August 4 Community Press

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The Community

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Volume 114, Issue 5

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

$1 Including GST

Sedgewick U14 team wins Silver at Provincials

The Sedgewick Steelers U14 team brought home silver medals from the provincial tournament played July 23-25 in Stettler.

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

The U14 softball Sedgewick Steelers team travelled to Stettler the weekend of July 23-25 to take part in Provincials, coming away with a silver medal for their efforts. Coach Delanie Hellekson, one of four of the team’s coaches, says, “We didn’t get to play very many games over the past two years because of COVID.” She says the girls travelled to provincials ready to play their very best. “They did amazing coming

through the round-robin 4-0.” Their trip to the final included wins over Stettler, Mascwacis, Innisfail, and Lethbridge teams. Hellekson says, “They played an awesome semi-final game against Innisfail.” That win put them into the finals against Camrose, who were also undefeated going into the last game. “They fought hard against Camrose, they were hitting well and played an awesome defence, but just couldn’t quite pull out a win.” She adds, “As coaches, we are so proud of the girls, they all pushed themselves to be better athletes during

the provincial tournament. “Each player had a big hit or a big defensive play during the tournament that helped us earn the silver medal.” The Steelers players and coaches are: Ava Bergseth, Taylor Price, Kora Lefsrud, Sydney Mallioux, Payten Schmutz, Meaghan Falle, Cabrie Tanton, Mackenna Hayes, Katie Grant, Emma Tuftin, Dalee Fenton, Caylin Brumwell, and Baylee Oberg. This season’s coaches are: Delanie Hellekson, Cheryl Fee, Hayley McArthur, and Craig Tanton. The team Managers are Jill Price and Jennifer Falle.

Big changes coming in Alberta’s handling of COVID-19 Leslie Cholowsky Editor

With 65 per cent of Albertans age 12 and up fully vaccinated, and nearly 76 per cent with at least one dose, Alberta is making some big changes in how it tests and treats those who test positive for COVID-19, starting this month. Flagstaff County presently has 60.4 per cent of its population 12-years-old and up who have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. In a press conference held July 28, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said, “Vaccines are able to drastically reduce the risk of not only contracting the virus but, more importantly, getting severely ill. “From a public health standpoint, this has changed how we need to look at this virus.” Starting July 29, quarantine is no longer universally

legally required for close contacts of confirmed cases, although it could still be required in some high-risk settings or for outbreak management. The province is also no longer recommending asymptomatic testing, including for close contacts of COVID-19 confirmed cases. “But to be clear: anyone experiencing symptoms should still isolate from others and will be able to get tested province wide,” Hinshaw said. Changes coming mid-month, Aug. 16, are more significant. Starting then, provincial masking orders on public transit, taxis, and ride shares will be lifted. “We are not planning to require universal masking in schools.” Also on that date, isolation will no longer be universally legally required if you test positive for COVID19, she said, although it may be required in some high-risk settings. It is, however, strongly recom-

mended. In addition, Hinshaw said, “As quarantine is no longer required, contact tracers will no longer call close contacts. We recommend where it is possible to do so, positive cases notify their close contacts.” Testing will continue to play a role, but is also changing. Effective Aug. 16, the province no longer recommends those with mild symptoms seek testing. “But rather stay home until they are feeling better.” Assessments centres will stay open until Aug. 31. After August 31, testing for COVID-19 will be available for patients whose symptoms are severe enough to need care in hospitals or physicians’ clinics. “Cases have risen recently, almost entirely in those who are not fully vaccinated, as we expected would happen as people come in close contact with others See COVID P9


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