(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Blood Tribe to keep COVID restrictions despite provincial easing

Feb 9, 2022 | 2:46 PM

STANDOFF, AB – Members of the Blood Tribe are advised that they will still be subject to a variety of public health measures.

On Tuesday, Premier Jason Kenney announced a plan to lift most COVID-19 restrictions over the next few weeks, which includes the Restrictions Exemption Program no longer being in effect as of midnight on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Alberta begins lifting COVID restrictions

Despite this, a local First Nation says they will keep their restrictions under the authority of the Blood Tribe/Kainai Emergency Protection By-Law.

It came into effect on January 11, 2022, after their COVID-19 State of Local Emergency was issued in March 2021.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“Upon review of the new provincial measures, the Blood Tribe Emergency Management Team determined that all current COVID-19 enhanced safety measures will remain in effect on the Blood Reserve until further notice,” reads a statement from the Blood Tribe.

This means that the following measures will remain in effect for the time being:

• All individuals ordered to quarantine by the Blood Tribe Department of Health or by Alberta Health Services through contact tracers must stay in strict quarantine as directed or they will be subject to applicable penalties
• The curfew will be reinstated from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am and will be strictly enforced
• Travel will be restricted to essential and important reasons only
• Proof of vaccination will be required to gain entry to all Blood Tribe Recreation Facilities
• Gatherings for any purpose shall be subject to the following rules until further notice:
  • Occupancy limitations lifted on Old Agency Hall and an additional facility will be announced soon. Other Blood Tribe Recreation facilities will remain at one-third capacity based on the square footage of the building
  • If recreation staff are not available, family or event organizers will be required to ensure COVID-19 safety measures and proof of vaccination are followed
  • Proof of vaccination, temperature checks, masking, physical distancing, and hand sanitizers will be required at all public buildings and outdoor gatherings
  • There shall be no indoor gatherings, outside of family cohorts, at private residences
  • All wakes/funerals at any public buildings are opened to one-third capacity with proof of vaccination, masking, and physical distancing being mandatory
• The Blood Tribe will continue to follow an isolation period of 10 days when a test (PCR or rapid) result is positive
• All entryways to Blood Tribe Departments and Entities will require temperature checks and all persons accessing public services shall provide contact information
• All persons shall continue physical distancing when in public unless they are with their family cohort
• Mandatory masking shall continue community-wide until further notice

The Blood Tribe is encouraging all members to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The full notice on enhanced safety measures can be found below: