COVID-19: Stay Current on Most Recent Developments
Alberta's Relaunch Strategy Puts Safety First
What Does Physical (Social) Distancing Mean?
Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical (social) distance between each other. With patience and cooperation, we can all do our part. Albertans must practice physical distancing to help protect themselves and limit the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce the risk of getting sick.
To protect yourself and others, keep at least 6 feet (about the length of a hockey stick) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs. Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands. Try to shop at less busy times and/or order online to have groceries or other items delivered, if possible. Go for a walk in your neighbourhood while maintaining distance from others. Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces, and follow Alberta’s restrictions on mass gatherings.
Other steps you can take:
- Wear a mask in public when distancing is not possible
- Download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app while out in public
- Avoid carpooling with people from outside your household, if possible
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol)
- Use gloves properly if you choose to wear them (they are not necessary)
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Watch for COVID-19 symptoms
- Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to arrange testing if you have any symptoms
Learn more about physical distancing
VIDEO: Physical distancing works to stop the spread of COVID-19
Non-medical Masks and Face Coverings
Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when it's difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times. Wearing a homemade or non-medical mask in public is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks should complement – not replace – other prevention measures.
Wearing a homemade facial covering/non-medical mask in the community has not been proven to protect the person wearing it and is not a substitute for physical distancing and hand washing. However, it can be an additional measure taken to protect others around you, even if you have no symptoms. It can be useful for short periods of time, when physical distancing is not possible in public settings, such as when grocery shopping or using public transit.
These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of a potential loose fit and the materials used. Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.
Do not place a facial covering/mask on a child under the age of 2; doing so can cause unintended suffocation. Those who have difficulty breathing or removing a covering/mask without assistance should also avoid using them.
Medical masks
Medical masks include N95 masks and surgical or procedure masks. N95 masks protect from exposure to biological aerosols that may contain viruses or bacteria. They are generally only required during specific, high-risk medical procedures. Surgical or procedure masks provide a barrier to splashes, droplets, saliva or spit. They are not designed to fit tightly against the face.
These masks should be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. They may also be recommended for use in some workplaces, like salons, where there is prolonged close contact with people.
Gloves
It is not necessary to wear gloves in public. If you choose to wear gloves, remember to wash your hands before you put them on and immediately after taking them off. Change the gloves if you touch your face, cover a cough or sneeze with your hands, or if they become dirty or torn. Always discard the gloves in a lined garbage bin after taking them off.
To avoid spreading germs or COVID-19, do not touch your face or mask with your gloves, do not touch any personal items (cell phone, bag, credit card) that you might touch again with bare hands, and do not try to wash gloves or use hand sanitizer with gloves on.
ABTraceTogether app: Help AHS Track COVID-19
ABTraceTogether is a mobile app that enables community-driven contact tracing to support existing efforts to fight COVID-19. ABTraceTogether will be a tool to complement traditional manual contact tracing completed by public health officials.
Mandatory Self-isolation and Enforcement Measures
Learn more about enforcement measures to protect Albertans
Submit a complaint online; Help Save Lives
Resource Hub: Mental Health and Wellness During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is a very stressful situation for individuals, businesses and communities. It’s normal to feel stress and anxiety. It’s also common for people to display great resiliency during times of crisis. We should remember that this is absolutely the time to lean on each other. Even if we can’t be close physically, we need to stay close emotionally. So, while you’re staying in, stay in touch with each other, and reach out if you need support.
Alberta Health Services has resources and services available to help you or someone you know. Remember, if you’re struggling you’re not alone. There are supports to help you.
Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Online Self-assessment
Important Phone Numbers
- Emergency dial 911
- Health Link dial 811
- Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322
- Family Violence Supports 310-1818
- Income Supports 1-866-644-5135
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
- Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642
COVID-19 Financial Relief for Albertans
Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits. They are committed to improving services for Canadians by working with partners to provide access to the full range of government services and benefits that Canadians want and need through the Internet, by telephone, in person or by mail.
Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Employers should consider their Business Continuity Plan and how COVID-19 could impact their workplace. To prepare, make plans to protect employees, limit spread in workplaces, ensure continuity of critical services if staff are ill or self-isolating, and explore alternate working arrangements, such as working from home or remotely and/or doing work that doesn't require contact with other people.
COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses
COVID-19 Financial Support Measures for Various Sectors
- Keeping workers in food supply chain safe
- Increasing credit availability
- Helping food producers access more PPE and adapt to health protocols
- Helping producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19
- Increasing the Canadian Dairy Commission borrowing limit
- Helping redistribute existing and unsold inventories
- Increasing interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability
- Expanding the AgriInsurance to include labour shortage
Canadian Manufacturers Needed to Help Combat COVID-19
If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. Please refer to the product specifications and requirements for Canada’s medical supply needs. If you can say yes to the following, we really want to hear from you.
- You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain
- You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns, sanitizers, wipes, ventilators, and/or other medical equipment and supplies
- You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances
- The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19
Explore product specifications and requirements for Canada’s medical supply needs
My business wants to help