In this ongoing COVID-19 situation, Starland County’s emergency management team is striving to keep up-to-date on all the provincial and federal announcements as well as the restrictions implemented.
- Horsethief Canyon is closed. Alberta Transportation has barricaded off access to the park.
- We have increased awareness amongst staff and have commenced isolating various personnel and rotating staff shifts to minimize the potential of contagions being transferred to other staff members.
- Sanitizing and cleaning efforts have been increased in our buildings and places of work, as well as sanitization of equipment, trucks and other apparatus, before and after use.
- All parks and playgrounds have been closed.
- All Starland County campgrounds will remain closed at this time.
- Name Tags/ID have been created for all County Essential Services personnel.
- Public access restricted for tourist areas. Signage and warnings put in place.
- Personal Protective Equipment and extra cleaning supplies are being secured for our Fire Services and Staff.
- Our office and public works office and shop remain closed to the public.
- We currently have a hiring freeze on which will continue indefinitely.
- All meetings must be conducted via some type of teleconference method to meet the social distancing guidelines.
- The Social Services Support for COVID-19 Funding Criteria was sent to all not-for-profit groups within Starland County. These groups are eligible to support a range of services needed from at-home help for seniors, crisis and helplines, food security issues, emotional and mental health counselling or any other identified community issues. If any community groups are interested in assisting in this regard, they are encouraged to contact their local FCSS (Starland County Office) to request funding for specific programs or services in their community. All projects must adhere to government recommended procedures and standards pertaining to COVID-19.
- We have also set up a questionnaire on our website that you can complete if you require assistance, or if you are willing and able to assist in some manner.
- Only essential operations and businesses are allowed to remain open at this time.
- We encourage you to cancel, postpone, reschedule or explore virtual attendance options for gatherings of any types. The province has mandated that there are to be NO gatherings of more than 15 people allowed in one indoor or outdoor location. People in this gathering must still maintain a distance of 2 meters from one another.
In addition, we are monitoring the weather and fire conditions, and as the province is implementing strict fire guidelines, Starland County will also be following suit in the near future. Prohibiting further permitted fires will help to alleviate the strain on our Fire Services personnel and also help to minimize their potential to come into contact with COVID-19.
Starland County Services:
Residents can still access Starland County services through alternative means, either by telephone, email or online at www.starlandcounty.com. You can phone the office for assistance in this regard and bill payments can be paid by cheque or online. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Administration Office at 403-772-3793 or email [email protected].
Starland County Additional Supports:
Being isolated can be very difficult. We would like to extend a helping hand to those in need, especially to our seniors and others who may not be able to get groceries or supplies due to health risks. If you or someone you know in the County needs assistance, please contact our office so that we can connect you with supports available in the community.
Starland County is carefully monitoring the COVID-19 health risk for any new developments and will follow protocols in accordance with the Alberta Government recommendations. Please check our website and social media for updates. For further information please also see https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
REMEMBER, If you have COVID-19 symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing, or have travelled outside Canada, or were exposed to someone who has COVID-19, it is mandatory that you stay home for a 14-day isolation period. Take the online health assessment from Alberta Health Services. Do not go to a health care facility without consulting 8-1-1 first. If you have been tested for COVID-19, you will be called directly with your test results. If you need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1 and inform them that you may have COVID-19.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time and please follow Alberta Health’s guidelines of social distancing, staying at home as much as possible, and washing and sanitizing your hands regularly.