All Kindergarten to Grade 12 classes cancelled in Alberta

“Our investigation determined that seven of these cases stem from a single gathering that took place in Calgary Zone. This underlines the fact that gatherings can accelerate spread of the virus,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“In addition, at least two of the cases within the last two days appear to have been acquired from an unknown source. This means we are likely seeing community transmission in Alberta.”

Additionally, the premier announced a $500 million boost for Alberta’s public health officials so that they have the resources needed to adequately respond to COVID-19.

“This is truly an unprecedented public health emergency for Alberta, and our government is committed to bolstering the efforts of our front-line health professionals with the resources they need to continue protecting the province,” said Kenney, who called today’s update an ‘inflection point.’ “Alberta’s public health workers are doing an outstanding job, and we are here to support them with whatever they need.”

Kenney also said he is concerned with reports of inadequate screening taking place at border crossings and entry points, something he plans to raise with his federal counterparts.

The provincial emergency centre is now at Level 3, meaning the province is further strengthening cross-government cooperation.

Education

Effective immediately, students will no longer be attending classes in K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions until further notice.

Post-secondary campuses will still remain open, but classes are cancelled. 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 K-12 student will receive a final mark and students will progress to their next grade level next 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.

The Alberta government will also be 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 coming school year.

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

Child care

All licensed child care, out of school care programs and pre-school programs are closed.

Approved day homes are exempt because they care for fewer than seven children at a time, the province’s update says. These programs which remain open are encouraged to use enhanced sanitation practices.

Mass gatherings

Places of worship are no longer exempt from the recommended restrictions on mass gatherings.

All gatherings of 250 people or more are cancelled. Those with more than 50 people, and are expected to involve international participants, critical infrastructure staff, seniors, or other high-risk, should also be cancelled.

Continuing and long-term care

Only essential visits to continuing care or long-term care facilities are recommended.

Travel

The province says travel outside the country is not recommended, with Premier Kenney saying it may be difficult to return if you leave the country now.

Any traveller returning from outside the country should self-isolate for 14 days, even if they are feeling well. Any traveller who returned before March 12 should closely monitor themselves for symptoms.

If you have symptoms, self-isolate immediately and call Health Link 811.

Today’s press conference can be viewed below:

Another provincial update is scheduled for Monday at 3:30 p.m.

More information is at AHS.ca/covid and Alberta.ca/covid19.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

All Kindergarten to Grade 12 classes cancelled in Alberta

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