal and wellness services
- Health, social and professional services
- Hotels, motels, hunting and fishing lodges
- Children's sport and performance activities
- Performance activities
- Indoor fitness
- Outdoor sport and recreation activities
- Working from home
- Public health orders and exemptions
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Effective Dec. 13
Retail services and shopping malls must limit customer capacity to 15% of fire code occupancy (not including staff) or a minimum of 5 customers. This includes individual stores and common areas (see calculating occupancy limits).
Curbside pick up, delivery and online services are encouraged
Shopping mall food courts open for grab and go only
Shop alone or only with the people you live with (see tips for shoppers)
Retail services include but are not limited to:
- Retail businesses
- Shopping centres and malls
- Grocery stores, markets and pharmacies
- Clothing and sporting goods stores
- Computer and technology stores
- Hardware and automotive
- Liquor and cannabis
- Pet supply stores
- Gift shops
Mandatory restrictions - Provincewide - Effective Feb. 8
Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes can open for in-person service, with restrictions.
6 people per table maximum – individuals must be from the same household or the 2 close contacts for a person living alone.
Tables and dining parties must be 2 metres apart.
Contact information must be collected from one person of the dining party.
Liquor service ends at 10 pm.
In-person dining must close by 11 pm.
No entertainment allowed (VLTs, pool tables, live music, etc.).
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Effective Dec. 13
All entertainment businesses and entities must close, including:
- Casinos, bingo halls, gaming centres
- Racing centres, horse tracks, raceways
- Bowling alleys, pool halls
- Legions and private clubs (nightclubs must remain closed)
- Art galleries, libraries and museums
- Science and interpretive centres
- Amusement and water parks
- Children’s play centres and indoor playgrounds
- Movie theatres, auditoria and concert halls
- Banquet halls, conference centres and trade shows
All indoor recreation facilities must close, including:
- Gyms and studios
- Fitness and recreation centres
- Spas, pools, indoor rinks and arenas
- Day and overnight camps
- Community halls and centres
- Outdoor recreation is permitted, but facilities with indoor spaces except for washrooms will be closed.
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Effective Jan. 18
All personal and wellness services can open by appointment only.
Walk-in services are not permitted.
Appointments should be limited to one-on-one services.
Businesses must follow all current public health guidance.
Home-based businesses must follow the restrictions for the type of service they provide.
Personal services include:
- esthetics, manicure, pedicure, body waxing, make-up
- body, nose and ear piercing, and tattoos
- artificial tanning and spray tanning
- facial, eyebrow and eyelash treatments
- cosmetic skin and body treatments
- laser hair and tattoo removal
- hairstyling and barbering
Wellness services include:
- floatation tanks
- reflexology
- colonic irrigation
Mandatory - Provincewide - Revised Jan. 18
The following services can open by appointment only as long as public health orders and sector guidance is followed.
Appointments should be limited to one-on-one services.
Regulated health services can open by appointment only
- physicians, dentists
- physical therapists
- optometrists
- chiropractors
- hearing aid practitioners
- acupuncturists
- naturopaths
Non-regulated health services can open by appointment only (effective Jan. 18, 2021)
- massage therapists (a prescription or referral is no longer required)
- manual osteopaths
- kinesiologists
- athletic therapists
Professional services can remain open by appointment only:
- lawyers
- mediators
- accountants
- photographers
Social services can remain open for in-person services including:
- social, protective or emergency services
- shelters for vulnerable persons
- not-for-profit community kitchens, religious kitchens and soup kitchens
Home-based businesses should follow the restrictions for the type of service they provide.
Mandatory - Provincewide - Effective Dec. 13
Hotels, motels, hunting and fishing lodges may remain open but must follow restrictions:
- No spa, pool or gym access
- No in-person dining (room service only)
Mandatory restrictions - Provincewide - Effective Feb. 8
All participants must be 18 years old or younger, except coaches or trainers.
School and team sport activities
Children and youth will be allowed to participate in limited school and team sport activities.
Lessons, practices and conditioning activities are allowed for indoor and outdoor, team-based, minor sports/activities and school athletics.
Games are not allowed.
Maximum of 10 total individuals, including all coaches, trainers, and participants.
Physical distancing must be maintained between participants at all times:
- 3-metres physical distance for indoor activities
- 2-metres physical distance for outdoor activities
- coaches or trainers may enter physical distancing space for brief interactions with participants (for example, to correct form or technique)
- Participants must be masked at all times, except during the training activity. Coaches and trainers must remain masked at all times.
- Access to change rooms must be limited, including accelerated arrival and departure, emergencies (for example, first aid) and washroom use.
Performance activities
Children’s performance activities are permitted if related to school activities, such as music class.
Off-site facilities
K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions are allowed to use off-site facilities to support curriculum-related educational activities.
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Revised Feb. 8
Performance activities include dancing, singing, theatre and playing wind instruments.
Outdoor settings
Rehearsals and practices are permitted up to a maximum of 10 participants. Physical distancing and other relevant guidelines must be followed.
Performances with audiences are not permitted.
Indoor settings
No group performances in indoor settings are permitted.
Rehearsals, practices and lessons involving 2 or more are not permitted unless it is 1-to-1 with a coach or instructor.
Lessons
1-to-1 in-person lessons are permitted.
Virtual lessons are strongly encouraged where possible.
Lessons can’t occur in facilities that are closed under the current measures
Places of worship
Indoor group performance activities conducted in a place of worship, such as choir singing and playing music, are permitted provided these are normal activities conducted as part of worship practices and not for the purpose of entertainment.
Mandatory restrictions - Provincewide - Effective Feb. 8
Group or team sports not permitted
No sports games, competitions, team practice, league play or group exercise of any kind is allowed.
One-on-one training is permitted
Only one-on-one or one-on-one household training is permitted for indoor fitness activities (for example, in dance studios, swimming pools, training figure skating on ice, one-on-one lessons).
Sessions have to be scheduled or by appointment. No drop-in or groups allowed.
Individual workouts without a trainer are not permitted.
Safety requirements:
- One-on-one sessions cannot interact with others and there must be a minimum of 3 metres distance between pairs of trainers and clients (aka sessions) in the same facility.
- Trainers must be professional, certified and/or paid trainers who are providing active instruction and correction. Passive supervision of a physical activity is not considered training.
- Trainers must remain masked during the session. Clients are not required to wear a mask while doing high intensity exercise.
Wherever possible, maintain:
- 2 metres physical distance between trainers and clients for low intensity training
- 3 metres physical distance between trainers and clients for high intensity training
More than one trainer and client ‘pair’ are allowed into the facility, studio, rink, court, pool, ice surface, etc. with restrictions:
- Each trainer and client pair must stay 3 metres away from all other trainers and clients at all times, including in entryways and exits.
- Each trainer can only interact with their assigned client, and each client can only interact with their assigned trainer.
- No interaction between clients or between trainers is allowed.
- No ‘cycling through’ multiple trainers as in circuit training.
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Revised Feb. 8
Group activities
Adult group physical activities, including team sports, fitness classes and training sessions, are prohibited or restricted across Alberta. See guidance for outdoor winter recreation.
Outdoor team sports and group activities where 2 metre distancing cannot be maintained at all times are prohibited (shinny, tag and pick-up hockey are prohibited).
Outdoor group physical activity must be limited to 10 people or fewer.
Keeping the activity to members of the same household is strongly recommended.
Members of different households must maintain 2 metre distancing at all times.
Outdoor recreation amenities can be open to public access unless specifically closed by public health order.
This includes outdoor skating rinks, sledding hills and Nordic ski areas.
More than 10 people may use an outdoor recreation amenity at the same time (for example, public access to a local rink) as long as physical distancing is maintained between households.
One-on-one training
One-on-one training with a fitness trainer or coach is allowed, with restrictions.
See the Indoor fitness section for more information on one-on-one training.
Mandatory - Provincewide - Effective Dec. 13
Working from home is mandatory unless the employer requires the employee's physical presence to operate effectively.
CHANGES SCHEDULED
Path forward started February 8 with Step 1. View Provincial Website for more information here
STEP 2
Benchmark to ease restrictions:
- 450 hospitalizations and declining
This step is expected to occur at least 3 weeks after Step 1. On February 22, Dr. Hinshaw stated that no decisions on moving to Step 2 will be made prior to March 1st at the earliest.
For further information, access the Provincial Website here.
Facility Closures
For further reference on Community Services’ statuses and updates, please view the most recent edition of ComServ.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the Province of Alberta announced new restrictions in place in Alberta until at least January 12, 2021, in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (please familiarize yourself with all restrictions, as viewable on the Provincial Website, Town of Hinton COVID Website, or CivicSend).
In response to these announced restrictions, Town of Hinton CAO Emily Olsen and Senior Leadership have made decision that all Town Buildings will be closed to the public on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
These closures will make all buildings only accessible by the public on an appointment basis. In the interest of continuity of service to our community, we are including key information for important facilities in Hinton, to the right.
General
Key Phone Number: 211
Corporate Services
Key Phone Number: 780-865-6016
Key Email: bsirois@hinton.ca
Development Services
Key Phone Number: 780-865-6010
Key Email: development@hinton.ca
Family and Community Support Services
Key Phone Number: 780-865-6036
Key Email: ccasemore@hinton.ca
Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre
Key Phone Number Staffed: 780-865-4412
Key Phone Number Automated: 780-865-6066
Key Email: recreation@hinton.ca
Infrastructure Services, Parks
24/7 Service Line: 780-865-2634
Emergency Services/Protective Services Buildings
EMERGENCY: ALWAYS CALL 911
Emergency Services (Fire, PO)
Key Phone Number Info (fire): (780) 865-6089
Key Phone Number Complaint (PO): 780 865-6009
Protective Services (RCMP)
Key Phone Number Info: 780-865-2455
With buildings closed and no social gatherings, some residents normal information networks may be less accessible than usual. It's more important than ever to stay up to date and informed on what's going on in the community. Visit NotifyMe and subscribe to receive updates from the Town, like our scheduled COVID update, automatically, at Hinton.ca/NotifyMe
Prevention
To help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should:
- Wash your hands often and well
- Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
- Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
- When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
Wearing Medical Masks
Masks can be very important in certain situations. When sick, wearing a mask helps prevent us from passing illnesses on to other people. This is why we ask people who have a cough or respiratory symptoms to wear a mask and wash their hands when visiting an emergency department or clinic.
- If you are sick, wearing a mask helps prevent passing the illness on to other people.
- If you are healthy, medical masks are not recommended as they don’t provide full protection and can create a false sense of security.
- See appropriate infection prevention and control precautions for health-care settings
24/7 Mental Health Referrals and Support Available
The Town of Hinton FCSS wishes to remind all residents that they can call 211 at any time to speak with a live person who can assist in finding a wide array of social supports and referrals, or if a person is feeling stressed or anxious. This free resource is available 24/7 by call or text, with web chat also available by clicking here.
Critical and Essential Services Continuing
At this time, the Town of Hinton has no impacts to core services based on COVID-19 response; while our buildings may be closed, many staff members continue to work in alternate capacities. This means garbage, water, roads, emergency and protective services are all continuing. Please continue to place waste containers for pick up in line with your scheduled collection date, and call 780-865-2634 for Infrastructure Services and Parks questions or requests. For a detailed listing of Community Service statuses, please view ComServ
Taxes and Utilities Deferred
During a Special Meeting of Council held this (April 7, 2020) afternoon, Hinton Town Council took actions which are intended to provide relief to COVID-19 impacted residents.
These actions offer residents the ability to defer payment and penalties for Property Taxes until August 31, 2020 as well as defer payment and penalties for Town utilities for a period of 120 days ending in August 2020.
Learn more in the CivicSend, available here: https://www.hinton.ca/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/109199, or visit Hinton.ca/Defer
Further Information
The Town of Hinton Emergency Operations Centre is committed to issuing a communication every operational period. These updates are circulated first via News and Announcements Civicsend (click here to subscribe), shared to our facebook page (like us here), and then updated on our COVID-19 web page (available here).
Find out more on AHS’s COVID-19 website, Government of Alberta, and Town of Hinton Newsflash
Council Meetings
Hinton Town Council meetings will, at this time, continue in the interest of continued operations. However, they are now occurring remotely via zoom meetings and are being livestreamed on Youtube via Hinton.ca/CouncilLive. Check the Town of Hinton Meetings and Events calendar for links and schedule.
Minute with Council Access
Early in the Town Response to COVID-19, Town Council meetings were moved to remote environments, closed to the public, and streamed online to allow for easy access by residents. However, one aspect of our Council meetings that was lost in this necessary response was Minute with Council.
Traditionally, Residents have been welcomed to speak to Council about issues, events, celebrations or concerns during Minute with Council. At the beginning of each Council Meeting, the chair of the meeting opens the floor to the public to speak and share with Council members, administration and meeting observers.
As we determine the "new normal" in this pandemic response, the Town of Hinton has established a procedure to take part in Minute with Council remotely, temporarily, as we prepare for further steps in our reopening plans.
This process is being established to avoid risks of public meeting teleconferencing, such as inappropriate or abusive interjections by anonymous or false identities.
We appreciate your understanding should this cause any inconvenience for you.
Please use this form to receive an invite code to join our proceedings remotely.
Should you encounter difficulty using the form, please call 780-865-6072.
Cemeteries
At this time, new business relating to the Cemetery is encouraged to be handled via your funeral director through to the Town of Hinton, as drop in meetings are not being accepted from the general public at the Government Centre. Should you wish to meet with Cemetery staff, please call 780-865-6016 to schedule a meeting.
Friendly Caller Program
In this pandemic event, social connections are more important than ever. But finding them is also more difficult than ever.
That’s why we’ve worked to reorient our Friendly Visitor Program to Friendly Callers! Our application packages are available now! Find the form for callers here, and form for applicants here. Learn more about the program on the website, available here.
Taxes and Utilities
During a Special Meeting of Council held this (April 7, 2020) afternoon, Hinton Town Council took actions which are intended to provide relief to COVID-19 impacted residents.
These actions offer residents the ability to defer payment and penalties for Property Taxes until August 31, 2020 as well as defer payment and penalties for Town utilities for a period of 120 days ending in August 2020.
Learn more in the CivicSend, available here: https://www.hinton.ca/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/109199
A support is available from the federal government; learn more about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit here: Link
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Attention Hinton residents on Hardisty Avenue
The Town of Hinton will be repairing a water break on Hardisty Avenue commencing on Monday, March 1, 2021. There will be no disruption to the water services to residents. Please watch for workers and equipment in the area. Read on... -
West Fraser Fire Hazard Reduction Burn
West Fraser will be conducting hazard reduction burns within their premises over the coming weeks. This project’s purpose is to reduce the wildfire hazard for both the community and West Fraser facilities. Read on... -
Excess Black Bins Available
Town of Hinton Infrastructure Services Division wishes to inform Hinton residents that old black bins removed from service are available for Hinton Residents. Read on...