COVID-19 info for Albertans

Last updated: March 15 at 5 pm

Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause respiratory illness in people, ranging from mild common colds to severe illnesses.

Novel coronaviruses, like COVID-19, are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans. This means people have no immunity against it, and it has no specific vaccine or treatment.

COVID-19 vs. Flu

In some ways, COVID-19 is similar to influenza (also known as the flu), but there are also key differences.

Similarities

• Both cause respiratory disease
• Both are spread by small droplets from the nose and mouth
• Both are not spread through the air over long distances and times, unlike the measles

Differences

• COVID-19 does not appear to transmit as efficiently as influenza:
  • only people with symptoms seem to be spreading the disease
  • controlling its spread is possible when people with symptoms are isolated
• There is no specific vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.
• COVID-19 causes severe disease and mortality in more cases than the flu. On average:
  • COVID-19 has resulted in 1 to 2 deaths per 100 cases
  • Flu results in 1 death in every 1,000 flu cases

Because COVID-19 can cause serious illness, it is critical to keep it from spreading by having people with a symptoms stay home, away from others.

Last updated: March 15 at 5 pm

COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person spread by:

• larger droplets, like from a cough or sneeze
• touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth

COVID-19 is not airborne and cannot spread through the air over long distances or times, like the measles.

Studies suggest that the virus generally only survives for a few hours on a surface, though it may be possible for it to survive several days under ideal conditions.

Last updated: March 16 at 5 pm

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Common symptoms include:

• dry cough
• fever
• fatigue/extreme tiredness

Symptom of serious illness include:

• difficulty breathing
• pneumonia

If you have symptoms:

• stay home - do not go to an ER or clinic
• take the COVID-19 self-assessment to determine next steps and find out if you require testing.

If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and inform them you may have COVID-19.

Risks

Most people – about 80% – recover without needing special treatment. However, it can cause serious illness in some, and there is a risk of death in severe cases.

While we are still learning about COVID-19, serious illness appears to develop more often in people who are older or have pre-existing conditions, such as:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• lung disease
• cancer
• diabetes

Last updated: March 16 at 5 pm

There is no specific vaccine for COVID-19 at this time.

The virus is new and different, so needs its own vaccine – which researchers around the world are now working to develop.

Supportive care is being used to treat patients with COVID-19 and some medications are being tested to see if they can help severely ill patients.

If you suspect you might have COVID-19, complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment to determine next steps and find out if testing is required.

For other health-related concerns, consult your health care provider.

Mental health

The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on Albertans' mental health.

Resources are available if you, or someone you know, is struggling or needs a little extra support, advice on handling stressful situation, or ways to talk to children.

• Mental health and coping with COVID-19 (CDC)
• Talking with children about COVID-19 (CDC)
• Help in Tough Times (AHS)

Family violence

If you or someone you know is at risk of family violence, help is available.

• Call our 24-hour Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 to get anonymous help in over 170 languages.
• Find information on shelter and financial supports
• Learn how to recognize and prevent family violence

Last updated: March 17 at 4 pm

New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowed spaces. Effective March 17:

• Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees.
  • This includes: conferences, worship gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals.
  • This does not include: grocery stores, shopping centres, health care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services.
• Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreation facilities and private entertainment facilities.
  • This includes gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, libraries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres and bingo halls.
• Albertans are prohibited from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.
• Sit-down restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50% capacity to a maximum of 50 people.
  • Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted.
  • Licensed facilities are permitted to deliver liquor (PDF, 112 KB)

Not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt at this time, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice.

Effective March 18, all passenger ropeways, like gondolas and chairlifts, will be closed until further notice under the Safety Codes Act.

All Albertans have a responsibility to help prevent the spread. Take steps to protect yourself and others:

• practice social distancing
• stay home and away from others if sick or in isolation
• practice good hygiene
  • wash hands often
  • cover coughs and sneezes
  • avoid touching face
• monitor for symptoms: cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing

If symptoms develop:

• take the COVID-19 self-assessment
• call Health Link 811 for instructions and testing

Help prevent the spread

Self-isolation can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you’re asked to self-isolate, follow these guidelines:

• stay home - do not attend work, social events or any other public gatherings
• avoid close contact with other people – especially seniors and people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems
• monitor for symptoms like a dry cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing

How to self-isolate and prepare

Last updated: March 18 at 7:30 pm

Last updated: March 17 at 4:25 pm

Alberta government actions

• March 17 – Alberta declared a state of emergency under the Public Health Act to empower authorities to more effectively respond to public health concerns.
• March 17 – $60 million in one-time emergency funding was provided to civil society organizations, adult homeless shelters, and women’s emergency shelters to:
  • enable social distancing and sanitization of common areas
  • provide supports and services to at-risk seniors, people with disabilities and families facing homelessness, poverty and social isolation
• March 15 – $500 million in additional health funding was commitment to the COVID-19 response to ensure front-line health professionals have the tools they need for testing, surveillance and treatment of patients.

Public health actions

Alberta’s public health officials are carefully monitoring the situation in Canada and around the world, and are ready to respond. They are:

• working closely with federal, provincial and territorial partners to share information and assess potential health risks
• ensuring our health system is responding effectively
• ensuring front-line health professionals have information about the virus so they can:
  • take recommended actions
  • promptly report potential cases to public health officials
• updating self-isolation and self-monitoring recommendations for returning travellers as required
• tracing all close contacts of confirmed cases, testing and isolating those who are symptomatic, and asking even those who feel well to self-isolate for 14 days after their last contact with the case

See more information for Albertans.

Last updated: March 18 at 5:50 pm

Measures are in place to protect businesses, employers and employees from the economic disruption of COVID-19, including:

• Financial relief for businesses and employers
• Job-protected leave for employees
• Federal employment insurance benefits
• Business continuity planning resources
• Utility payment deferral

COVID-19 supports for employers and employees

Last updated: March 18

An official global travel advisory is in effect. Albertans should follow all travel recommendations.

• Avoid all non-essential travel outside Canada and all cruise ship travel.
• Canadians abroad should return home immediately.
• Returning travellers should:
  • follow self-isolation guidelines and monitor for symptoms for 14 days
  • check recent domestic and international flights for confirmed cases (info updated as cases are confirmed)

View all travel advice

Last updated: March 15 at 5 pm

To prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, among seniors and other vulnerable groups:

• Only essential visits to any continuing care or long-term care facility in Alberta are recommended.
• Individuals over 60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19.
• Families and friends of those in these facilities are asked to think of other ways besides visiting that they can support and encourage their loved ones through this difficult time.

Schools

Effective immediately, all students will no longer be attending classes in K to 12 schools until further notice.

Teachers and other school staff will still be expected work, either from home or at their workplace. Decisions on how to do this are still to be made, and may vary depending on the school jurisdiction.

School authorities are expected to continue their regular day-to-day operations and ensure the safety of school facilities. Maintenance, capital projects, cleaning of facilities, and administrative work will continue.

• Every student will receive a final mark and students will progress to their next grade level next school year.
• Provincial assessments, such as provincial achievement tests, will be cancelled.
• At this time, diploma exams essential for post-secondary acceptance will continue.
• Every student who is eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will graduate.

Should students/parents/guardians wish to access a school facility, they must follow these guidelines:

• Anyone sick with respiratory symptoms (even if symptoms resemble a very mild cold) should not be allowed to enter.
  • Staff should be actively asking those who enter if they are having any respiratory symptoms, which would include (but not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose etc.
• Handwashing must take place when entering and exiting the school. This may be done by either using soap and water (for a minimum of 20 seconds) or by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Less than 50 people should occupy a single space (e.g. classroom, hallway, and gymnasium) at a single time.
• The principles of social distancing should apply. A minimum distance of two meters must be maintained between individuals.

Child care

All licensed child care facilities in Alberta are closed at this time. This includes daycare, out-of-school care and preschool programs.

• Approved family day homes are exempt as they care for fewer than 7 children at a time, but should use enhanced sanitation practices.
• Private home-based child care providers remain open as they can only care for up to six children, not including their own, at any one time.
• Government does not monitor private child care providers but can issue closures if they are over this limit.
• Any home-based child care provider – approved or private – should routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that people regularly touch like toys, door handles, keyboards, toilets and tables.
• Visitors and children should not enter if they are feeling unwell.
• Regardless of where a child is being taken care of (family, friends or day home) handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer must be available to children, and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
• While grandparents and other seniors are a great help with child care, older Albertans have an increased risk of complications if they get COVID-19. We encourage limiting exposure to children who have any signs of illness.
• Parents should take precautions and limit the number of playdates to reduce the chances of community transfer.

Resources

• Record of decision by the chief medical officer of health (PDF, 110 KB)

Last updated: March 19 at 10 am

Effective immediately, in-person classes at post-secondary institutions are cancelled until further notice. Campuses remain open.

We are working with post-secondary institutions to ensure that these extraordinary circumstances do not prevent students from being eligible for admission to post-secondary studies for the upcoming school year.

Resources:

• Record of decision by the chief medical officer of health (PDF, 110 KB)

Last updated: March 15 at 5 pm

Last updated: March 15 at 5 pm

We are providing advice based on current evidence and public health recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Helping local organizations plan for an outbreak

• Business continuity planning (PDF, 319 KB) is essential in preparing critical operations for potential interruptions.
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency field officers are available to support municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements with their emergency management and business continuity planning.

Supporting the health system

Communities should:

• refer anyone with health-related concerns to Health Link 811 and promote it as a reliable source of information
• promote the Respiratory Viruses and the Workplace guide for workplaces
• review business continuity plans to ensure disruptions from staff shortages have been considered, especially for critical operations
• stay informed about the current situation in Alberta via this web page

Resources

• OHS: Respiratory viruses and the workplace
• Business continuity planning (PDF, 319 KB)
• Help Prevent the Spread posters

A guidance document has been developed to support providers of services for Albertans experiencing (or at-risk of) homelessness. The document outlines general recommendations to prevent COVID-19 in these settings.

Resource

• Guidance for Providers of Services to Albertans Experiencing (or at-risk of) Homelessness (PDF, 647 KB)

Upcoming expiry dates for Alberta drivers’ licences, identification cards, vehicle registrations, other permits and certificates are being extended until May 15.

Vehicle registration

Vehicle registrations expire on an assigned month based on the registrant’s surname or a company name.

• Albertans an companies with registrations expiring in March and April (including those whose last names begin with B, D, G, Y) will now have until May 15, 2020 to renew their vehicle registrations.

Driver's licences and ID cards

Driver’s licences and ID cards expire on the holder’s birthday in the year noted on the card.

• Albertans who have birthdays from March 17 through May 14 and whose cards expire this year, now have until May 15, 2020 to renew.
• Expiry dates can be found on your card and Albertans with birthdays from March 17 through May 14 are encouraged to confirm whether or not they need to renew this year.

Road tests

Effective March 20, Alberta commercial and passenger road tests have been suspended for at least 4 weeks. Road tests will resume when it is safe to do so.

• Albertans who have a road test scheduled will be able to rebook online as of April 17, 2020 for a test on April 20, 2020 or later, at no additional charge.
• We are working with the commercial carrier industry to determine whether there are any urgent driving tests that need to be held in order to support maintaining delivery of essential goods, such as food and medical supplies.

The Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, the Provincial Court of Alberta and the Alberta Court of Appeal are limiting services to essential and urgent functions.

Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench

Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench has suspended all jury trials scheduled between March 16 and May 31. Jurors summoned to attend jury selection during this time are released and don’t need to attend.

Current jury trials are proceeding, jurors for these trials must report to court. Crown prosecutors and defense counsel in all cases have been notified.

Hearings are limited to emergency or urgent matters only. Emergency matters are those in which serious consequences to persons or harm to property may arise if the hearing does not proceed, or if there is a risk of loss of jurisdiction or expiration of an existing protection or restraining order.

Any counsel or juror showing symptoms should contact the court to seek instructions from the judge presiding over their case.

Find more Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench information.

Provincial Court of Alberta

The Provincial Court of Alberta is limiting all regular operations until further notice.

Effective March 17:

• All Traffic Courts are closed
• You do not need to attend unless the matter is an in-custody, urgent criminal matter, or urgent family or child protection matter
• No members of the public are permitted unless they are required (i.e. counsel, parties, witnesses, media)

Find more Provincial Court of Alberta information.

Alberta Court of Appeal

Only people necessary (counsel, litigants, and media) should attend court. No one who is ill or experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms should attend.

Filing deadlines have not changed. The court remains available to consider requests for extensions, fiats and other administrative directions.

Parties and counsel are encouraged to provide the Registry with an email address if they have not already done so. At this time, correspondence from and to this court may be sent by email instead of fax.

The Court of Appeal Registry is operating on social distancing guidelines posted at the Court of Appeal Registry counters.

Find more Alberta Court of Appeal information.