NEWS

COVID 19 Update - January 10, 2022

Updated eligibility for PCR tests

Eligibility requirements to receive a PCR test have been updated to ensure tests are available to those who need it most.

Addressing the demand

Due to the significant rise in demand for PCR tests, combined with the Omicron variant spreading rapidly in our province, our testing system is becoming strained and we need to take action to protect our most vulnerable.

Eligibility requirements have been updated and are effective immediately to ensure testing focuses only on those who have clinical risk factors for severe outcomes and those who live and work in high-risk settings.

Eligibility criteria

The following is a list of individuals who are eligible to receive PCR testing:

• Continuing care residents and health care workers in acute care settings, shelters and correctional facilities
• Symptomatic household members of an individual working in continuing or acute care
• Emergency department or hospital patients of all ages
• Symptomatic community patients who would be eligible for Sotrovimab
• People from isolated and remote First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities, or those who travel to these communities for work
• Asymptomatic continuing care residents returning/readmitting from other health care settings
• Pediatric and adult oncology patients, prior to commencing chemotherapy
• Newborns born to COVID-positive parents
• Returning travelers who become symptomatic with 14 days after their arrival

Learn more about eligibility requirements

Symptoms and testing

If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you should not visit emergency departments seeking a test. Employers should also not ask you to provide a PCR test in order to receive time off of work.

It's important that we continue to reserve tests for those who need it most, and also ensure our hospitals are used for emergency situations only.

If you are unsure whether you need to talk to a doctor about your illness or when to seek medical attention, use the Alberta Medical Association tool to determine what to do. Most people with mild illness do not need a test or a conversation with their doctor.

Use the Alberta Medical Association tool

Fire Restriction - Lifted

The County of Paintearth has lifted Fire Restriction, effective November 29, 2021. Fire permits will be issued at the County Office between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Fires are allowed in:

"Acceptable Burn Barrel" means an outdoor receptacle that meets the following specifications:

• a minimum of 3(three)meters clearance measured from the nearest edge of the Burn Barrel to a building , property lines, or other combustible material;
• equipped with an expanded metal spark arrest or mesh screen with openings no larger than 16mm(0.6inches), secured in place with a latches or ;
• constructed of non-combustible material:
• not located over underground utility services or under aboveground wires;
• is supervised at all times by a responsible person until such time that the fire in the Burn Barrel has been extinguished. A fire shall be deemed to include hat ashes and smoldering embers resulting from the fire; and
• is used to burn non prohibited debris.

"Fire Pit" means a non -combustible structure or container located on public or private property, used for recreation purposes and constructed in accordance with this Bylaw

• a fire pit shall be constructed with non-combustible materials,
• the maximum external dimension of the Fire Pit shall not be greater than one meter,
• a fire pit shall be covered by a substantial screen or grate with openings not to exceed 16mm (0.6 inches) in any dimension,
• a fire pit shall not be located closer than 3 meters (10 feet) from a property line and two meters from any combustible material, including, but not limited to buildings, structures, fences, patio decks and foliage as measured from the nearest fire pit edge.
• a fire pit shall not be located less than 0.6meters (2 feet) laterally from an underground utility line.

"Incinerator Fire" means a fire that is confined within a non-combustible container or barrel with opening; covered with a heavy gauge metal screen having a mesh size not larger than 13 millimeters and which is ventilated in such a manner as to preclude the escape of combustible materials, including ash.

The County of Paintearth is urging residents to be fire safe and ensure that all fires are supervised and under control at all times.  Burning is ONLY to be done with extreme care and caution. Be aware that weather will determine if the County of Paintearth proceeds to a total fire ban.

Michael Simpson, CAO
County of Paintearth # 18
403-882-3211

2022 STARS Calendars

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic STARS has teamed up with local municipalities to provide an easily accessible, trustworthy option for rural residents who want to support STARS and purchase an annual calendar.

The 2022 STARS Calendars are available for purchase at the County Office
July – December
$30 each