5305-56 Street Box 239, , AB T0G 1E0 T / (780) 523-5955 F/ (780) 523-4227

For Immediate Release Big Lakes County Response To COVID-19 March 18, 2020: Since January, Big Lakes County has been carefully monitoring and developing a proactive strategy to address any risks associated with COVID-19 for our residents, visitors, and employees. Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with Health Services and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency in monitoring this rapidly changing situation.

On March 17, 2020, Premier Jason Kenny declared a Public Health Emergency in an effort to combat the growing spread of COVID-19. We would like to assure you that the interest of community health and safety is our priority. Effective immediately, the County is taking the following steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors, and employees.

Big Lakes County will continue to fully operate core services, including Fire Services, Utilities, Solid Waste, Airports, and Road Safety throughout the duration of this pandemic.

Changes to County Operations • Big Lakes County Administration Buildings & FCSS Offices – CLOSED Effective immediately, the Big Lakes County Administration Buildings and Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Offices are closed to the public until further notice. Information and services will be available by phone (780-523-5955) and email ([email protected]) only. The County staff directory can be found here: https://www.biglakescounty.ca/contact/county-directory

• Utility Penalties – WAIVED Big Lakes County is waiving all penalties on utility bills for the months of April and May. We will not be disconnecting any customers during this time.

• Big Lakes FCSS Bus – CANCELLED Effective immediately, trips on the Big Lakes County bus will be cancelled until further notice. If someone needs assistance in making other travel arrangements for critical medical needs, please contact Nicole Hanna, FCSS Manager at 780- 776-0008.

• Big Lakes FCSS Faust Afterschool Youth Program – CANCELLED Effective Immediately, the Faust Afterschool Youth Program has been cancelled until further notice.

GO BIGLAKESCOUNTY.CA BIG LAKES COUNTY 5305-56 Street Box 239, High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 T / (780) 523-5955 F/ (780) 523-4227

• Municipal Library & Kinosayo Museum – CLOSED Effective immediately, the Kinuso Municipal Library & Kinosayo Museum are closed until further notice.

• Public Recreation Facilities – CLOSED All public recreation facilities are closed until further notice.

Changes to Upcoming Events

• Scheduled Meetings – CANCELLED Any scheduled meetings with Big Lakes County council or staff involving members of the public are hereby cancelled. • March 25th Council Meeting – CANCELLED • March 25th Municipal Planning Commission - Cancelled • Dugout and Farm Water Management- POSTPONED • ICF Signing - CLOSED TO PUBLIC • Deadstock and Prediction Management Workshop – POSTPONED • Volunteer Appreciation Week Events – CANCELLED • Water Treatment Plant & FCSS Grand Opening – POSTPONED • Seniors Week – CANCELLED

Activation of Emergency Coordination Centre As a precaution, Big Lakes County has activated the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC). This includes Director of Emergency Management, Deputy Director, Risk Management Officer, Public Information Officer, Assistant Public Information Officer, and Liaison Officer. The ECC operation period at this time will be limited to 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Announcements will be communicated to the public daily at 10:00 a.m. and 17:00 p.m. on our website and social media pages.

All Albertans are encouraged to take personal steps to help prevent the spread To protect yourself and others: • stay home and away from others if sick or in isolation • wash hands often, using soap and water for at least twenty seconds • cover coughs and sneezes • avoid touching face with unwashed hands • avoid travel outside • self-isolate for 14 days if returning from travel outside Canada or were exposed to COVID-19

GO BIGLAKESCOUNTY.CA BIG LAKES COUNTY 5305-56 Street Box 239, High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 T / (780) 523-5955 F/ (780) 523-4227

Monitor your symptoms If you have symptoms, like a dry cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: • stay home - DO NOT go to an ER or clinic • take the COVID-19 self-assessment • call Health Link 811 for instructions and testing

Important Updates from Credible Sources • Alberta’s situation and action plan • Alberta Health Services latest health information and advice for Alberta • Cases of COVID-19 in Canada and around the world • Travel, preparations and the national plan from Health Canada • Review emergency updates from the World Health Organization

The County’s actions are in line with other municipalities throughout Alberta and around the world, as all levels of governments work to limit the spread of the virus. We thank you for your understanding. Big Lakes County will continue to monitor the progression of this situation closely. If you have questions about County business, please contact the Administration office at 780- 523-5955 or email [email protected]. For up-to-date information please visit the Big Lakes County Facebook page or www.biglakescounty.ca or tune into REAL Country 93.5 or BOOM FM 92.7.

Sincerely, Richard Simard Big Lakes County Reeve

For more information, please contact: Victoria Zahacy, Big Lakes County Communications Coordinator P: 780-523-5955 E: [email protected]

GO BIGLAKESCOUNTY.CA