Community

April 9, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 25 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Everyone, even persons not exhibiting symptoms or requiring mandatory self-isolation, is strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home; observe social distancing and avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Albertans are asked to be vigilant to prevent intensive care units from being overwhelmed.

For today, 28 new cases have been confirmed bringing the total to 1,451. Three (3) fatalities have resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to thirty-two (32). A total of 70,247 Albertans have been tested. There are a total of 592 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Alberta uses modelling to anticipate the number of COVID-19 cases over the coming months. This helps us make decisions and prepare hospitals to care for critical and acute patients.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

Alberta Health Services has developed a COVID19 Resource Page for the Low German Mennonite Community. There is a Low German COVID19 overview video available HERE, as well as Low German pandemic history available HERE. An English and Low German COVID19 Screening audio can be found HERE.

The Bits and Pieces Program solicits voluntary contributions from the private sector toward the COVID19 relief effort. These include commercial vehicles, hotel rooms and mobile trailers, food and water services, hospital gowns, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment. Those wishing to contribute can submit their intention and contact details on this Online Portal.

Minister Leela Aheer and Erica Wiebe, Alberta Ambassador for Sport and Active Living, are challenging Albertans to maintain a healthy physical and mental lifestyle at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They challenge Albertans to post their home wellness activities using the hashtag #HealthyAtHomeAB.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.

Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll- free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

Emergency Isolation Support

• The Government of Alberta’s Emergency Isolation Support program is now closed after successfully distributing about $91.7 million to 79,596 eligible Albertans since the launch of the program – close to double the amount originally allocated.
• This was a temporary program to provide one-time funding until the Government of Canada announced its own support program. The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is available starting April 6. Payments will be retroactive to March 15, 2020.

Isolation

On which day does the 14-day self-isolation period begin after having close contact with someone who has the virus?

• Close contacts of cases are to be quarantined for 14 days from their last exposure to the case. The last day of exposure is considered day 0 for the purposes of counting.
• If there is ongoing unprotected contact (such as in a household setting) the quarantine period begins when the COVID-19 case is considered no longer infectious. This would be 10 days after symptoms began in the case, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT call 811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

Wearing Masks

• Medical Masks
  • include N95 masks and surgical or procedure masks
  • must be kept for health care workers and people providing direct care to COVID-19 patients
• Non-Medical Masks:
  • should only be used in addition to other protective steps
  • include cloth or homemade masks
  • are not proven to protect the person wearing it, but may help protect others cover your mouth and nose to prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating other people or surfaces
  • must be worn and taken on/off properly as the outside can become contaminated

CDC Guide to Mask Making

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation
Vulcan – Medical Recruitment
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=70009006E7A24-0CB0-DB76-8FDE7FAC19DBB875

April 7, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 23 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Everyone, even persons not exhibiting symptoms or requiring mandatory self-isolation, is strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home; observe social distancing and avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Albertans are asked to be vigilant to prevent intensive care units from being overwhelmed.

For today, 25 new cases have been confirmed bringing the total to 1,373. Two (2) fatalities have resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to twenty-six (26). A total of 67,117 Albertans have been tested. While there are presently 90 hospitalizations, 31 of which are in intensive care units, there are a total of 447 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

Alberta Health Services has developed a COVID19 Resource Page for the Low German Mennonite Community. There is a Low German COVID19 overview video available HERE, as well as Low German pandemic history available HERE. An English and Low German COVID19 Screening audio can be found HERE.

The Bits and Pieces Program solicits voluntary contributions from the private sector toward the COVID19 relief effort. These include commercial vehicles, hotel rooms and mobile trailers, food and water services, hospital gowns, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment. Those wishing to contribute can submit their intention and contact details on this Online Portal.

Minister Leela Aheer and Erica Wiebe, Alberta Ambassador for Sport and Active Living, are challenging Albertans to maintain a healthy physical and mental lifestyle at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They challenge Albertans to post their home wellness activities using the hashtag #HealthyAtHomeAB.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.
Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll- free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

Emergency Isolation Support

• The Government of Alberta’s Emergency Isolation Support program is now closed after successfully distributing about $91.7 million to 79,596 eligible Albertans since the launch of the program – close to double the amount originally allocated.
• This was a temporary program to provide one-time funding until the Government of Canada announced its own support program. The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is available starting April 6. Payments will be retroactive to March 15, 2020.

Isolation

On which day does the 14-day self-isolation period begin after having close contact with someone who has the virus?

• Close contacts of cases are to be quarantined for 14 days from their last exposure to the case. The last day of exposure is considered day 0 for the purposes of counting.
• If there is ongoing unprotected contact (such as in a household setting) the quarantine period begins when the COVID-19 case is considered no longer infectious. This would be 10 days after symptoms began in the case, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT call 811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

CDC Guide to Mask Making

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation
Vulcan – Medical Recruitment
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=70009006E7A24-0CB0-DB76-8FDE7FAC19DBB875

April 6, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 22 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Everyone, even persons not exhibiting symptoms or requiring mandatory self-isolation, is strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home; observe social distancing and avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Albertans are asked to be vigilant to prevent intensive care units from being overwhelmed.

For today, 98 new cases have been confirmed bringing the total to 1,348. Three (1) fatalities have resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to twenty-four (23). A total of 65,914 Albertans have been tested. While there are presently 90 hospitalizations, 31 of which are in intensive care units, there are a total of 361 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

Alberta Health Services has developed a COVID19 Resource Page for the Low German Mennonite Community. There is a Low German COVID19 overview video available HERE, as well as Low German pandemic history available HERE. An English and Low German COVID19 Screening audio can be found HERE.

The Bits and Pieces Program solicits voluntary contributions from the private sector toward the COVID19 relief effort. These include commercial vehicles, hotel rooms and mobile trailers, food and water services, hospital gowns, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment. Those wishing to contribute can submit their intention and contact details on this Online Portal.

Minister Leela Aheer and Erica Wiebe, Alberta Ambassador for Sport and Active Living, are challenging Albertans to maintain a healthy physical and mental lifestyle at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They challenge Albertans to post their home wellness activities using the hashtag #HealthyAtHomeAB.

A list of daycare providers has been compiled for access by those working in health-care, critical infrastructure and first responders in the larger urban centres across Alberta.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.
Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll- free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the public health orders to assist Alberta Health Services in enforcing Alberta’s Public Health Act, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s orders in relation to:

• Prohibiting persons in the province from attending:
  • Schools, daycares (with some exemptions for core service workers) and post-secondary institutions;
  • Mass gatherings of more than 15 attendees; o Public recreational facilities;
  • Bars and nightclubs;
• Requiring self-isolation from:
  • An individual returning to Alberta from outside of Canada;
  • A close contact of an individual who is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or probably infected with COVID-19; and
  • An individual with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

Consequences

• Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.
• Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able 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.
• These are aggressive measures that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.

Isolation

On which day does the 14-day self-isolation period begin after having close contact with someone who has the virus?

• Close contacts of cases are to be quarantined for 14 days from their last exposure to the case. The last day of exposure is considered day 0 for the purposes of counting.
• If there is ongoing unprotected contact (such as in a household setting) the quarantine period begins when the COVID-19 case is considered no longer infectious. This would be 10 days after symptoms began in the case, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT call 811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

CDC Guide to Mask Making

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation
Vulcan – Medical Recruitment
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=70009006E7A24-0CB0-DB76-8FDE7FAC19DBB875

April 5, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 21 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Everyone, even persons not exhibiting symptoms or requiring mandatory self-isolation, is strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home; observe social distancing and avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Albertans are asked to be vigilant to prevent intensive care units from being overwhelmed.

For today, 69 new cases have been confirmed bringing the total to 1,250. Three (3) fatalities have resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to twenty three (23). A total of 64,806 Albertans have been tested. While there are presently 48 hospitalizations, 13 of which are in intensive care units, there are a total of 279 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

Alberta Health Services has developed a COVID19 Resource Page for the Low German Mennonite Community. There is a Low German COVID19 overview video available HERE, as well as Low German pandemic history available HERE. An English and Low German COVID19 Screening audio can be found HERE.

The Bits and Pieces Program solicits voluntary contributions from the private sector toward the COVID19 relief effort. These include commercial vehicles, hotel rooms and mobile trailers, food and water services, hospital gowns, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment. Those wishing to contribute can submit their intention and contact details on this Online Portal.

A list of daycare providers has been compiled for access by those working in health-care, critical infrastructure and first responders in the larger urban centres across Alberta.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.

Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll- free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

What is the best way to practise physical distancing?

• To protect yourself and others:
  • keep at least 6 feet (the length of a bicycle) 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
  • order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
  • go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while staying 6 feet from others
  • avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
  • follow Alberta’s recommendations on mass gatherings
  • wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the public health orders to assist Alberta Health Services in enforcing Alberta’s Public Health Act, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s orders in relation to:

• Prohibiting persons in the province from attending:
  • Schools, daycares (with some exemptions for core service workers) and post-secondary institutions;
  • Mass gatherings of more than 15 attendees;
  • Public recreational facilities;
  • Bars and nightclubs;
• Requiring self-isolation from:
  • An individual returning to Alberta from outside of Canada;
  • A close contact of an individual who is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or probably infected with COVID-19; and
  • An individual with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

Consequences

• Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.
• Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able 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.
• These are aggressive measures that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.

Isolation

On which day does the 14-day self-isolation period begin after having close contact with someone who has the virus?

• Close contacts of cases are to be quarantined for 14 days from their last exposure to the case. The last day of exposure is considered day 0 for the purposes of counting.
• If there is ongoing unprotected contact (such as in a household setting) the quarantine period begins when the COVID-19 case is considered no longer infectious. This would be 10 days after symptoms began in the case, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT call 811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation
Vulcan – Medical Recruitment
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=70009006E7A24-0CB0-DB76-8FDE7FAC19DBB875

April 4, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 20 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Everyone, even persons not exhibiting symptoms or requiring mandatory self-isolation, is strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home; observe social distancing and avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Albertans are asked to be vigilant to prevent intensive care units from being overwhelmed.

For today, 106 new cases have been confirmed bringing the total to 1,181. Two (2) fatalities have resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to twenty (20). A total of 62,520 Albertans have been tested. There are a total of 240 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

Alberta Health Services has developed a COVID19 Resource Page for the Low German Mennonite Community.

The Bits and Pieces Program solicits voluntary contributions from the private sector toward the COVID19 relief effort. To date over 1100 contributions have been made including commercial vehicles, hotel rooms and mobile trailers, food and water services, hospital gowns, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment. Those wishing to contribute can submit their intention and contact details on this Online Portal.

A list of daycare providers has been compiled for access by those working in essential services. These are located in the larger urban cities across Alberta for those working in health-care, critical infrastructure and first responders.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.

Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll- free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

What is the best way to practise physical distancing?

• To protect yourself and others:
  • keep at least 6 feet (the length of a bicycle) 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
  • order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
  • go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while staying 6 feet from others o avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
  • follow Alberta’s recommendations on mass gatherings
  • wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the public health orders to assist Alberta Health Services in enforcing Alberta’s Public Health Act, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s orders in relation to:

• Prohibiting persons in the province from attending:
  • Schools, daycares (with some exemptions for core service workers) and post-secondary institutions;
  • Mass gatherings of more than 15attendees; o Public recreational facilities;
  • Bars and nightclubs;
• Requiring self-isolation from:
  • An individual returning to Alberta from outside of Canada;
  • A close contact of an individual who is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or probably infected with COVID-19; and
  • An individual with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

Consequences

• Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.
• Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able 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.
• These are aggressive measures that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.

Isolation

On which day does the 14-day self-isolation period begin after having close contact with someone who has the virus?

• Close contacts of cases are to be quarantined for 14 days from their last exposure to the case. The last day of exposure is considered day 0 for the purposes of counting.
• If there is ongoing unprotected contact (such as in a household setting) the quarantine period begins when the COVID-19 case is considered no longer infectious. This would be 10 days after symptoms began in the case, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT call 811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation
Vulcan – Medical Recruitment
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:

https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=70004CC7CCFC3-A1A5-FC7E-5E892324FAB51AE0

April 2, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 18 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Citizens not exhibiting symptoms, or requiring mandatory self-isolation are still strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Given modelling provided by Alberta Health Services, current projections don’t expect the pandemic to peak until well into April and Albertans are asked to be vigilant.

On April 2, 96 new cases have been confirmed bringing the total to 968. Two (2) fatalities have resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to thirteen (13). A total of 57,096 Albertans have been tested. There have been a total of 174 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.

Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll- free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

What is the best way to practise physical distancing?

• To protect yourself and others:
  • keep at least 6 feet (the length of a bicycle) 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
  • order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
  • go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while staying 6 feet from others
  • avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
  • follow Alberta’s recommendations on mass gatherings
  • wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the public health orders to assist Alberta Health Services in enforcing Alberta’s Public Health Act, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s orders in relation to:

• Prohibiting persons in the province from attending:
  • Schools, daycares (with some exemptions for core service workers) and post-secondary institutions;
  • Mass gatherings of more than 15 attendees;
  • Public recreational facilities;
  • Bars and nightclubs;
• Requiring self-isolation from:
  • An individual returning to Alberta from outside of Canada;
  • A close contact of an individual who is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or probably infected with COVID-19; and
  • An individual with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

Consequences

• Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.
• Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able 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.
• These are aggressive measures that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.

Isolation

• If you need to self-isolate, you must follow these steps:
  • Stay home – do not leave your home or attend work, school, social events or any other public gatherings.
  • Avoid close contact with other people, including household members but especially seniors and people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
  • Don’t take public transportation like buses, taxis or ride-sharing, where possible. If you are under mandatory self-isolation, taking public transportation is legally prohibited.
  • Watch for symptoms in yourself or a family member.
  • Watch for symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or difficulty breathing in yourself or a family member.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT cal l811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation
Vulcan – Medical Recruitment
Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=6980324A5B1B0-BC2C-40A8-A6AD9E30E3189425

April 1, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 17 (New Information in BLUE)

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. The latest Government of Alberta media releases can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx

All Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. The municipal offices of Vulcan County, the villages of Arrowwood, Carmangay, Champion, Lomond and Milo remain closed to the public while business operations are continuing. The Town of Vulcan municipal office remains open, however, we are urging the public to use municipal websites, email and telephone to answer their inquiries.

With increasing numbers of confirmed cases, it is imperative to follow proper personal hygiene and cleaning practices. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Citizens not exhibiting symptoms, or requiring mandatory self-isolation are still strongly encouraged to limit outings to a minimum and stay home.

Cases in Alberta and Vulcan County

The Government of Alberta is taking aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Given modelling provided by Alberta Health Services, current projections don’t expect the pandemic to peak until well into April and Albertans are asked to be vigilant.

On April 1, 117 new cases (DUE TO BACKLOGGED TESTING) have been confirmed bringing the total to 871. Two (2) fatalities has resulted from COVID-19 bringing that number to eleven (11). A total of 53,141 Albertans have been tested. There have been a total of 142 recoveries to date.

There continue to be no confirmed cases within Vulcan County or the urban municipalities within its region, although testing has been undertaken for those with symptoms. Vulcan County is in the Calgary Health Zone.

Support for Albertans

For those in financial distress, Emergency financial assistance programs are available and information can be found online. Some local programs are also available through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The Government of Alberta has introduced rent controls that prohibit evictions before May 1, 2020, or increasing rents until the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted.

A dedicated team of mental health professionals are available at the Mental Health Help Line by dialing 1-877- 303-2643 or the Addiction Help Line by dialing 1-866-332-2323.

Text4Hope sends subscribers text messages of support and encouragement to ease stress or anxiety. Albertans can text COVID 19 Hope to 393939 to subscribe. Take the time to connect with family and friends digitally or over the phone.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll-free from anywhere in the province by dialing 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.

Information for Businesses

• The new restrictions are now in place for the following classifications of businesses:
• Close contact businesses including:
  • hair salons and barbershops, tattoo and piercing studios, esthetic services;
  • wellness studios and clinics and non-emergency and non-critical health services provided by regulated health professionals or registered professionals including dentistry, physiotherapy, massage, podiatry, chiropractic and optometry services.
  • Dine-in restaurants will no longer be able to offer service. Take-out and delivery services will continue to be available.
  • Non-essential retail services that fall into the categories of clothing, computers and gaming stores, and services in shopping malls and shopping centres such as hobby and toys, gift and specialty items and furniture.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the public health orders to assist Alberta Health Services in enforcing Alberta’s Public Health Act, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s orders in relation to:

• Prohibiting persons in the province from attending:
  • Schools, daycares (with some exemptions for core service workers) and post-secondary institutions;
  • Mass gatherings of more than 15 attendees; o Public recreational facilities;
  • Bars and nightclubs;
• Requiring self-isolation from:
  • An individual returning to Alberta from outside of Canada;
  • A close contact of an individual who is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or probably infected with COVID-19; and
  • An individual with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

Consequences

• Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.
• Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able 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.
• These are aggressive measures that we do not take lightly, but they are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.

Isolation

• • The rules around mandatory self-isolation have recently changed to better protect all Albertans. Under the new rules, anyone under mandatory self-isolation must stay indoors and may only go outside on their own private property – meaning their year or balcony if it’s at least two metres from their neighbour’s.
  • If you are in mandatory self-isolation, you must follow these steps:
    • Do not go to school, work, other public areas or community settings.
    • Do not go outside for a walk through your neighbourhood or park. This includes children in mandatory self-isolation.
    • You can get fresh air in your backyard, if you have one, but must remain on private property not accessible by others.
    • If you live in an apartment building or high-rise, you must stay inside and cannot use the elevators or stairwells to go outside. If your balcony is private and at least two metres away from your closest neighbour’s, you may go outside on the balcony.
    • Avoid close contact with other people, including household members, and especially seniors and those with chronic conditions, or a compromised immune system.
  • Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has changed the rules around self-isolation to align with the rules under the federal Quarantine Act, which requires any Canadian under mandatory self-isolation to remain on their property for the duration of the self-isolation time.

811 Health Link

Once again, people experiencing symptoms are to take the online self-assessment.

As a further reminder, 811-health link is for those who are feeling ill and seeking advice. DO NOT call 811 to report non-compliance of Public Health Orders; these can be reported to the Environmental Health Complaint Link or by calling (403) 943-2288.

Local Programs and Initiatives

Vulcan County – Health & Wellness Foundation

Vulcan – Medical Recruitment

Vulcan Regional Food Bank Society

Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=6980324A5B1B0-BC2C-40A8-A6AD9E30E3189425