As other municipalities, like Banff and Calgary, pass mandatory mask bylaws, the Town of Drumheller is trying a different approach.

Rather than enforcing mandatory use, a reward program called Dino Bucks was passed at the August 5 council meeting.

In a media release from the town, CAO Darryl Drohomerski said, “Enforcing the wearing of masks through a bylaw is challenging in a community as spread out as the Drumheller Valley and requires significant resources to achieve compliance.”

Dino Bucks will be handed out by participating retailers in the valley to customers wearing masks, which can be redeemed for a face value of $5 off their purchase.

Drumheller Mayor Heather Colberg said, “The joy of this program is that it also supports local business and encourages people to maybe visit stores they haven’t visited before.”

The hope is reward rather than enforcement will encourage more residents and visitors to the valley to use masks in stores and other indoor locations where two-metre social distancing measures may not be possible.

The town will allocate a total of $5,000 to generate 1,000 Dino Bucks for participating retailers across the valley; signage will be provided to participating businesses to encourage mask use in-store. Participating retailers will be reimbursed 90 per cent ($4.50) of the voucher’s value by the town.

Dino Bucks will run from Friday, August 7 until Wednesday, September 30.

As part of new school safety measures to combat COVID-19, mask use for Grade 4 to 12 students, and all school staff, will be mandatory when school returns for the 2020-21 year.
Education Minister Adriana LaGrange, along with Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta made the announcement on Tuesday, morning, August 4. While mandatory mask use is for students in Grades 4 to 12 and all staff, all students and staff in public, separate, Francophone, charter, and independent schools will receive two reusable masks from Alberta’s government. More than 1.6 million masks will be distributed to 740,000 students and 90,000 staff. Additional single-use masks will be available at schools if required.
“The safety of our staff and students continues to be my number 1 priority. Since cancelling in-person classes in March and developing our school re-entry plan, we have been clear that we would continue to adapt our guidelines as necessary based on current medical advice,” said Minster LaGrange. “These new safety measures will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, and we will continue to work with our school authorities to ensure they are equipped for a successful start to the school year.”
Mask use will be mandatory for staff and teachers in all settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Students will be required to wear them in all shared and common areas such as hallways and on buses. Exemptions will be made for students and staff who are unable to wear a mask due to medical or other needs.
Mask use for kindergarten to Grade 3 students will continue to be optional. Mask use for younger children is a challenge due to difficulties with proper fit and compliance. In addition, evidence shows that children under 10 may be less likely than older children or adults to transmit COVID-19.
“After reviewing the emerging evidence, it is clear that masks can play an important role in limiting the spread of COVID-19,” said Hinshaw. “I am not making this updated recommendation lightly, but acting on the best current evidence available. While masks are important, I want to stress they are only one of the many public health measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of students, staff, and families.”
Alberta’s government remains committed to adjusting the school re-entry guidelines based on current medical advice. The chief medical officer of health has been studying the evidence around masking in schools, and this decision is a direct result of evolving medical advice, states a press release.