Minister LaGrange: Students not back to school until Jan 10th

Supporting a successful return to school Winter break extended for students The Kindergarten to Grade 12 student winter break has been extended to January 10 provincewide. School authorities will use the extended student break to prepare for potential in-person and at-home learning scenarios in response to the current COVID-19 situation. The pause will also provide additional time to deliver 8.6 million rapid tests and 16.5 million medical-grade masks to schools through a phased approach starting the week of January 10. Once fully distributed, every student and staff member will receive 2 five-test kits and an 8 week supply of masks. More information on next steps for students' return to learning will be announced late next week. Decisions will be evidence-based using operational information provided by school authorities, case information and other available health data. K to 12 learning during COVID-19

January diploma exams cancelled To further support high school students whose learning is disrupted by this extension, January diploma exams have been cancelled. A decision regarding the April and June diploma exams will be made later in 2022. Diploma exams during COVID-19

https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=806788B71C10B-FD14-1E3C-70163D5371BF71E0

RS January 6th Activity

 

3rd Vaccine now available for 18+ and new limitations

 

December 21, 2021 More measures to fight Omicron Alberta is taking further steps to strengthen vaccine protection while bringing in new public health measures to reduce contact between Albertans as Omicron cases continue to grow. Expanding booster doses Everyone 18 and older can book a booster shot, as long as it's been at least 5 months since the second dose. You're encouraged to take the first mRNA vaccine available as both Pfizer and Moderna offer a high level of protection against COVID-19. Boosters are needed because vaccine effectiveness against infection may decline over time - especially with the highly transmissible Omicron variant - but vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness and death. Get your third dose to boost your immunity, improve protection and limit community spread. Book your booster shot

New public health measures Albertans are asked to reduce their number of contacts by half, limit unrestricted activities where there is a high risk of transmission, and observe all public health measures over the holidays to slow the spread. Read Dr. Hinshaw's tips for celebrating safely this holiday season. Large venues and businesses participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program will have new measures come into effect on December 24 at 12:01am. Capacity limits at large venues 50% if venue seats more than 1,000 people. 500 people if venue seats between 500 and 1,000 people. No changes for venues under 500 people. No food or drink consumption in seated audience settings or during intermissions in venues with 500+ people. Restaurants, bars and pubs 10 people maximum per table. No mingling between tables. No interactive activities (dancing, darts, billiards, etc.). Liquor service ends at 11pm and must close at 12:30am. All other restrictions on indoor and outdoor social gatherings, weddings, funerals, places of worship and businesses remain in place. Albertans should also refrain from workplace social gatherings. Continue practices good habits to protect yourself and those around you: stay home if you are feeling sick, get tested at an AHS assessment centre if you have symptoms, and take a rapid test before gathering with other households. Learn more about public health restrictions

Creating and Editing Kids Church Accounts

Ok - anyone who has spent time (usually 45 minutes at least) trying to help someone recover their church password will love this!!!  It makes things WAY, WAY, WAY easier for kids under 18!!!  (Maybe there will be a WAY, WAY, WAY easier way coming for Adults too - what a dream that would be)

58 second video clip on how Parents can make and/or change kids Church accounts.  And change the password!!!  This is SO much easier than it used to be.  Kids younger than 12 yrs old can now have their own account... 8 yrs old I think???... 

Parents start by going to your account on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.  This is so great!  (And press the "full size" box on the bottom right, once you start the video, to make it big enough to see)

Bishopric Christmas Letter from Bishop Johnson

Cardston West Stake Live Nativity

December 20^th, 21^st, and 22^nd.

7:00 and 8:00pm nightly at the West Stake Center.

Bring your own chairs or blankets (there will be no bleachers this year) and enjoy an evening with your family and friends.

 

 

From Canadian Border Services: Beginning Dec 21st - Must have Covid test to return to Canada

 https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/menu-eng.html

Temporary border restrictions and measures to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern

• Effective December 21, 2021, at 12:01 am EST, all Canadians returning from short trips (72 hours or less) must take a molecular pre-entry COVID-19 test. The test can't be taken in Canada before you leave.
• Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada, regardless of your vaccination status: Omicron travel health notices

Omicron & Slight Relaxation of Restrictions for Christmas :)

 

December 15, 2021 Protecting Albertans from Omicron Alberta is taking immediate actions and clarifying health measures to protect Albertans and the health-care system against the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Expanding booster doses to more Albertans Starting December 15, Albertans 50 to 59 and all health-care workers can now book a third dose as long as it's been at least 6 months since their second dose. Albertans 60+ and other high-risk groups are already eligible. More age groups will be announced as quickly as supply allows. Third doses are the best way to boost your immunity to improve protection against new variants and limit the spread of COVID-19. See full list of eligible groups and book your shot

At-home rapid test kits available Starting December 17, Albertans can pick up one free COVID-19 rapid testing kit per person at select pharmacies in Calgary, Red Deer or Edmonton, or at select Alberta Health Services clinics in other communities, while supplies last. Each kit includes 5 tests and instructions. Rapid tests can help detect COVID-19 before people know they're infected. Increasing testing at home will identify infections early so people can isolate to help stop the spread. These tests cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Unvaccinated people must pay to obtain proof of negative test result through a private vendor or pharmacy to gain admission. Find a pick up location near you

Social gathering over the holidays Albertans are asked to observe all public health measures over the holidays to help slow the spread. Limit indoor private social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people ages 18 and older. There is no limit on those under 18. Outdoor private social gatherings are limited to 20 people. Physical distancing between households is required. Continue practicing good habits to protect yourself and those around you: stay home if you are feeling sick, get tested at an AHS assessment centre if you have symptoms, and take a rapid test before gathering with other households. Learn more about gathering limits

Information for Returning to Canada from the USA

Here is the government page - check here as it is updated regularly.  It doesn't copy/paste well into the blog but here are some highlights to be aware of.

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#entry-vaccinated

1.  ArriveCan App:  Always fill this out when returning to Canada.  Even if you are less than 72 hrs (getting the mail, etc.) you still MUST fill out the ArriveCan app.  Download it on your phone before you go. You can fill it out before you go if it is a short trip, or during your trip if longer, but FOR SURE BEFORE THE BORDER - or you will be quarantined.

2.  Pre-entry test: (the Covid19 test) Types of tests that qualify for proof of negative test if you are over 72 hrs are below.  Google "free Covid19 testing" and the state you are in.  (Walgreens have free testing).  Most of them you book online days in advance - make sure they offer the type of test you need to return.  Here is one helpful site:

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html#mt

see below for acceptable test details

3.  Notice (below at the very end) if you have had COVID you don't need a negative test - you need proof of your positive test within 180 days.

Some details from https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#entry-vaccinated

Pre-entry testing and other requirements

To enter or return to Canada as a fully vaccinated traveller, you must also follow these requirements:

1. Pre-entry tests (short trips, accepted types, timing)

Who doesn't need a pre-entry test

• Children under 5 years of age
• Exemptions for crew, essential services, and cross-border communities
• Canadians who qualify as fully vaccinated travellers who depart and re-enter Canada by land or air within 72 hours of leaving.
  
  • Canadians include: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, those registered under the Indian Act
  • This exemption also applies to:
    • unvaccinated children under 12 who are accompanying their fully vaccinated (or those with a medical inability to be vaccinated) parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor
      • unvaccinated children must still follow specific requirements when you return to or enter Canada
    • people with a medical inability to be vaccinated
  • These travellers must be able to demonstrate they’ve been away from Canada for less than 72 hours
  • In ArriveCAN: Answer "no" when asked if you have proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Short trips: timing your 72-hour return to Canada
The 72 hour rule begins and ends from:
• the scheduled departure time of your flight/train leaving Canada to the scheduled departure time of your return flight/train to Canada (keep your boarding passes as proof) or
• the time you entered the United States at a land border to the time of your official re-entry into Canada
• keep track of the time you entered the United States
• make sure you leave enough time to re-enter Canada in case of delays at the border
• check the border wait times

Who needs a pre-entry test

• All foreign nationals 5 years of age or older
• Canadians 5 years of age or older who re-enter Canada after more than 72 hours away

These travellers must provide proof of a COVID-19 negative molecular test result to enter Canada OR proof of a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days ago (starting January 15, 2022, between 10 and 180 days ago).

1. Pre-entry tests (short trips, accepted types, timing)

2. Quarantine plan in case you don’t qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller

3. Upload proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN

4. Checklist of what you need to have ready at the border

5. Arrival tests - randomized testing and exemptions

Accepted types of molecular tests

• PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
• Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
• Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)

These tests use methods such as a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, nose swab, or saliva sample.

• Rapid antigen tests aren't accepted.

Other acceptable types of tests

• RT-PCR – reverse transcription real time PCR
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Isothermal amplification
• Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
• Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
• RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
• Ct (cycle threshold)
• CRISPR
• Sequencing
• Next generational sequencing (NGS) or whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• Oxford Nanopore sequencing (LamPORE)
• Detection of the N gene
• Detection of Orf1a/b
• Detection of the S gene
• Detection of the E gene
• Detection of the RdRp gene

Providing proof of your result

When you arrive at the border, you must present an accepted negative molecular test result (paper or electronic proof) or proof of a previous positive molecular test result taken between 14 and 180 days (starting January 15, 2022, between 10 and 180 days ago) that includes:

• Traveller name and date of birth
• Name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test
• The date on which the test was taken
• The type of test taken
• The test result

Keep proof of your test results with you for the 14-day period that begins on the day you enter Canada.

Get QR Code Vaccination Record if you have not already.

Just a lovely reminder that when you go somewhere participating in the REP program - you will be asked for your proof of vaccination or a negative test within the last 72hrs AND photo ID. If you have these ready in your pocket when you get to the door it will be easy!

For Proof of Vaccination - you need to print or save on your phone, or both, the one with the QR code (QR code is a box with a lot of pixelated dots). There is a new version of the QR code proof, but any QR code version will be accepted in Alberta.

AS OF NOV 15TH - ANY VACCINE RECORDS WITHOUT THE QR CODE ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

If no one that you know has a printer - AB Registries will print you one for free (and I have heard they will laminate it for $2.00).

If you never go anywhere you should still get your QR code vaccine record printed or saved on your phone because more and more places are being approved for the REP. Cardston High School was just approved and you now need your record to get in to basketball games. The Carriage House Theatre is approved and you need your record to go to any events there. Funerals are now able to use the REP program.

One ADVANTAGE of using the REP program is that events can be open to all vaccinated persons that want to attend. So:

https://covidrecords.alberta.ca/home

The updated QR code vaccine record that is recommended for travel is now available

Alberta vaccine record

Get your official Alberta-issued COVID-19 vaccine record with QR code. It has been updated to meet Canadian standards and should be used for proof of vaccination when travelling internationally and within Canada.

Getting your vaccine record is fast and easy – no account required. Save it to your phone or print it out.

Businesses or venues will scan your QR code with an app to verify vaccination status. The app does not store any personal information.

GET STARTED

Vaccine Third Dose Updates: 60+ and FNMI 18+ now eligible

 https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx#third

Third doses

Vaccine effectiveness against infection may decline over time. Third doses can boost immunity to improve protection and limit spread. Boosters for people most at risk are available now, and will be extended to all Albertans 18+ in stages by age group.

If you book before your age group is open or it's less than 6 months since your second dose, your appointment may be cancelled or get turned away. Rebook when you are eligible.

 

 
 
 
 
 

Stake Presidency Christmas message

 

Vaccine Update - 3rd Doses

Learn more about third doses and book your shot

Learn more about vaccines for children

Learn more about vaccines for children

Learn more about vaccines for children

Letter from Bishop Johnson November 29th

Good Evening All, 

I wanted to make sure you were all aware of two important items that are happening in the coming days. 

Food Drive - On Sunday, plastic bags and an invitation to participate in the food drive were passed out. As we have many members participating virtually, you may have missed this. Not to worry. Any old plastic bag will do. Plastic bags containing non-perishable food items, clothing, toys/gifts for children, and Christmas decorations can be placed at your doorstep this coming Saturday (Dec. 4th) morning by 8:00 am. Volunteers from the ward will be coming around to collect those on Saturday morning and will begin making the rounds at 8:00 am. Volunteers will not ring the bell or knock on the door to collect. If it isn't placed outside, it will not be picked up. Should we miss you and you would still like to donate, you can take a donation to the Carriage Lane Market from Dec. 1st - 6th. 

5th Ward Christmas Party - We are very excited to be hosting a ward Christmas party this year. Our activities committee have been hard and work and have a fun night planned. This will take place on Dec. 8th from 6-8 pm at the Cardston Reunion Center down in the campground. This is an outdoor event so please dress for the weather. There will be donuts, carol singing (on a hay ride I think!), a bonfire (if the wind doesn't blow it out), and pictures with Santa. We hope to see everyone out, even if just for a short hello and a donut to go. 

Tithing Settlement - If you have not had a chance to meet with me for tithing settlement and would like to do so, please contact Brother Dobson to schedule a time. I am happy to make phone calls for those who wish to connect. If you feel like cutting out the middle man, just reply to this email and let me know you'd like a quick call sometime. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet in person with as many in the ward as possible, but I also recognize that present circumstances may make that difficult. 

Thanks everyone and Happy December!

Bishop Johnson