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Banff, Fort McMurray await details before deciding on COVID-19 curfews

Apr 30, 2021 | 11:29 AM

EDMONTON, AB – COVID-19 hot spots in a Rocky Mountain tourist town and northeastern Alberta’s oilsands hub want more details from the provincial government before deciding to request curfews.

Premier Jason Kenney announced late Thursday that curfews could be imposed in municipalities where the virus case rate exceeds 1,000 per 100,000 people and if the local governments ask for one.

READ MORE: Premier announces new COVID restrictions on “hotspots” in Alberta

The Town of Banff, with a case rate above 1,100, says it’s seeking clarification from the province and evaluating whether a curfew would be useful.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which includes the city of Fort McMurray, has a rate over 1,500 Alberta’s highest.

The municipality says in a statement that it has not requested a curfew at this time as it awaits further details from the province.

Meanwhile, Alberta Health Services says it will be offering some COVID-19 immunization clinics at work camps and sites in Wood Buffalo.

Spokesperson Kerry Williamson says vaccines will be given in partnership with industry as supply and capacity allows.

Shots will begin at Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.’s Horizon mine as early as this weekend and staff can book appointments by calling 811.

(The Canadian Press)