By Alex McCuaig

COVID-19 LATEST

All AHS health zones now reporting cases of suspect COVID-19

Mar 16, 2020 | 5:08 PM

Aggressive public health measures continue to be implemented provincewide to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect Albertans, as cases have now been identified in all zones across the province.

18 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Alberta, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 74. Cases have now been identified in all zones across the province:

o 52 cases in the Calgary zone

o 18 cases in the Edmonton zone

o 2 cases in the Central zone

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

2h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

3h ago

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

21h ago

o 1 case in the South zone

o 1 case in the North zone

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, is self-isolating at home with what officials say are minor symptoms consistent with a common cold likely due to the long hours that she has been working in recent weeks. The province says her symptoms do not appear to be consistent with COVID-19. However, Dr. Hinshaw has been tested today.

One Edmonton zone and one Calgary zone case have been confirmed to be the result of community transmission. These are the same two cases that were discussed on Sunday.

Materials have been developed to assist travellers returning from outside Canada so they know what to do and how to self-isolate. These materials will be distributed at all airports in the province.

The Provincial Court of Alberta and Court of Queen’s Bench are limiting operations. Visits to all Alberta provincial correctional facilities and young offender centres are suspended until further notice.

Commercial carriers are essential to the supply chain and are not subject to the current 14-day self-isolation travel requirements. This is consistent with the air travel industry and other provinces, such as British Columbia.

All Alberta Parks recreation facilities, programs, events and bookings are closed to the public and/or cancelled.

Student attendance at schools remains prohibited until further notice. Post-secondary classes continue to be cancelled but campuses remain open at this time.

All licensed child care facilities, out-of-school care programs and preschool programs are closed indefinitely.

All long-term care and other continuing care facilities are advised to limit visitation to essential visitors only.

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

Access to justice services

Family, professional and volunteer visits to all Alberta provincial correctional facilities and young offender centres are suspended until further notice. If defence counsel require an in-person meeting, they must contact the appropriate centre director. If families have questions about their loved ones, they should contact the centre director.

Current jury trials are proceeding; jurors are required to report to court. Any counsel or juror showing symptoms should contact the court to seek instructions from the presiding judge. Those who received a summons to attend jury selection between March 16 and May 31 are released and do not need to attend.

Legal Aid Alberta intake services at the Edmonton and Calgary courthouses are closed until further notice. To apply for Legal Aid services, call the Client Contact Centre at 1-866-845-3425, Monday to Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Traffic First-Appearance Centres are closed until further notice. Albertans can visit www.albertacourts.ca/pc/resources/pay-fines to pay traffic tickets.

Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench information: www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/announcements/covid-19-suspension-of-sittings.

Provincial Court of Alberta information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/pc/home.

Alberta law libraries information: https://lawlibrary.ab.ca/

Child care

All licensed child care, out-of-school care programs and preschool programs in Alberta are closed indefinitely. Approved day homes are exempt because they care for fewer than seven children at a time, including their own. Whether child care is being provided by day homes or by friends and family, enhanced sanitation practices are encouraged. This includes ensuring handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer are available and children and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.

¬Information for travellers

Travel outside of the country is not being recommended at this time. Given the rapid global spread of the virus, it is no longer possible to assess health risks for the duration of the trip.

Any traveller returning from outside of the country should self-isolate for 14 days, even if they are feeling well, and monitor for symptoms.

Any traveller who has returned before March 12 should closely monitor themselves for symptoms. If they experience symptoms, they should self-isolate immediately and call Health Link 811 for follow-up assessment and testing.

The Alberta government is working with Travel Alberta on a strategy to inform Canadians returning from the United States and Mexico about the need to self-isolate, and how to access medical care, if needed.

COVID-19-related information will be available for returning passengers at the international airports in both Edmonton and Calgary; tables with information sheets will be set up in the arrivals areas.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.