Big Lakes County is now under enhanced measures, according to Alberta Health Services. The County wants to remind our residents that under the public health order, you are legally required to:

  • isolate for 10 days if you have any core symptom that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose* or sore throat*
  • quarantine for 14 days if you returned to or entered Alberta from outside Canada or are a close contact of a person with COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of symptoms, should they occur
  • *Children under 18 are exempt from mandatory isolation for runny nose or sore throat but should stay home until well. Visit alberta.ca/covid19 for more information.

Effective immediately, Big Lakes County will be following the mandatory public health measures, which are intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Enhanced Measures 

  • No indoor social gatherings are permitted in any setting (private homes, public spaces or workplaces)
  • Outdoor gatherings max 10
  • Wedding or funeral services max of 10, no receptions permitted
  • No festivals or events
  • Grade 7-12 at-home learning Nov. 30 – Jan. 11
  • ECS-Grade 6 at-home learning after break until Jan. 11
  • Working from home should be considered, where possible
  • Place of worship at 1/3 of fire code occupancy with mandatory masking
  • Restricted access to some business
    • Effective immediately, all community halls, community centres, senior centres, ‘pop up style’ indoor markets that have not been previously approved by Alberta Health Services, and farmers’ markets that have not been previously approved by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry are closed
    • Visit https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx for more information on business restrictions

Not following the mandatory restrictions could result in fines and enforcement. For more information on the new regulations, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

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

Big Lakes County Administration Buildings – OPEN
Effective immediately, the Big Lakes County Administration Buildings in High Prairie and Kinuso will remain open to residents who need to pay their bills. Payment can also be left in the drop boxes that are located outside of the admin offices.

Please book an appointment if you need to meet with our staff. Information and services will be available by phone (780-523-5955) and email ([email protected]). The County staff directory can be found here: https://www.biglakescounty.ca/contact/county-directory.

The Kinuso Administration Building is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Big Lakes Family and Community Support Services Offices – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
The Big Lakes Family and Community Support Services Offices will be open by appointment only. To book an appointment with an FCSS Outreach Worker, please call:

  • Kinuso at 780-775-3666
  • Faust at 780-355-3896
  • Joussard at 780-776-3811
  • Grouard at 780-751-3806
  • Enilda at 780-523-5925
  • High Prairie at 780-536-0062

Big Lakes Bus
The Big Lakes Bus is operating under the following COVID-19 safety protocols, which have been implemented to keep our passengers and staff safe:

  • Maximum capacity is 6 riders, plus one wheelchair
  • All passengers and bus driver must wear a mask
  • Social distancing will be enforced, some seats will not be available
  • Hand sanitizer will be available on the bus. Passengers must sanitize their hands each time they board the bus
  • Passengers will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screening when booking and again at pick-up
  • Any passengers with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to board the bus. Symptoms include: fever, new or worsening chronic cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, painful swallowing, headache, chills, muscle or joint aches, feeling unwell in general or severe exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained loss of appetite, loss of sense of smell or taste, or conjunctivitis (commonly knowns as pink eye)

To book a trip on the bus, please call 1-877-925-2537.

Before Visiting Our Office
The health and safety of our staff and residents is our top priority. Therefore, please do not visit our offices if you have a fever, new or worsening chronic cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, painful swallowing, headache, chills, muscle or joint aches, feeling unwell in general or severe exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained loss of appetite, loss of sense of smell or taste, or conjunctivitis (commonly knowns as pink eye). Please be advised of the following mitigation procedures:

  • The number of individuals within the main Administration Building lobby shall be restricted to 6 at any one time
  • Hand sanitizer is located at all entry points of the facilities for use upon entry
  • Members of the public shall maintain a 2-meter separation as indicated by markings placed on the lobby floor
  • Physical barriers have been installed at the main reception desks
  • Countertops and debit machines will be sanitized after each use
  • Businesses cards, pamphlets, reports, etc., have been removed from the reception desks; however, they are available upon request
  • Masks are not mandatory for indoor workplaces; however, they are encouraged   

All Albertans are encouraged to take personal steps to help prevent the spread

Albertans must continue following existing public health measures to keep everyone safe:

  • Stay 2 metres apart when you can, wear a mask when you can’t
  • Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes
  • Monitor your symptoms every day
  • If sick, stay home, get tested, and follow mandatory isolation requirements
    •  while waiting for results: if positive, isolate from others for 10 days or until symptoms are gone, whichever is longer   
    • if negative, stay home until you’re better

Important Updates from Credible Sources

Big Lakes County will continue to follow the Alberta Public Health Guidelines and closely monitor the COVID-19 cases in our County. 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,
Ken Matthews
Big Lakes County Reeve

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

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