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 information below represents a digest of relevant information considered important for residents. 

The province returned to Step one of A Path Forward. To protect our health system from being overwhelmed, we need to stay cautious, wear masks and practice proper physical distancing. Please visit our webpage for detailed information.

CONSULT THE PROVINCIAL WEBSITE FOR UP TO THE MINUTE STATUS
BY CLICKING HERE.

Current Provincial Updates

• The province reported 1,699 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, compared to 1,412 on last Wednesday. The testing positivity rate is 9.5 per cent, compared to 9 per cent last Wednesday. Alberta's active cases total now sits at 18,873.
• There are 476 people in hospital, 105 of whom are in intensive care.
• Alberta reported 1,332 new cases identified as involving variants of concern on Wednesday. Variants now represent more than 59 per cent of all active cases.
• Amid the surging COVID-19 and variant cases, last week the Alberta government reimposed Step 1 restrictions, including closing restaurants and bars to in-person dining, lowering retail store capacity to 15 per cent and banning low-intensity group fitness activities.
• The Alberta government announced Wednesday it plans to change employment standards to allow workers three hours of paid leave to get vaccinated against the illness.
• As of Wednesday, 1,196,428 vaccine doses have been administered, and 239,277 Albertans have been fully vaccinated with two doses.
• Phase 2C of the rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines began on April 12, expanding to include 240,000 nurses, doctors, dentists and any health-care workers in patient care facilities or providing direct patient care in the community. Other groups in 2C, like residents and support staff at congregate living facilities at risk for large outbreaks like correctional facilities, homeless shelters, meat-packing plants and group homes, and caregivers of Albertans at risk of severe outcomes, are expected to begin in the following weeks.
• Phase 2B included Albertans born in the birth years 1957 to 2005 (16 to 64) with underlying health conditions. If you are eligible, appointments can be booked online or by calling 811.
• Phase 2 of the AstraZeneca-Oxford rollout began April 6, to Albertans born from 1957 to 1966 who do not have chronic underlying health conditions. More than 65,000 Albertans had received AstraZeneca doses as of Wednesday. Alberta Health said that number increased by 20,000 in the last two days. They can also choose to wait for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to become available to their age group when Phase 2D opens in May. Appointments can be booked online or by calling 811.
• The chart below shows periods of pandemic response and levels of re-opening.

Government of Alberta "A Path Forward" Step One now in effect

Alberta reverted to Step One of "A path forward". A roadmap was developed to help Albertans understand how restrictions will be eased in steps over the coming months. A Path Forward outlines the sectors that will see gradual restriction changes at each step based on hospitalization benchmarks.

Visit Town of Hinton Covid webpage and the Provincial website for more detailed information.

Retail

Mandatory restrictions - Provincewide - Revised Apr 7

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 pickup delivery and online services are encouraged
  
• Shop alone or only with the people you live with (see tips for shoppers)
  

• 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

Restaurants, Pubs, Bars, Lounges and Cafes

Mandatory restrictions - Provincewide - Effective Apr 9

Effective April 9 at noon, in-person service is not permitted indoors.

Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges, and cafes can open for outdoor patio dining, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery only.

• Patio seating must be limited to a maximum of 6 people per table – 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 or separated by an impermeable barrier that will prevent droplet transmission.
  
• Individuals must stay seated with their dining party unless using the washroom, paying, or entering/exiting the facility.
  
• Masks must be worn indoors.
  
• Contact information must be collected from one person of the dining party.
  
• Liquor service ends at 10 pm.
  
• Patio dining must close by 11 pm.
  
• No entertainment allowed (VLTs, pool tables, live music, etc.).
  

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.

Outdoor Social Gatherings

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.
  

Libraries

• Libraries must close.

Mandatory Measures Remain in Place

Chief Medical Officer's Message

"I remain concerned about the high spread in our province." - CMOH

Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw will deliver her next update today at 3:30 p.m.

View it here.

Hinton Town Council 

Town of Hinton Administration

Town Facilities Update

• 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: 780-865-4412
  • Key Phone Number (Automated): 780-865-6066
  • Key Email: recreation@hinton.ca
• Infrastructure Services and Parks
  • 24/7 Service Line: 780-865-2634
• Emergency Services/Protective Services
  • EMERGENCY: ALWAYS CALL 911
  • Emergency Services
    • Key Phone Number (fire): 780-865-6089
    • Key Phone Number Complaint (Bylaw/Peace Officer): 780-865-6009
  • Protective Services (RCMP)
    • Key Phone Number: 780-865-2455

ComServ 21 will available tomorrow!

Online Resources
Town of Hinton COVID Webpage
Province of Alberta COVID Webpage
Province of Alberta - Emergency Management Act
Government of Canada COVID Webpage
World Health Organization COVID Website