COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found mostly in animals. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The disease caused by the new coronavirus has been named COVID-19.

COVID-19 was first identified in late 2019. It was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020.

Town of Devon Office Open

The Town of Devon Office reopened to the public on Monday, June 14, 2021. Residents that would prefer to do their business with the Town staff remotely can still do so by contacting our office:

• p: 780-987-8300
• e: information@devon.ca

Current COVID-19 Situation

Public health measures will be lifted by the Government of Alberta in 3 steps, starting Feb. 9, 2022.

Step 1

Alberta will enter Step 1 on Feb. 9. The following changes will come into effect at that time, unless otherwise stated.

• Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
• Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
• Capacity limits for locations not covered under the REP program are removed.
• Mandatory masking requirements removed for:
  • children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
  • children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14

Step 2

Alberta will enter Step 2 starting on March 1, if hospitalizations are trending downwards. At that time, the following measures will be updated.

• Any remaining school requirements removed (for example: Kindergarten to grade 6 cohorting).
• Youth screening activities for entertainment and sport activities removed
• Capacity on all large venues and entertainment venues lifted.
• Indoor and outdoor social gathering limits lifted.
• Mandatory work-from-home requirements lifted.
• Indoor masking no longer required.

Step 3

The timeline for Alberta entering Step 3 is to be determined and will depend on hospitalization rates continuing to trend downward.

• COVID-specific continuing care measures removed.
• Mandatory isolation removed (becomes a recommendation only).

Learn more about the current COVID-19 situation in Alberta here

Restrictions Exemption Program (REP)

The provincial government has ended the Restrictions Exemption Program as of Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m.

Effective immediately (Feb. 9, 2022) the Restrictions Exemption Program has been removed from the Devon Community Centre and Dale Fisher Arena and proof of vaccination will no longer be required to enter the facilities.

COVID-19 Vaccine Program

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. The vaccine helps prevent you from getting infected and protects you from getting severely sick if you do get it. Albertans are being vaccinated as fast as supply allows. This is happening in phases so people most at risk get it first. More groups will be eligible as we get more doses.

Until most Albertans are protected by the vaccine, we must continue following all public health guidelines: keep 2 metres apart, wash your hands, wear a mask in public, and stay home when sick.

• Learn more about the GoA COVID-19 Vaccine Program
• Get your Alberta COVID-19 Record (QR Code) here
• See vaccination statistics for Alberta here

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

There are a number of measures that can be taken to to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and others.

• Stay home and get tested if you are feeling unwell
• When going out, do your best to practice physical distancing (staying at least 2 metres from others)
• Wear a mask when in public spaces, especially when it is not possible to physical distance
• Practice good hygiene and wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Bring hand sanitizer when going out to the store or when spending time outdoors
• Adhere to all restrictions put in place by higher levels of government
• Avoid touching your face

Assessment and testing

If you have symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19, please stay home and book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811.

COVID-19 Info for Albertans

Additional information on COVID-19 is available from both the provincial and federal governments.

• Town of Devon Social Supports
• Government of Alberta General Information
• Government of Alberta Vaccine Program
• Government of Alberta geospatial case map
• Government of Canada General Information
• Alberta Status Notification Subscription
• Alberta Business COVID Relief
• Resources for Businesses