COVID 19 WMH Update - Nov 13

Good day folks and happy Friday the 13th! 

We wanted to share an update with you in light of yesterday's Government of Alberta and Dr. Hinshaw's announcement. It without a doubt came with a lot of confusion and uncertainty. We ask that you bear with us while we work with all the information and updates and the ever evolving Covid-19 pandemic situation.

 As of right now we are fortunate that our community isn't effected by the recent mandatory restrictions being put on by the Government of Alberta on indoor sports. WMH practices can continue as scheduled at the Scott Safety Arenas, however; Games as of right now are cancelled for the two week period as per NAI League.

That being said, let's not take that for granted. We must remain extra vigilant and work extra hard to make sure our kids continue to play the sport we all love.

Since return to hockey we've been proactive in putting measures in place to reduce the risk of exposure for our athletes and we are actively tracking parents and players who participate in our activities to ensure prompt communication in the case of positive Covid-19 exposure.

Please remember to stay home as much as possible, practice hand washing hygiene, keep 2 meter distance between yourself and others, limit contact with others when outside your home, limit your cohorts, avoid greetings like handshakes and hugs, wear a mask where possible. 

The Government of Alberta recently announced new mandatory and voluntary COVID-19 health measures for communities across Alberta that come into effect on Friday, November 13. Whitecourt is currently on the Enhanced (purple) watch list for the province.

Mandatory Measures

With this, new health protocols and guidelines, as mandated by the Province, apply to all residents and visitors of Whitecourt and the following gathering limits are mandatory: 

• 15 person limit on social and family gatherings - indoors and outdoors - where people are mixing and mingling.  
  • Applies to all social gatherings, including but not limited to:
    • banquets and award ceremonies,
    • wedding or funeral receptions,
    • luncheons or potlucks,
    • parties: birthday, baby showers, retirement, dinners, backyard BBQs,
    • other private social gatherings and functions.
  • Does not apply to structured events, including but not limited to:
    • seated-audience conferences, sports and shows,
    • dining in restaurants,
    • fitness centres,
    • funeral services,
    • wedding ceremonies,
    • worship services.

Voluntary Measures

All residents and visitors of communities on the watch list are recommended to:

• Limit your cohorts to no more than three: your core household, your school, and one other sport or social cohort. Young children who attend child care could be part of 4 cohorts, given that child care settings have not been a high risk for spread.
• Wear a mask in all indoor work settings, except when alone in a workspace like an office or cubicle where you are safely distanced from others, or an appropriate barrier is in place.

For more information on these measures please visit the Government of Alberta website at https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

Today and this weekend, do an act of kindness for someone you know or for a complete stranger, let's create a positivity movement in times where people most need it. 

Any questions or concerns regarding the above information, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

WMH Executive Board.