One case of COVID-19 now confirmed in Red Deer County

There are no new deaths, and three people have recovered; the same as Friday. One of the new cases is in a seniors’ home, though the province is not disclosing the location at this time.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marcia Johnson, who was filling in for Dr. Deena Hinshaw in Edmonton on Saturday, was asked about the drop in new cases.

“We hope (it’s a silver lining), but I must say it is too soon to make that conclusion on one day’s information. The whole aim of social distancing is to decrease the number of people getting ill and the speed at which they’re getting ill. If it is an indication, that’d be great, but it’s too soon to make that conclusion.”

Johnson also mentioned that within the next week, there will be more news on possible new enforcement measures being made available to police and other authorities to utilize if people or businesses are found not abiding by the province’s guidelines for social distancing.

You can view the livestream below.

ATB Financial services

ATB Financial has temporarily closed selected branches and has reduced hours for all other branches in order to protect the health and safety of their team members, customers and the communities they serve. Details about ATB Financial’s customer relief programs, closures and reduced hours can be found at atb.com.

Seniors facilities limiting visitation

Seniors facilities are receiving social isolation and distancing information, and stronger restrictions are being put in place for visitors to long-term and seniors care facilities. Essential visitors will be restricted to a single individual who can be family, a friend, or a paid companion who provides care and companionship necessary for the well-being of the resident (physical and mental health) and/or a single designated visitor for a person who is dying, as long as only one visitor enters the facility at a time. Every visitor will undergo a health screening.

Driver road tests suspended

Effective immediately, driver road tests are suspended until April 20. Albertans who already have a road test booked will be able to rebook online using the same test permit at no additional charge. We are working with the commercial carrier industry to deliver emergency Class 1 road tests as necessary.

Alberta Corporate Registry annual returns suspended

In keeping with public gathering restrictions, deadlines are suspended for businesses, corporations and non-profits that require holding annual general meetings in order to file their annual returns with Alberta Corporate Registry.

Winter camping closing

Alberta Parks is closing winter camping effective immediately and not accepting new winter camping reservations to limit the spread of COVID-19. Bookings for winter camping sites will be cancelled and customers notified via the online reservation system or by phone. Refunds will also be issued.

Liquor and cannabis retailers remain open

Liquor and cannabis retail locations remain open in Alberta. AGLC is maintaining business as usual. There is no impact to supply. Contact aglc.ca for more information.

Some liquor manufacturers producing hand sanitizer

Some Alberta distillers have begun producing or indicating an interest to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizers in their facilities to help fill a gap in many markets due to COVID-19. AGLC is supporting the manufacturers’ efforts, and more information can be found at https://aglc.ca/bulletin/production-hand-sanitizer-class-e. Check with your local distiller regarding the availability of hand sanitizers.

Information for travellers

Travel outside the country is strongly discouraged. 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 and Travel Alberta have launched a campaign to inform Canadians travelling in the United States and Mexico about the importance of returning home.

COVID-19 related information has been provided for departing and returning passengers at the international airports in both Edmonton and Calgary. This information has also been shared with all airports in Alberta and several airlines.

(With files from Government of Alberta media release)

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

One case of COVID-19 now confirmed in Red Deer County

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