Measures to stop the spread of COVID-19
Banff's mandatory mask bylaw was amended to remove bandanas, neck tubes and scarves as acceptable face coverings. If businesses require a new poster for their front door or window - with a revised illustration - download from the Mandatory Mask web page, or email communications@banff.ca. On Monday, November 30, Banff Town Council also expanded the bylaw to require masks to be worn outside in the "blue zone" in the map above, as well as all publicly accessible buildings in Banff.
The Town implemented additional measures, effective Thursday, Dec. 3 to Dec. 21, unless extended:
- Restaurants and bars are required to limit their occupancy to 50% of normal fire code limit. (See list of new occupancy limits)
- Liquor and cannabis stores are required to close to the public at or before 10 p.m., and they are not permitted to offer delivery services after 10 p.m. This aligns with the provincial restriction that requires all alcohol sales in restaurants and bars to end at 10 p.m.
- Municipal Enforcement staff are assisting RCMP in monitoring and enforcing provincial restrictions which include:
- Festivals, events and sports have been suspended
- limits on social gatherings outside to 10 people
- a ban on social gatherings in homes and guest rooms
- people must be seated in restaurants and bars and tables have a maximum limit of 6 people who must be from the same immediate household
- reduced occupancy limits on retail operations, theatres and galleries to 25% of normal fire code.
Details on current restrictions are available at https://banff.ca/covid#Critical
Support services
The Emergency Social Services team has increased staffing for the Help Desk to support residents in need. For example, with increasing numbers of residents in isolation or quarantine, the help desk can help coordinate delivery of food or supplies, mental health referral, translation services and assistance accessing the Canada Sickness Recovery Benefit or other supports. Residents are asked to visit https://banff.ca/covidhelp or email Help@Banff.ca.
The Town of Banff opened an isolation space for Banff residents living in shared accommodation who need to isolate due to testing positive or being notified they have been in close contact with a person who tested positive. The Town is operating 23 isolation units at the Banff Centre. Learn more.
Town Council also directed the installation of digital signs at the entrances of town to indicate the the high-risk of transmission in the Banff region.
The Town has closed to the public Town Hall, the Fenlands and the 101 Bear Street community space upstairs, to reduce the risk of close contact.
The Bear Street project team recognizes the additional anxiety and financial hardship this new phase in the pandemic is causing residents, businesses and employees on Bear Street. We continue to work to minimize the disruption caused by construction and share your concerns about the impact of COVID in our community. Don't hesitate to contact the team or the Town of Banff with questions, concerns or suggestions.