News

March 20, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 5

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. Please note that all Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. Vulcan County, the Villages of Champion, Carmangay, Lomond, Milo, and Arrowwood Offices are also closed to the public, however business operations are continuing. While the Town of Vulcan office remains open, we are urging the public whom have questions to use the websites or a telephone as most questions could be answered this way. With increasing numbers of confirmed cases throughout Alberta, we want to stress the importance of following proper personal hygiene and cleaning processes. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Please see below for a few questions and answers
Do people need to take steps to disinfect purchased goods (particularly stuff like fruit and vegetables) above and beyond what they’d normally do?
• The virus is primarily transmitted through person-to-person spread by larger droplets, like from a cough or sneeze.
• It can also be passed by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• While the virus can live under ideal circumstances (such as on stainless steel) for several days, it is generally only live on surfaces like paper or plastic for a few hours.
• There is no evidence of the virus being spread by packaging mail, grocery goods or other items.
As always the best steps to prevent transmission is for Albertans to wash their hands, regularly clean surfaces and follow the other recommended steps on alberta.ca/COVID19

Should people be hoarding food or stocking up on supplies?
• It is always best practice for individuals to have at least three days worth of supplies on hand, whether due to sickness, an ice storm, or a pandemic situation.
• A basic emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, medication and other items.
• For more information on how to be prepared for emergencies, go to: https://www.alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit.aspx
• Outside of this best practice, we are not advising that Albertans change their approach to managing household supplies at this time.
• The best thing that people can do to be prepared is to build habits of regular hand washing, avoiding
touching their face with unwashed hands, staying home when sick, and covering their coughs and
sneezes.

What about grocery stores and shopping centres, etc.? These places are likely to be busier than usual
with people stocking up on supplies. Should they be avoided?
• At this time, the public health restrictions do not extend to grocery stores, airports or shopping centres.
• All Albertans should practise good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water for at
least twenty seconds, and should stay home if feeling ill.
• It’s important to remember that COVID-19 is not airborne. It is spread by droplets or touching surfaces
and then touching your face, so close contact is required.
• In the event of someone testing positive for COVID-19, or being a close contact, AHS will contact anyone
at risk.
• Please visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for up-to-date information.

PHARMACEUTICALS

There are reports of people stockpiling medication. What is the government doing in response?
• To ensure Albertans continue to have access to essential medications and to help pharmacists
address this situation, we will be recommending that pharmacies provide a maximum 30-day
supply of prescription drugs.
• We recognize this means that Albertans will need to refill their prescriptions more often.
• Albertans should speak with their pharmacist about when it is appropriate to fill their
prescriptions.
• To assist with the added cost, those with Alberta government-sponsored drug coverage will pay
a lower co-payment of up to $8 per prescription for a 30 day supply. The current co-payment is
up to $25 per prescription.
• Other provinces are implementing similar supply measures to ensure a consistent approach across the country.

NON-COVID-19 HEALTHCARE
I don’t have COVID-19 symptoms and I need medical assistance for another reason, but I can’t get
treatment (medicentres are closed/doctors are turning patients away/I can’t get through to Health
Link)…what do I do?
• We understand the strain that COVID-19 is causing on many Albertans. If your family physician or
other health-care provider is unable or unwilling to receive you, we recommend you contact
another health-care provider to find out if they are available.
o To find a family doctor near you who is accepting new patients, Primary Care Networks and the
College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta offer online tools. Visit https://albertafindadoctor.ca/
and https://search.cpsa.ca/physiciansearch
• We recommend any non-essential visits are postponed at this time.

What is happening for Grade 12 students and their diploma exams?
• 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.
• The government will be working with post-secondary institutions to ensure these extraordinary
circumstances do not prevent students from being eligible for admission to post-secondary studies for
the upcoming school year.
• We will also ensure adult learners scheduled to write diplomas exams still have an opportunity to do so.
All Albertans are still encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and
resources.

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

Nels Petersen
Regional Director of Emergency Management
Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partnership

March 19, 2020
RE: COVID-19 Update 4
Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. Please note that all Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. Vulcan County, the Villages of Champion, Carmangay, Lomond, Milo, and Arrowwood Offices are also closed to the public, however business operations are continuing. While the Town of Vulcan office remains open, we are urging the public whom have questions to use the websites or a telephone as most questions could be answered this way. With increasing numbers of confirmed cases throughout Alberta, we want to stress the importance of following proper personal hygiene andcleaning processes. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

Social Distancing
Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. With patience and cooperation, we can all do our part.

What does Social Distancing Mean?
This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:
• avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. 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

Here’s how you can practice social distancing
• greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug
• stay home as much as possible, including for meals and entertainment
• shop or take public transportation during off-peak hours
• conduct virtual meetings
• host virtual playdates for your kids
• use technology to keep in touch with friends and family

If possible,
• use food delivery services or online shopping
• exercise at home or outside
• work from home

Remember to
• wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face
• cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm
• avoid touching surfaces people touch often
If you are concerned you may have COVID-19
• separate yourself from others as soon as you have symptoms
• if you are outside the home when a symptom develops, go home immediately and avoid taking public transit
• stay home and follow the advice of your Public Health Authority, who may recommend self-isolation
• call ahead to a health care provider if you are ill and seeking medical attention.
Identifying and isolating people infected with COVID-19 is the only way to stop the spread.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough or other cold or influenza-like symptoms. Use this online screening tool to determine whether you need to call 811 to get tested.
If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please do not call Health Link. You will be called directly. It can take up to four days.
All Albertans are still encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.
Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=6980324A5B1B0-BC2C-40A8-A6AD9E30E3189425
Nels Petersen
Regional Director of Emergency Management
Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partnership

March 18, 2020
RE: COVID-19 Update 3
Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. Please note that all Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. Vulcan County, the Villages of Champion, Carmangay, Lomond, Milo, and Arrowwood Offices are also closed to the public, however business operations are continuing. While the Town of Vulcan office remains open, we are urging the public whom have questions to use the websites or a telephone as most questions could be answered this way. With increasing numbers of confirmed cases throughout Alberta, we want to stress the importance of following proper personal hygiene and cleaning processes. Please follow these guidelines and watch your municipal websites for further updates.
Note: According to the Public Health Agency of Canada and Alberta Health Services, individuals over the age of 60 have an increased risk of severe disease if they contract COVID-19. This factored with compromised immune systems and underlying medical conditions, this will put you at an increased risk of hospitalization. What were asking of those that fall into this category is the following, if you have loved ones or friends that could do your errands, and groceries please arrange for it. We understand that becoming sedentary may pose its own health issues, however as an alternative to attending a senior’s center for coffee, perhaps to stay active, an alternative could be to take a walk out doors with your friends while still maintaining acceptable distance from each other.
With the Schools and daycares being cancelled, it has left parents looking for alternative childcare. Children are believed to be more likely to be asymptomatic, thus never showing signs of illness while spreading it to others. These risks should be considered when utilizing extended family as child care.
To protect yourself and others:
• stay home and away from others if sick or in isolation
• wash hands often, using soap and water for at least twenty seconds
• cover coughs and sneezes
• avoid touching face with unwashed hands
• avoid travel outside Canada
• Self-Isolate for 14 days if returning from travel outside Canada or were exposed to COVID-19
Identifying and isolating people infected with COVID-19 is the only way to stop the spread.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough or other cold or influenza-like symptoms. Use this online screening tool to determine whether you need to call 811 to get tested.
If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please do not call Health Link. You will be called directly. It can take up to four days.
Federal Measures
The Government of Canada has temporarily closed its borders. Excerpts from Prime Minister Trudeau’s speech further describe the closure;
“First, we will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This measure will carve out some designated exceptions including for aircrews, diplomats, and immediate family members of Canadian citizens and, at this time, U.S. citizens…. Second, air operators will be formally mandated to prevent all travellers who present symptoms of Covid-19 to board a plane. Air operators will be required to complete a basic health assessment of every air traveller based on guidance from the public health agency of Canada. This means that anyone who has symptoms will not be able to come to Canada…… Third, starting Wednesday, March 18, only four Canadian airports will be accepting international flights — Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, Vancouver International Airport and Calgary International Airport. At this time, domestic flights, as well as flights coming from the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Saint Pierre et Miquelon will not be affected. The travel restrictions announced today will not apply to commerce or trade. We will continue to ensure the supply of important goods to Canada.”
The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee will be suspending in-person visits with clients or service providers. Alternative arrangements will include phone, email, Skype, texting and videoconferencing. Contact information can be found at Office of the Public Guardian
Traffic Courts: Traffic Court Pandemic Scheduling Updated
Court of Appeal: Notice – COVID-19
The Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports near you.
• Call: 1-877-303-2642
For helpful advice on handling stressful situations and 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)
Changes for employers and employees: Full and part-time employees can access 14 days of job-protected leave for the purpose of self-isolation related to COVID-19, retroactive to March 5th. The leave does not apply to self-employed individuals or contractors. The requirement to have worked for an employer for 90 days to access COVID-19 specific leave is no longer required. Employees self-isolating due to COVID-19 do not require a medical note to access leave.
All Albertans are still encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.
Above information sourced from:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=6980324A5B1B0-BC2C-40A8-A6AD9E30E3189425
Nels Petersen
Regional Director of Emergency Management
Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partnership

March 17, 2020

RE: COVID-19 Update 2

https://carmangay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/March-17-2020-COVID-19-Update-2.pdf

Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partners are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. Please note that all Vulcan County Fire Halls are closed to the public until further notice. Vulcan County, the Villages of Champion, Carmangay, Lomond, and Arrowwood Offices are closed to the public. While the Village of Milo, Town of Vulcan, offices remain open, we are urging the public to use the websites or telephone to ask questions rather than coming in. With cases of COVID-19 now confirmed in the South Zone, and increasing numbers throughout Alberta we want to stress the importance of following proper personal hygiene and cleaning processes. Please follow the guidelines below and watch your municipal websites for further updates.

With the increase in cases the Government of Alberta is advising anybody who has recently returned from travel outside Canada or has symptoms – cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: STAY HOME – do not go to an ER or clinic, take the https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/Pages/COVID-Self-Assessment.aspx self-assessment test on line, and call Health Link 811 for testing and instructions. Effective March 12, all Albertans who are currently outside the country should self-isolate on their return for 14 days, independent of the country they were visiting. Travel outside Canada is not recommended for Albertans at this time. Given the rapid global spread of COVID-19, it is no longer possible to assess health risks for the duration of the trip.

The Government of Alberta has cancelled all classes K to 12, and in-person post-secondary classes as well. All licensed child care facilities, out-of-school programs and preschool programs are closed indefinitely. Approved day homes are exempt as they care for fewer than 7 children at a time, but should use enhanced sanitation practices.

The Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services has enacted section 75.1 of the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation, ALTA Regulation 320/2002. Essentially, Albertans with expiring driver’s licences and/or vehicle registrations have until May 15, 2020 to renew these documents. Specifically: Motor vehicle documents that expire March 17, 2020 through to May 14, 2020 are hereby extended, and remain subsisting and valid until midnight on May 15, 2020. Motor vehicle documents include driver’s licence, identification card and vehicle registration(s), or any motor vehicle document prescribed by the regulation.

To help protect our vulnerable populations in continuing care or long-term care facilities, it is recommended that only essential visits take place. 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.

The Government of Alberta is acting quickly to protect Albertans by implementing paid, job-protected leave. Details of how these changes will take effect will be provided in the coming days. Changes to the Employment Standards Code will allow employees to take 14 days of paid, job-protected leave if they are:
• required to self-isolate
• sick or caring for a loved one with COVID-19
To be eligible, employees:
• will not be required to have a medical note
• do not need to have worked for an employer for 90 days
This leave covers the self-isolation period recommended by Alberta’s chief medical officer. We recognize this could put pressure on employers, and are working towards a solution to address these challenges. Information for Employers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be found at: https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/bh022.

At 1330hrs (1:30pm) March 17, 2020 Premier Jason Kenney announced the Declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency. Effective immediately and until further notice, the following measures have been implemented:
• Mass gatherings are now limited to NO more than 50 attendees. This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services are not included.
• All Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities including gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls.
• Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 50 people. Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted. Licensed facilities will also be permitted to deliver liquor.
• At this time, not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice.
• Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.

All Albertans are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.

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

Nels Petersen
Regional Director of Emergency Management
Vulcan County Regional Emergency Management Partnership