Banff residents will have more confidence in their safety when participating in Town of Banff programs and recreation activities, as proof of vaccination will be required before entry.
Starting Monday, September 20, the Town is implementing the Government of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program. Anyone entering The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test result. The proof will also be required at Town programming at the Banff Elementary School, the Catharine Robb Whyte Building, and the Rundle Cabin. Programs at other locations may be added in coming weeks.
The alternative would have been to cancel many programs and dramatically reduce access in accordance with new restrictions introduced to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19.
To enter these facilities for Town programs, youth and adults (aged 12 years and older) must provide:
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- September 20 to October 25: proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than two weeks before the time of entry
- After October 25: proof of double vaccination is required
- proof of negative COVID test result
- test provided by a privately purchased and administered test completed within the previous 72 hours
- tests from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed
- documentation of a medical exemption from a registered nurse practitioner, physician or psychologist
Documentation for proof of vaccination include any of the following:
- Alberta Health Services vaccination card
- Immunization record provided to individuals at the time of vaccination by clinic or pharmacy
- Digital proof on mobile device provided by provincial health service
More details will be provided on the Town of Banff website at https://banff.ca/covid when the Government of Alberta releases details of the Restriction Exemption Program.
Many programs offered by the Town will continue to be provided online with simultaneous and recorded video.
For access to Town programs children up to 11 years old are not allowed to enter if they have ANY of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Chills
- Sore throat/painful swallowing
- Conjunctivitis
- Runny nose or congestion
- Feeling unwell or fatigued
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Muscle/joint aches
- Headache
If the child has any of these symptoms, they must return home. Parents should follow directions at alberta.ca/covid-19-testing-in-alberta.aspx
In the Town of Banff and through Alberta, masks are mandatory in all indoor public places and shared and common workspaces. This applies to businesses, Town facilities, and Roam Public Transit vehicles.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases, vaccinations and safety measures in the Town of Banff, visit https://banff.ca/covid.