COVID-19 Public Health Actions
The Alberta Government declared a state of public health emergency on September 16. Along with that, new measures were introduced to protect the health care system, stop the spread, and increase vaccination rates.

Starting September 20, discretionary businesses and events must follow one of these 2 options:
  1. Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) requiring proof of vaccination or negative test result to continue operating as usual, or
  2. Comply with all public health restrictions as outlined in Order 42-2021.

REP Program Requirements
The Restrictions Exemption Program permits in-scope businesses, entities and organizers to operate without most public health restrictions as outlined in Order 43-2021. Masks are still mandatory indoors.

Operators that are out-of-scope or choose not to fully implement the program must comply with all public health restrictions outlined in Order 42-2021.

How to participate
Operators do not need to apply, but must follow or exceed the program requirements at all times, including requiring all patrons/attendees aged 12 and over to provide valid:
  • proof of vaccination, or
  • proof of a privately-paid negative rapid test result taken within 72 hours of service, or
  • documentation of a medical exemption
Resources
The program does not apply to
  • Businesses or entities that need to be accessed by the public for daily living purposes, including all retail locations
  • Employees, contractors, repair or delivery workers, volunteers or inspectors entering the space for work purposes
  • Children under 12
Enforcement
  • Operators will be audited for compliance.
  • Requirements can be enforced by AHS, AGLC and police units.

In-scope Operators
The following in-scope businesses, entities and organizers are eligible to participate:
  • Restaurants
  • Nightclubs
  • Casinos, Bingo Halls, VLT Lounges
  • Entertainment and recreation centres, such as:
  • Bowling, racing entertainment, arcades, billiards halls, other similar entertainment
  • Museums, art galleries
  • Movie theatres
  • Conferences, meeting spaces, halls, and rented space (excluding dwelling units)
  • Weddings and funerals held in public facilities where the facility maintains responsibility for adherence to these requirements
  • Professional sporting or performance events (spectator)
  • Private social events held in public facilities where the facility maintains responsibility for adherence to these requirements
  • Recreation and fitness facilities
  • Adult recreational sport groups (players/participants)
  • Recreation classes and activities (outside physical activity)
  • Amenities in hotels and condos

Out-of-scope Operators
The following out-of-scope operators are not eligible to participate:
  • Events in private dwellings
  • Retail and shopping malls
  • Food courts
  • Libraries
  • Workers and employees in/on a worksite for the purposes of their employment
  • Schools (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
  • School curriculum based activities
  • Accommodations (e.g., hotel)
  • Places of Worship – for faith services
  • Health Services
  • Personal Services
  • Wellness Services
  • Publicly-funded post secondary institutions, including cafeterias and residence common areas (PSIs will fall under a separate and sector-specific exemption)
  • First Nations College entities:
  • Maskwacis Cultural College
  • Old Sun Community College
  • Red Crow Community College
  • University nuhelot'ine thaiyots'i nistameyimakanak Blue Quills
  • Yellowhead Tribal College

Proof of Vaccination
To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people ages 12 and older can provide proof of vaccination.
  • Valid photo identification that matches the vaccine record (only required for adults 18 and over)
  • Valid paper or digital vaccine record that shows name, vaccine type and date of administration:
  • From September 20 to October 25: proof of partial vaccination (one dose) is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than 2 weeks before the time of service.
  • After October 25: proof of full vaccination (two doses) is required.

Proof of Negative Test
To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people aged 12 and older can show proof of a negative test result.
  • Tests must be privately-paid, Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test completed within the previous 72 hours.
  • Valid test results should be a written or printed copy that clearly outlines the type of test, time of sample collection, clear indication of a negative result, and laboratory that completed the test, if applicable.
  • Photos of a rapid test result taken offsite is not sufficient.
  • Do not bring completed self-tests or rapid tests to businesses due to communicable disease risk.
  • Tests must not be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.
  • Operators offering on-site rapid testing should seek expert medical oversight prior to implementing a rapid testing program.

Proof of Medical Exemption
To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people 12 and older can provide documentation of a medical exemption.
  • A valid medical exemption is the original signed letter from a physician or nurse practitioner that includes:
  • Person's name that matches their identification.
  • Physician’s or nurse practitioner’s complete information, including:
  • name, phone number, contact information, professional registration number and signature
  • statement that there is a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19
  • duration that the exemption is valid

For more detailed information about restrictions, please visit the Government of Alberta website here.

The GPRC aims to provide accurate information to it's members, however in all cases, the Government of Alberta website should be consulted before making a decision on the REP and all other COVID-19 decisions.
Rapid Testing Kits
The GPRC has been asked by our members if we will be providing rapid testing kits for our businesses to test their employees.

We have ordered our first supply of rapid testing kits. It is expected that shipping can take up to four weeks at this time of high demand. There is a process that will be put in place by the GPRC for businesses to obtain the rapid testing kits, submit results, and reporting. We are currently creating a process and gathering best practices from our colleague chambers across the province and will share with our community once a plan is developed.

Rapid testing kits are for the purpose of businesses testing their employees 1-2 times per week, not their customers or clients, etc.

Below we have included information on the rapid testing kits available from the Government of Alberta if you are looking at obtaining your own.
Alberta Biz Connect
What is Alberta Biz Connect?
Alberta Biz Connect houses workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 to operate safely and support their recovery.

Biz Connect has reinstated its contact form. Biz Connect is prioritizing business-related inquiries related to the new public health restrictions and the REP.
  • Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 will also be updated on Biz Connect website as information becomes available.
  • https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
COVID-19 info for Albertans (general information on vaccination rates, cases, etc.)
GPRC COVID-19 Survey Results
On September 9, the GPRC asked our members to complete a two question survey about COVID-19 proof of vaccination and restrictions.
As the largest, most influential advocate for business in our region, representing over 900 businesses, our relationship with government has been challenged by what appears to be a lack of understanding. We have requested that government make the decision to create a framework of simplicity by allowing Alberta entrepreneurs and business owners, who are some of the best in the world, to take back their responsibility for the safe operations of their business. It is, and always has been, our belief that we must place the onus on the businesses to meet specific requirements in a clearly set out framework. Read more... 
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This e-Blast is from: Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Name: Kendra Wambold
Title: Communications & Media Specialist
Company: GPRC
Contact: kwambold@gprchamber.ca