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Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 104: ISSUE 26
www.tofieldmerc.com
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Tofield Minor Hockey Tribute 2022 INSIDE >>
Alberta drops public health restrictions MGA amendments to ensure consistent public health measures across municipalities MOUSH JOHN Editor
Albertans will now be able to move past all COVID-19 restrictions as stated in a release on Tuesday, March 1. The province decided to drop almost all health restrictions moving into Step two, including the provincial mandatory mask mandate, except for
in AHS and other health facilities and on public transit. The latter restrictions will be removed including mandatory isolations becoming only a recommendation in Step three. The release said that Alberta is a leader in lifting the majority of public health measures, as the province moves to step two of reopening.
“I am proud of our province and its people on reaching this milestone,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “The majority of Albertans came together to keep everyone safe, and this is the result we were working towards. The pressure on our health-care system and the people it serves is lessening and we can now move forward. As
we safely get our lives back to normal, we can move forward toward Alberta’s great economic recovery.” Mandatory isolation for COVID-19 core symptoms or a positive test result remains in place. Isolation periods are five days at home and five days of continued masking for fully vaccinated individuals, or 10 days
for partially and unvaccinated individuals. “Thanks to the vaccination uptake in the province and the commitment of millions of Albertans these past two years, we are closing in on normal life,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping. “As we shift to an endemic response, I am confident that we can take the lessons we have
learned through this pandemic to build an even more robust health-care system for our province’s future.” In Step two, remaining provincial school requirements (including cohorting) are removed; screening prior to youth activities is no longer required; capacity limits are Continued on Page 22
Tofield U15 beats Camrose 5-1 MOUSH JOHN EDITOR
Tofield U15 hosted Camrose on Saturday evening at the Tofield Arena, beating them 5-1. Into the playoffs, the team had a great game to boost their confidence as they went on to play Smoky Lake where they
lost 7-3. The team will be facing a four-game round robin, with the top two teams moving on to a semifinal game, while the third place team moves on to a consolation game. “Our main area of focus with the team is to ensure the kids are having fun, all the while
pushing themselves and each other,” said Head Coach Mike Suchy. “The strength of our team lies in the kids’ attitudes towards each other and the gratefulness to be back on ice after a season of no play. This has also helped them to gel with Continued on Page 21
Tofield’s Amy Lynn Fraser (#7) in action against Camrose on Saturday. MOUSH JOHN PHOTO