Q: What does SOLE mean?
A: SOLE stands for State of Local Emergency. Declaring a SOLE allows the City of Wetaskiwin to enforce additional measures in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These measures include ensuring businesses follow public safety protocols, and that gathering restrictions identified in public health orders are followed. A gathering is any situation that brings people together in the same space at the same time for the same purpose.

Q: Why does the City have control over these closures?
A: Declaring a SOLE allows the City of Wetaskiwin to enforce additional measures in order to significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the community. Regarding the mass gathering and business closure measures, however, those decisions were made by the Government of Alberta, and apply to all communities in the province.

Q: Why was this decision made?
A: Many municipal decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been difficult to make, and place additional burdens and restrictions on the community. However, we need to make the health and safety of the community our top priority. The faster we can limit contact between people, the faster we can limit the spread of COVID-19.

Q: How are you communicating with the businesses?
A: The page you're viewing is part of the City's standalone website dedicated to keeping the business community (and the public at large) informed about the COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses are advised to bookmark this website (wetaskiwin.ca/COVID-19) and refer back to it for the latest locally relevant COVID-19 news, resources and supports.

Q: How will this be enforced?
A: Businesses, individuals and community groups in violation of the mass gathering restrictions and business closure directive may be subject to fines. Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the province’s new public health orders and issue fines. You can submit a complaint to AHS public health inspectors if you are concerned an establishment is not following public health orders. Click Here for more information.

Q: What are you doing to support businesses through this time?
A: We will do all we can to support our local economy through this uncharted territory. The starting point for this help can be found here on the City's COVID-19 portal. This is where local businesses can find news, resources and supports specific to area business owners. In addition, the City’s Economic Development team is reaching out to businesses directly with information on what they can do to weather the storm.

Q: When will these restrictions be lifted?
A: Information about the COVID-19 pandemic changes rapidly and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The City will post any locally relevant updates on wetaskiwin.ca/COVID-19 as they become available for distribution. For up-to-date and accurate information on the Government of Alberta’s response to COVID-19 please visit COVID-19 coronavirus info for Albertans.

Q: How can we survive without a paycheque?
A: There are financial resources available to anyone who finds themselves suddenly without a paycheque during the COVID-19 pandemic—available through both the province of Alberta and the Canadian government. Visit alberta.ca/COVID-19 for details. Locally, the City has taken action to help minimize the financial impact its community members face in light of the pandemic, including cancelling late payment charges for unpaid utility bills, etc. You can find out more at wetaskiwin.ca/COVID-19.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, provides daily updates on COVID-19 and the ongoing work to protect public health of Albertans.

Stronger public health measures

Mandatory, province-wide restrictions are in effect to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Protecting Alberta’s healthcare capacity ensures that Albertans get the care they need when they need it.

See current public health measures in effect
Learn about the health system capacity in COVID-19
Outbreak update from the Government of Canada
Global situation dashboard from the World Health Organization

COVID-19 vaccines help prevent you from getting infected and protect you from getting severely sick if you do get it. All vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. Everyone who wants a vaccine, will get a vaccine. But you may have to wait until people most at risk get vaccinated first. Some Albertans can book now. Find out when you can too.

Review the phases to find out when you're eligible
Sign up to be notified of changes rollout plan
When it’s your turn, book your free shot (no walk-ins unless stated)
Learn about vaccines for COVID-19: authorized vaccines

Until most Albertans are protected, fully vaccinated people must still follow all health measures: no indoor gatherings, keep 2 metres apart, wear a mask in public, and stay home when sick.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) or never develop symptoms (asymptomatic).

Core symptoms

Some of the more commonly reported symptoms (core symptoms) include:

• Fever (temperature equal to or over 38°C)
• Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
• Runny nose or sore throat (core symptoms for adults)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste (core symptoms for children under 18)

If you have any of these core symptoms, you need to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer, or until you test negative.

Other symptoms

If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve:

• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste (core symptoms for children under 18)
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

Adults over 18 with any non-core symptom should stay home and limit contact with others until symptoms are gone. Testing is recommended.

A child under 18 with only one non-core symptom should stay home and be monitored for 24 hours. Testing is not needed if symptoms improve. The child can resume normal activities when they feel well. A child with two or more non-core symptoms, or if one symptom gets worse, should get tested. They should stay home until the symptoms go away, or they test negative and feel better.

Monitor your symptoms

Monitor your health and call Health Link 811, or your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

Book a test

You should stay home and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom or known exposure to COVID-19. Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

Use the COVID-19 Testing / Online Booking tool
Learn about the rapid testing program

Be an influenza champion

Influenza immunization will protect you and your loved ones, as well as vulnerable seniors, children and those with chronic health conditions. By keeping the number of influenza cases and outbreaks low, we can also do our part to help healthcare workers focus on the COVID-19 response.

Immunization options have changed. The easiest way for most Albertans to get a flu shot is to call their local pharmacy or doctor's office.

Learn more about Influenza Immunization

Variants are viruses that have changed or mutated while reproducing inside an infected person’s cells. The variant can be spread to others and may continue to mutate as it moves from person to person.

New variant strains of COVID-19 were originally identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, and have since been identified in many other countries around the world. These strains are known as variants of concern, as they appear to spread more easily than other COVID-19 strains. Alberta is monitoring for these variants of concern. Confirmed variant cases are updated daily.

See variant case data in Alberta

What we know

Scientists and public health officials around the world are studying variant strains and how the current vaccines may help protect against them. Current evidence suggests the variants of concern are more contagious and spread more easily than the original COVID-19 strain.

While it is not yet clear if these new variants cause more severe illness, there is concern that increased spread would result in more illness, hospitalizations and deaths if they become common in our communities. Symptoms in variant cases are the same as usual COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, and sore throat.

See the full list of symptoms
Learn more about variants of the virus that causes COVID-19​​

Isolating and quarantining help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people you could infect if you're sick. Both require staying home and avoiding situations where the virus could spread.

• Mandatory 14 day quarantine for returning international travellers or close contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19
• Mandatory 10 day self-isolation if you have any core symptoms from the start of your symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer, or until you test negative for COVID-19

COVID-19 testing is available to all Albertans with symptoms, close contacts of confirmed cases and those linked to an outbreak.

Learn how to monitor your symptoms
Take the online assessment to arrange testing
Learn about self-isolation and quarantine
List of approved hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers

To protect the health and safety of Albertans, public health orders can be legally-enforced and fines issued for violations.

Learn about COVID-19 public health orders and legislation

Mandatory quarantine for returning international travellers

Canadians are legally required under public health order to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days if they have recently returned from international travel, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

COVID-19 public health orders enforceable by law

Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, Community Peace Officers, in addition to Police, have been granted full authority to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.

Fines administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.

Learn more about enforcement measures to protect Albertans
Submit a complaint online; Help Save Lives

ABTraceTogether is a mobile contact tracing app that helps to let you know if you've been exposed to COVID-19 – or if you've exposed others – while protecting your privacy.

Quickly identifying and isolating positive cases is an important part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and preventing the spread. The more Albertans who voluntarily download and use the app, the safer we'll be, and the faster we can reopen the economy.

How ABTraceTogether works
Download ABTraceTogether on the App Store
Download ABTraceTogether on Google Play

Help keep yourself and others safe

When you venture out in public, avoid close contact with others and use the ABTraceTogether app. ABTraceTogether uses your phone's Bluetooth to keep an anonymous log of other app users you've been in close contact with.

Have questions? Get answers.

Get exposed. Get notified.

If you're exposed to COVID-19, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will use information from ABTraceTogether to contact you on the number you used to register your account. AHS contact tracers will tell you about your risk of exposure and the actions you should take. If you get COVID-19, you'll be asked to volunteer your ABTraceTogether logs so other users that you've had close contact with can be notified.

Your privacy is protected

Your personal data is only stored on your phone for 21 days in an encrypted format. Your information will not be shared with AHS contact tracers without your permission.

See how your data is kept safe

How it compares to the federal COVID Alert

ABTraceTogether is a contact tracing tool connected to Alberta's contact tracing system. If you test positive, contact tracers will directly notify people at risk, ensure they isolate, and support them in their recovery. The technology in ABTraceTogether has been used successfully in Australia, Singapore and other jurisdictions.

The federal COVID Alert is an exposure notification tool. It relies on infected users to send out an alert to people they've exposed without directly involving contact tracers.

Current scams

There are a number of reported scams related to COVID-19.

Listing of known COVID-19 scams
Verify that a charity is registered
Learn about cyber security

COVID-19 vaccines frauds and scams

Do not buy COVID-19 vaccines online or from unauthorized sources. The only way to access safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is through clinics organized or endorsed by your local public health authority in collaboration with Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments.

Learn about vaccines that are approved for use in Canada

CERB and CESB payment scams

We will not reach out by text or email to ask you to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), and we will not notify you by text or email that you have received a payment. The CERB and CESB are now closed to applications. You can no longer apply for these benefits.

CERB and CESB repayment scams

Beware of fraudulent emails, texts or calls about repaying the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or repaying the Canada Emergency Student Benefit. There are official ways to make a repayment.

When a scammer contacts you:

If someone says they are from the Government

Many frauds and scams attempt to mimic real federal government services to gain access to your personal and financial information.

Identifying a Service Canada or 1 800 O-Canada fraudulent call
Identifying a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) fraudulent call

If someone says they are from a financial institution

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is warning Canadians to be very cautious when receiving emails or text messages that appear to be from a financial institution asking for personal or financial information.

Financial institution fraudulent call

Reporting a fraud or scam

If you or a family member have been contacted by a scammer, report it to us — even if you didn't give them any money.

What to do if you're a victim of fraud
Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Public health measures will be eased in steps based on hospitalization benchmarks. Each step sets a more predictable path for easing restrictions, while protecting the healthcare system. Once hospitalizations are within range of the benchmark, decisions to move to the next step will be considered.

The lowest-risk activities in each sector will be considered for change first. Moving between steps will happen at least 3 weeks apart to assess the impact on cases.

Learn more about hospital capacity during COVID-19.

Steps based on hospitalization benchmarks:

STEP 1 <600 hospitalizations

Returned to Step 1 on April 7:

• Indoor fitness
• Youth and collegiate sport, performance and recreation activities

STEP 2 <450 hospitalizations

Potential easing in these areas:

• Further easing of indoor fitness activities
• Restaurants
• Libraries
• Banquet halls, community halls, conference centres and hotels
• Performance activities
• Retail

STEP 3 <300 hospitalizations

Potential easing in these areas:

• Adult team sports
• Casinos, racing centres and bingo halls
• Further easing of youth sport and recreation activities
• Indoor social gatherings, with restrictions
• Indoor seated events (movie theatres and auditoria)
• Museums, art galleries, zoos, interpretive centres
• Places of worship

STEP 4 <150 hospitalizations

Potential easing in these areas:

• Amusement parks
• Concerts (indoor)
• Festivals (indoor and outdoor)
• Funeral receptions
• Indoor entertainment centres and play centres
• Performance activities (singing, dancing and wind instruments)
• Sporting events (indoor and outdoor)
• Trade shows, conferences and exhibiting events
• Wedding ceremonies and receptions
• Workplaces (lift working from home)
• Day and overnight camps

Health officials are monitoring the situation and will adjust measures if required.

Read more about the provincial mandatory measures in effect
Subscribe to regional COVID-19 status notifications

The following mandatory public health measures will apply to all communities with more than 50 cases per 100,000 people and with 30 or more active cases:

Outdoor social gatherings
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• All outside social gatherings must be limited to no more than 5 people
• This is a decrease from the previous 10-person limit
• Mandatory physical distancing must be maintained at all times between members of different households
• All indoor social gatherings are still prohibited

Indoor fitness
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• All indoor fitness must close, including for one-on-one training

Funerals
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• No more than 10 people can attend funeral services, including participants and guests
• This is a decrease from the current limit of 20 people, and brings funerals in line with wedding services
• Wedding and funeral receptions are still not permitted

Retail
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• Retail services must limit customer capacity to 10 per cent of fire code occupancy (not including staff) or a minimum of 5 customers
• The 10 per cent capacity limit at shopping malls will exclude common area square footage
• Curbside pick up, delivery and online services are encouraged

Post-secondary institutions
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• All post-secondary learning must shift to online learning only

Places of worship
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• Faith services are limited to in-person attendance of 15 people
• This is a decrease from the previous 15 per cent capacity limit
• Physical distancing between households must be maintained at all times
• Virtual or online services are strongly recommended
• Drive-in services where people do not leave their vehicles and adhere to guidance are allowed

Hotels/motels
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• Hotels and motels can remain open but pools and recreation facilities must close

Working from home
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• Working from home remains mandatory unless the employer requires the employee's physical presence to operate effectively
• Where at work for operational effectiveness, employees must mask for all indoor settings, except in workstations or where two-metre physical distancing or adequate physical barriers are in place

Workplace transmission
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• Any workplace, except work camps and essential and critical services, with transmission of three or more cases will be required by health officials to close for 10 days
• Any workplace that does not comply will be subject to enforcement

Schools (K-12)
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 7, 2021.

All kindergarten to Grade 12 students will temporarily shift to at-home learning, starting on May 7. Students will return to in-class learning on May 25. Exceptions will continue to be available for students with disabilities so they can continue to attend in-person classes as necessary.

Restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges and cafes
Mandatory restrictions, effective 11:59pm on May 9, 2021.

• In-person dining on patios is prohibited
• Only take out or delivery services are allowed

Personal and wellness services
Mandatory restrictions, effective 11:59pm on May 9, 2021.

• Hair salons, barbers, nail salons, estheticians, tattoos and piercing, must close
• Previously, these were allowed by appointment only

Health, social and professional services
Mandatory restrictions, effective 11:59pm on May 9, 2021.

• Regulated health services, such as physicians, dentists and chiropractors, can remain open by appointment only
• Non-regulated health services, such as massage therapists and kinesiologists, can remain open by appointment only
• Professional services, such as lawyers and photographers, can remain open by appointment only
• Social services, such as shelters and not-for-profit community kitchens, can remain open

Sports, performance and recreation
Mandatory restrictions, effective 11:59pm on May 9, 2021.

• All outdoor sports and recreation are now prohibited except with members of your household or, if living alone, two close contacts. This is a decrease from the current limit of 10 people. This includes:
  • all group physical activities, such as team sports, fitness classes, training sessions
  • all one-on-one lessons and training activities
  • all practices, training and games
• All indoor sport and recreation is prohibited, including youth sports
• All indoor performance activity is prohibited, including youth performances
• Professional sport organizations that have received an exemption can continue, provided protocols are strictly followed

All other public health measures remain in place, including masking and physical distancing requirements.

These measures apply to any region or community except those with fewer than 50 cases per 100,000 people and fewer than 30 active cases. This eliminates any distinction in restrictions for hot spot areas.

For a current list of Municipalities below the regional threshold, please visit Quick Facts on the Alberta government portal.

Municipalities that have fewer than 50 cases per 100,000 people and/or fewer than 30 active cases will be required to return to Step 0 level restrictions.

This includes:

Outdoor social gatherings

• All outside social gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people
• Mandatory physical distancing must be maintained at all times between members of different households
• All indoor social gatherings are still prohibited

Funerals

• No more than 20 people can attend funeral services, including participants and guests
• This continues the current limit of 20 people, and brings funerals in line with wedding services
• Wedding and funeral receptions are still not permitted

Indoor fitness
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• All indoor fitness must close, including for 1-on-1 training

All youth and adult indoor sport, performance and recreation activities
Mandatory restrictions, effective May 5, 2021.

• All youth and adult indoor sport, performance and recreation activities are prohibited
• All indoor recreation facilities must close. Outdoor recreation amenities can be open to public access unless specifically closed by public health order.
• Outdoor recreation with up to 10 people is allowed

Personal and wellness services can stay open by appointment only

All other public health measures remain in place, including masking and physical distancing requirements.

To reinforce the importance of following public health orders and the consequences of not doing so, fines will double to $2,000 for Public Health Act violations. To do this, an Order in Council will amend the Procedures Regulation of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act to enable the increased fines to take effect as soon as possible.

Repeat offenders, whether individuals, organizations or businesses, who are repeatedly or continuously violating public health orders will be targeted with a new enforcement protocol. The protocol is now in place and will be used to coordinate a multi-agency response to repeat offenders.

If one organization is unable to gain compliance, a coalition of enforcement partners will work with each other to respond as quickly as possible with the most effective measures to gain compliance in that situation. The protocol also outlines steps for ongoing monitoring, which will assist authorities with deciding how to escalate legal and regulatory consequences against offenders that refuse to comply with previous enforcement measures.

Partners in the provincial group include Alberta Health Services, Occupational Health and Safety, Alberta Prosecution Service and local police services. Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis will also participate when cases involve licensees or activities under its jurisdiction.

As is the case with the public health orders themselves, the goal of this enforcement protocol is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and the resulting threat to public health and strain on the healthcare system.

Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s healthcare system.

If you are concerned someone is not following a public health order, you can remind them that not following orders is against the law and puts people at risk, or you can report your concern directly to AHS Public Health Inspectors online or by calling 1-833-415-9179.

Albertans and Alberta businesses must follow the orders issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, under the Public Health Act.

General Guidance

Guidance supports for all workplaces

• Guidance on reduced capacity and occupant loads (December 2020)
• General relaunch guidance (September 2020)
• Alberta Health daily checklist (October 2020)
• Infection prevention and control (AHS)
• OHS resources
• Cohort groups (June 2020)
• Flushing water systems (May 2020)
• Hand sanitizer (June 2020)
• Industry-initiated COVID-19 testing (February 2021)
• Masks (non-medical) (October 2020)
• Public health orders
• Posters

Sector Guidance

Businesses, community and cultural events, and organizations

• Canvassing and campaigning (September 2020)
• Disability service providers (June 2020)
• Drive-in events (September 2020)
• Farmers’ markets (September 2020)
• Funeral homes (November 2020)
• Guidance for adult performance: specialized groups, filming and broadcasting (April 2021)
• Homeless shelters (AHS)
• Indoor events (November 2020)
• Instrumental music (September 2020)
• Libraries (June 2020)
• Movie theatres (June 2020)
• Outdoor events (November 2020)
• Outdoor vocal concerts (July 2020)
• Places of worship (March 2021)
• Public rallies, marches, parades and demonstrations (September 2020)
• Screen-based production industry (June 2020)
• Seniors centres and seniors serving organizations (September 2020)
• Singing and vocal performance (September 2020)

Child care

• Day camps (November 2020)
• Daycare and out-of-school care (November 2020)
• Family day homes (November 2020)
• Preschools (November 2020)

Education

K-12 school re-entry guidance:

• 2020-21 School Re-entry Plan (July 2020)
• Scenario 1 guidance (January 2020)
• Implementing school re-entry guidance (January 2020)

Post-secondary institutions (June 2020)
Graduation ceremonies (September 2020)

Health and personal services

• Health non-essential services
• Personal services (September 2020)
• Wellness services (September 2020)

Restaurant and food sector

• Food catering (June 2020)
• Food processing facilities (June 2020)
• Food sampling and beverage tasting (August 2020)
• Grocery stores (October 2020)
• Restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars (February 2021)

Retail, manufacturing, industrial and commerce

• Home-based, mobile and door-to-door operations (September 2020)
• Industrial work camps (June 2020)
• Large production facility rapid response plans (June 2020)
• Malls and shopping centres (June 2020)
• Office buildings (September 2020)
• Retail (June 2020)
• Warehouses (June 2020)

Sport and recreation

• Bingo halls (September 2020)
• Casinos and racing centres (September 2020)
• Dog parks (June 2020)
• Golf course and driving range operators (June 2020)
• Horse racing parks and motor raceways (June 2020)
• Indoor recreation, entertainment and play centres (September 2020)
• Junior collegiate and university leagues (October 2020)
• Outdoor fitness (June 2020)
• Outdoor winter recreation (December 2020)
• Playgrounds (June 2020)
• Professional sporting events (August 2020)
• Rodeos (September 2020)
• Shooting (firearm) ranges (August 2020)
• Sport, physical activity and recreation (February 2021)
• Swimming pools and whirlpools (September 2020)
• Video lottery terminal retailers (June 2020)

Tourism and travel

• Campgrounds (private/municipal) (June 2020)
• Chartered tour buses, multi-city buses and passenger trains (June 2020)
• Gondolas, trams and chairlifts (July 2020)
• Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, and vacation rentals (June 2020)
• Hunting and fishing lodges, camps and outfitters (June 2020)
• Interpretive attractions (June 2020)
• Public transit (July 2020)
• Taxis, limos, rideshares and commuting (June 2020)
• Trade shows and exhibiting events (August 2020)

Other

• Animals and pets (June 2020)
• Garage, yard and estate sales (July 2020)
• Multi-family dwellings, condos and apartment buildings (June 2020)

Personal protective equipment

As businesses prepare to reopen, it's important to take measures to protect employees and customers:

• Practice good hygiene and thorough cleaning and disinfecting
• Use Health Canada approved hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers for use against COVID-19
• Conduct a hazard assessment to identify existing and potential hazards related to COVID-19
• Aid physical separation through barriers (Plexiglas), signage, floor markings and traffic flow controls to limit people in a space

Business owners can purchase PPE

Connect to PPE suppliers using the websites below. The government is not responsible for products or prices offered on these sites.

• Rapid Response Platform Canada
• ATB Nexus
• Federal Supply Hub

What does physical 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. Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

• Avoiding crowded places and gatherings
• Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• Limiting contact with people at higher risk (older adults and those in poor health)
• Keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
• 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
• 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

Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, Community Peace Officers, in addition to Police, have been granted full authority to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.

Fines administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.

COVID-19 orders and legislation

COVID-19: Mandatory mask requirements

Effective December 8, 2020, masks are mandatory across Alberta in all:

• Indoor public places
• Places of worship
• Indoor workplaces, except when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or a barrier is in place
• Farm operations (exempt)

This workplace requirement:

• Applies to all employees, customers, visitors, delivery personnel and contractors
• Includes all workplace locations where masks won’t pose a safety risk
• Does not change current student mask requirements in schools

Read about the Mandatory, province-wide restrictions in effect

Why use a mask

Wearing a homemade or non-medical mask in public is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It hasn’t been proven that masks protect the person wearing it, but it can help protect people from being exposed to your germs. Masks should complement, not replace, other prevention measures. Continue physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick.

Face shields

Face shields do not replace masks or face coverings. A face shield is used to protect the eyes of the person wearing it.

Using a face shield without a mask won’t protect you from potentially inhaling infectious respiratory droplets exhaled by others, nor will it protect others from your infectious respiratory droplets, as they can escape around the face shield.

If you’re unable to wear a mask or face covering, you may want to wear a face shield. Choose one that extends around the sides of the face and below the chin. You’ll still need to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres, and practice good hand hygiene, especially if you touch the face shield.

Neck gaiters (neck warmers)

Neck gaiters (also known as neck warmers) are not recommended because they aren’t well secured to the head or ears, are likely to move or slip out of place, and are difficult to remove without contaminating yourself.

If a neck gaiter must be used as a face covering, it should be folded to provide at least 3 layers of fabric and should include a filter or filter fabric added between layers. Lift it away from your face, especially when taking it off, and wash your hands or use alcohol based hand sanitizer anytime you need to adjust it, especially when putting it on and taking it off.

Masks with exhalation valves

Masks with exhalation valves or vents are not recommended. These masks do not protect others from COVID-19 or limit the spread of the virus. This is because they allow infectious respiratory droplets to spread outside the mask.

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.

When worn properly, a person wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can reduce the spread of his or her own infectious respiratory droplets. Non-medical face masks or face coverings should:

• Allow for easy breathing
• Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
• Maintain their shape after washing and drying
• Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
• Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment
• Be made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen)
• Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping

Some masks also include a pocket to accommodate a paper towel or disposable coffee filter, for increased benefit. Non-medical masks or face coverings should not:

• Be shared with others
• Impair vision or interfere with tasks
• Be placed on children under the age of 2 years
• Be made of plastic or other non-breathable materials
• Be secured with tape or other inappropriate materials
• Be made exclusively of materials that easily fall apart, such as tissues
• Be placed on anyone unable to remove them without assistance or anyone who has trouble breathing

Homemade masks are not medical devices and are not regulated like medical masks and respirators. Their use poses a number of limitations:

• They have not been tested to recognized standards
• The fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
• The edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth
• They may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles
• They can be difficult to breathe through and can prevent you from getting the required amount of oxygen needed by your body

How to wear a mask with ear loops or ties

• Before putting on the mask, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol
• Ensure your hair is away from your face (a non-medical facemask can be safely worn by someone with facial hair)
• Check the mask for damage; if damaged, discard
• Open the mask fully to cover from your nose to below your chin
• Place mask over nose and mouth and secure to your head with ties or ears with ear loops (depending on style of mask)
• If the mask has a nose bar, pinch around your nose to reduce gaps between your face and mask
• Adjust if needed to make sure your nose and mouth are fully covered
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you need to adjust your mask, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water before and after you touch it
• Keep your nose, mouth and chin covered at all times, until you are ready to remove the mask

How to remove a mask with ear loops or ties

• Remove your mask if it becomes wet, torn, dirty or the ear loops/ties become damaged
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol before you remove the mask
• Do not touch the front of the mask. Remove using the ties or ear loops
• Dispose of your mask in a lined garbage bin and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol

What not to do with your mask

• Do not touch your face under the mask
• Do not use a ripped, visibly soiled or wet mask or if the ear loops/ties are damaged
• Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time; it must be changed when it gets damp
• Don’t share your mask with another person
• Don’t wear the mask below your nose or chin
• Don’t let the mask give you a false sense of security; masks are meant to be used to as an addition to other measures such as physical distancing wherever possible, and hand washing

Cleaning and disposing of non-medical masks and face coverings

If you plan to reuse the mask, wash it before wearing it again. Change your cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled by putting it directly into the washing machine, and washing it with other items using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.

Non-medical masks that cannot be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled. Dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin after use, and do not leave discarded masks in shopping carts or on the ground.

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.

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• Learn more about Service Canada
• Learn about Employment and Social Development Canada

Employment Insurance (EI) program

The government has made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians who need financial assistance. As of September 27, 2020, the minimum benefit rate is $500 per week before taxes in most cases.

Learn more about the Employment Insurance (EI) program
Apply for EI

If you are not eligible for EI benefits, you may be eligible for the new benefits:

• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

Learn more about CRB

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:

• Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
• Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
• Have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

Learn more about CRSB

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child (under the age of 12) or family member, because schools, daycares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine, or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Mortgage payment deferral

Homeowners facing financial hardship may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral of up to six months. The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender. Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the deferred payments — including principal and accumulated interest – are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.

To know if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral or to learn what options are available, contact your lender directly — your bank or your mortgage professional.

Practical services for Seniors: delivery of items and personal outreach

The Government of Canada will provide immediate essential services to Canadian seniors impacted by COVID-19. The government will contribute $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.

Contact your local organization

Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds

In recognition of the impact of volatile market conditions on many seniors’ retirement savings, the Government of Canada is reducing the required minimum withdrawals from RRIFs; the required minimum withdrawal will be reduced by 25% in 2020. A RRIF is an arrangement between you and a carrier (an insurance company, trust company or bank) that the Government of Canada registers; you transfer property to the carrier from an RRSP, PRPP, RPP, SPP, or from another RRIF, and the carrier makes payments to you.

Learn more about the RRIFs

Collaborative Online Resources and Education for Seniors

Collaborative Online Resources and Education (CORE) provides a platform for seniors-serving organizations to improve delivery of services for older Albertan and seniors. The hub will make it easier for organizations to share resources and coordinate services, with a focus on key COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports.

CORE Alberta will support seniors-serving organizations to access training, COVID-19 information and resources, map where the greatest needs are across the province, and help seniors in more remote locations get the support they need.

The online hub cost $40,000 to develop. The Alberta government and partners will invest about $720,000 in inter-agency programs and initiatives that will be coordinated through CORE. Funding partners include Alberta Health Services, Alberta Blue Cross and the Government of Canada. The United Way of Calgary and Area will administer the hub and act as the project’s fiscal agent.

Learn more about CORE

One-time, tax-free payment of up to $500

The payment for seniors provides support through a one-time payment: $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, and an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. This measure will give a total of $500 to seniors who receive both the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement and will help them cover increased costs caused by COVID-19.

Learn more about the one-time payment for seniors

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The Government of Canada is expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. For all organizations who received funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream, funding can be used to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.

Learn more about New Horizons for Seniors

This non-taxable, non-reportable, one-time payment provides up to $600 in recognition of the extraordinary expenses incurred by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This payment complements other emergency supports, such as the one-time special payment through the Goods and Services Tax Credit and the one-time payment to seniors.

Indigenous Community Support Fund

Canada recognizes that First Nations, Inuit and Métis are among the most at risk and that during this crisis, in particular, those in remote and fly-in only parts of the country are uniquely vulnerable. Communities are incredibly resilient and full of solutions and innovative ideas. This is why we must support distinctions-based measures to improve public health response for Indigenous communities and provide them with the flexibility they need to address the specific needs identified by communities and their members.

This fund provides Indigenous leadership with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. These funds can be used for measures including, but not limited to:

• Support for Elders and vulnerable community members
• Measures to address food insecurity
• Educational and other support for children
• Mental health assistance and emergency response services
• Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Although the fund was created to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19, we recommend communities speak with their regional First Nations and Inuit Health Branch contacts, or First Nations Health Authority contacts (in British Columbia), for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution and support for the rollout.

Providing support to Indigenous post-secondary students

Learn about Indigenous Services Canada distinctions-based strategies that support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. The Government of Canada will provide an additional $75.2 million to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation post-secondary students impacted by COVID-19.

New shelters to protect Indigenous women and children fleeing violence

Indigenous Services Canada Family Violence Prevention Program supports the day-to-day operations of 46 shelters, as well as funding for community-driven proposals for family violence prevention projects on and off reserve.

Find financial help during COVID-19

Answer a few simple questions to get a list of benefits and supports tailored to you. Here, you’ll be asked 7 to 10 questions, one at a time, and then shown a list of benefits that may help in your situation. It will also have links for more information. Please answer the questions as an individual, not a household.

Find the support you need