Previous information bulletins and additional
information and resources for health staff can be found at OneHealth.ca
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Johns Hopkins University Interactive Dashboard –
Help in Tough Times (AHS)
Talking with children about COVID-19 (CDC)
Mental health and coping with COVID-19 (CDC)
For helpful advice on handling stressful
situations and ways to talk to children please visit
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298
https://www.gotoinfo.ca/ISCInfo
Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 Updates available in several languages
World Health Organization – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Public Health Agency of Canada – 2019 novel coronavirus: Outbreak update https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Alberta Health Services – novel coronavirus (COVID-19) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
COVID-19 Data for Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx
Alberta Health – Coronavirus info for Albertans https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
If you have general questions about COVID-19 or require current
information, please refer to the following websites which are trusted
information sources and are being regularly maintained and updated.
Actions individuals and families can take
To help protect against all respiratory
illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, you should:
·
Practice social
distancing.
·
Stay home and away from others if you are sick
or in isolation.
Wash hands often, using soap and water for at
least twenty seconds.
When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then
wash your hands.
·
Avoid touching face, nose, or mouth with
unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that
are frequently touched.
Actions communities are encouraged to take
Update and inform your community members of the
evolving situation through existing community communication channels.
Review and update the pandemic annex of your
All-Hazards Emergency Response Plan.
Be aware of current public health infection
prevention and control measures.
·
Educate community members on the steps they can
take to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses.
·
Regularly check trusted sources of information,
like the Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services links provided in this bulletin.
Wearing Medical
Masks
If you are healthy, medical masks are not recommended.
When sick, wearing a mask helps prevent
illnesses from being passed on to other people.
Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-flight-information.pdf to
check the list of flights with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Passengers in affected seats are considered
close contacts and are at risk of exposure. These passengers should:
Self-isolate for 14 days.
Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to determine next steps
and find out if testing is required.
Travelers who returned before March 12
Travelers who returned to Alberta from Italy,
Iran, the Hubei Province of China or the Grande Princess Cruise ship, must
self-isolate for 14 days, even if they are feeling well.
Travelers who returned to Alberta from other
destinations outside Canada are encouraged to self-isolate, and monitor
themselves for symptoms for 14 days.
·
Travelers who returned on or after March 12
o
ALL travelers
who returned to Alberta from outside Canada on or after March 12 are required
to self-isolate immediately for 14 days, and monitor for symptoms.
·
If you develop symptoms – cough, fever or
difficulty breathing – stay home and complete the online COVID-19 self-assessment. Do not go to the ER or
doctor’s office. Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention and inform them that you
may have COVID-19.
·
If you are unsure if you should be
self-isolating, use the online screening tool COVID-19 self- assessment to determine whether you need to call
Health Link 811 to get tested.
Mental health and
coping
·
The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant
impact on Albertans’ mental health. Resources are available if you, or someone
you know, is struggling or needs a little extra support.
o
Please visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/amh/if-amh-mhpip-disaster- pandemic-covid-19-and-your-mental-health.pdf
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/amh/if-amh-mhpip-disaster-pandemic- practical-and-emotional-preparedness.pdf
o
The Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642
is available 24/7 to provide advice and
referrals to community supports near you.
o Kids
and teens can call the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Information for
visiting Long term Care Facilities and Hospitals
Individuals over
60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk
of severe symptoms from COVID-19. To prevent the spread of respiratory viruses,
including COVID-19, among seniors and other vulnerable groups:
·
Only one
essential visitor at a time will be allowed for residents in Long-term
Care, Supportive Living and Congregate Living Settings. Essential visitors are
those providing care necessary for the well-being of the resident and visitors
attending to a resident who is dying. They must be immediate family or a
designated person.
·
AHS will allow patients to receive only one visitor at a time to AHS Acute
Care (hospital) facilities.
·
No
children will be allowed to visit long-term care or continuing care
facilities or hospitals. This restriction is in place, because children do not
necessarily show symptoms of COVID-19, and could therefore pose an unknown risk
to the health of patients and staff.
·
Visitors
must be feeling well on the date/time of visit. Visitors will not be
allowed to visit if they have an illness that can be transmitted (symptoms
including fever, cough, loose stools, rash, or feeling unwell; OR are immunocompromised; OR are on self-isolation for COVID-19; OR are being tested for COVID-19.
·
On March 17, 2020, the ISC-AB Communicable
Disease team engaged directly with First Nations nursing teams to facilitate
the completion of a PPE National Stockpile Request Form.
·
To avoid duplication and ensure PPE is
distributed efficiently on an as needed basis we ask that you please work
directly with your Nation’s nursing team to confirm the appropriate PPE request
form has been completed and returned to ISC-AB.
·
If communities are unable to access PPE supplies
(procedure/surgical masks, gowns, face shields gloves, etc.) please email sac.cdemergenciesab- urgencesmtab.isc@canada.ca
Mass Gatherings
Effective March 17, upon the
declaration of the public health emergency in Alberta, new public health
measures are now required to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and
crowed spaces.
·
Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than
50 attendees.
o
This includes: large sporting events,
conferences and community events, as well as worship gatherings and family
events – including weddings and funerals (wakes).
o
This does not
include: grocery stores, shopping centres, health care facilities,
airports, the legislature and other essential
services.
o
Not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens
and religious kitchens are exempt at
this time, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support
will be in place for this practice.
·
Places of worship are no longer exempt from
restrictions on mass gatherings.
·
All long-term care and other continuing care
facilities are advised to limit
visitation to essential visitors only.
·
To limit the amount of time Albertans are
spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, 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.
Albertans are prohibited from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are
prohibited by law until further notice.
·
Sit-down restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food
courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with minors-allowed
liquor license, are limited to 50% capacity
to a maximum of 50 people.
Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is
permitted.
Licensed facilities are permitted to deliver liquor.
Sho
On March 17 the
Alberta government declared a state of public health emergency, empowering
authorities under the Public Health Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans
spend in large crowds and crowded spaces.
COVID-19 can be contained
by everyone working together to reduce risk and keep all Albertans safe. It
will be important to share important health messaging related to the COVID-19
within your networks and reinforce messaging for steps individuals, families,
and communities can take to protect their health.
Status Update
Number of cases reported*, as of March 20, 2020:
*numbers are changing rapidly and may change after
this bulletin is released
Alberta
(Alberta
Health)
Canada
(Public
Health Agency of Canada)
Cases
195
895
Deaths
1
10
·
There are identified cases of COVID-19 in all Alberta Health zones: Calgary zone (126); Edmonton zone (43);
Central zone (4); South zone (5); and North zone (17).
·
COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency
as a new highly infectious virus that poses significant risk to public health.
The Alberta Government is continuing to move forward with more aggressive
measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta. Additional actions may
be required in the coming days.
Testing in Alberta
·
Alberta is testing for COVID-19.Testing is
currently focused on individuals who have developed symptoms, even mild ones,
within 14 days of returning from travel outside Canada; or who have had contact
with someone diagnosed as having COVID-19.
Test results
Negative
Positive
Completed
tests (as of March 19)
20,360
195
·
FNIHB-AB is working with Alberta Health Services
to ensure all First Nations have access to testing on-reserve as needed.
·
Alberta Health Services has developed an online self-assessment tool COVID-19 self- assessment to help determine whether an individual
should be tested for COVID-19.
·
You do not need to be tested for COVID-19 if in
the past 14 days you have not travelled outside Canada OR have not been exposed
to someone who has COVID-19 OR have symptoms; use the online self-assessment tool to determine whether you need
to call 811 to get tested.
·
If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, do
not call Health Link. You will be called directly; results can take up to four days.
Government
of Canada’s support to Indigenous communities
The Government
of Canada has announced a number of
emergency funding measures to support the response to the COVID-19
pandemic. Indigenous Services Canada Alberta (ISC- AB) region will be receiving
funding to support emergency management, infection prevention and control,
community preparedness measures, and surge capacity resources as required.
·
The following are initial measures to alleviate
immediate pressures Nations are facing:
o
Each First Nation will receive an initial
funding allocation of $125,000 immediately under the Emergency Management
Assistance Program to support emergency management and planning needs; and,
o
Earlier this fiscal year, $22,047 was allocated
to each First Nation in Alberta through Health Emergency Management as part of
Budget 2019 to support planning and preparedness activities.
·
Operational details related to recent funding
announcements are evolving. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Alberta region is
committed to share all further information and allocations as they become available.
·
ISC will continue to focus on a needs-based
process as identified in each Nation’s Business Continuity Plan and the
Pandemic Annex of a Nations Emergency Management Plan. For any further funding
questions please email sac.cdemergenciesab- urgencesmtab.isc@canada.ca
Current Public Health Actions
·
The Government of Canada has closed the borders
to non-essential travel.
·
Alberta’s public health officials and our
federal counterparts have put more precautionary measures in place to slow the
spread of COVID-19.
·
The health care system is preparing for an
increase in the number of cases that need hospital care.
·
A comprehensive range of prevention and control
measures are in place in Alberta to reduce risk of spread of illness in Alberta.
o
Updating self-isolation and self-monitoring
recommendations for returning travellers
experiencing symptoms, as required.
o
Tracing all close contacts of presumptive and
confirmed cases, testing and isolating those who are symptomatic, and asking
even those who are well to self-isolate for 14 days after their last contact
with the case.
What FNIHB is doing
·
As with any other communicable disease
on-reserve in Alberta, FNIHB-AB is providing public health case and contact
management for any confirmed, or probable COVID-19 cases in a community.
·
FNIHB is supporting access to testing for FN on
reserve when possible, in the home, and in nearby AHS sites.
·
FNIHB-AB has developed a Communicable Disease
Emergency (CDE) Plan template/toolkit to support Nations in preparing for
communicable disease emergencies, including COVID-19. The template has been
sent to communities and FNIHB-AB is working with communities to review plans
and provide feedback.
·
FNIHB-AB has launched a series of telehealth
sessions for First Nations in Alberta focused on sharing information about
COVID-19, responding to questions from communities and sharing information on
specific priority areas. All previous telehealth sessions were recorded and are
available at http://www.fntn.ca or on the Onehealth.ca website. The last
session was on ‘Environmental cleaning and disinfection’. The next telehealth session
will be held on Thursday March 26, 2020 and will
focus on “Nursing – contact tracing and
testing. Information on how to register will be sent shortly.
Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) for Health Centre Staff and Patients
·
FNHIB is working with the province and is in the
process of accessing PPE through the national pandemic stockpile, for each
First Nation in Alberta.
·
On March 17, 2020, the ISC-AB Communicable
Disease team engaged directly with First Nations nursing teams to facilitate
the completion of a PPE National Stockpile Request Form.
·
To avoid duplication and ensure PPE is
distributed efficiently on an as needed basis we ask that you please work
directly with your Nation’s nursing team to confirm the appropriate PPE request
form has been completed and returned to ISC-AB.
·
If communities are unable to access PPE supplies
(procedure/surgical masks, gowns, face shields gloves, etc.) please email sac.cdemergenciesab- urgencesmtab.isc@canada.ca
Mass Gatherings
Effective March 17, upon the
declaration of the public health emergency in Alberta, new public health
measures are now required to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and
crowed spaces.
·
Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than
50 attendees.
o
This includes: large sporting events,
conferences and community events, as well as worship gatherings and family
events – including weddings and funerals (wakes).
o
This does not
include: grocery stores, shopping centres, health care facilities,
airports, the legislature and other essential
services.
o
Not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens
and religious kitchens are exempt at
this time, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support
will be in place for this practice.
·
Places of worship are no longer exempt from
restrictions on mass gatherings.
·
All long-term care and other continuing care
facilities are advised to limit
visitation to essential visitors only.
·
To limit the amount of time Albertans are
spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, 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.
·
Albertans are prohibited from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are
prohibited by law until further notice.
·
Sit-down restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food
courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with minors-allowed
liquor license, are limited to 50% capacity
to a maximum of 50 people.
o
Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is
permitted.
o
Licensed facilities are permitted to deliver liquor.
Schools
and Daycare
·
All students will no longer be attending classes
in K to 12 schools until further notice. Teachers and other school staff will
still be expected to work, either from home or at their workplace. Decisions on
how to do this vary depending on the school jurisdiction.
·
All licensed childcare facilities, out-of-school
programs and preschool programs in Alberta are closed at this time.
o
Approved day homes are exempt as they care for fewer
than 7 children at a time, but should use enhanced
sanitation practices.
·
In-person classes at post-secondary institutions
are cancelled until further notice.
Campuses remain open.
Information
about Travel
·
The Government of Canada has issued a global
travel advisory: avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.
·
Alberta Health also recommends that Albertans DO NOT travel outside of Canada 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.
·
As more flights confirm passengers with
COVID-19, Albertans are advised to monitor their air travel
even if it was limited to
within Canada. Flights that have confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the
affected seats
will be posted online as information is confirmed. If you recently returned
from a flight:
o
Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-flight-information.pdf to
check the list of flights with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
o
Passengers in affected seats are considered
close contacts and are at risk of exposure. These passengers should:
§
Self-isolate for 14 days.
§
Monitor for symptoms.
§
Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to determine next steps
and find out if testing is required.
o
Other passengers are not required to
self-isolate but should monitor for symptoms.
·
Travelers who returned before March 12
o
Travelers who returned to Alberta from Italy,
Iran, the Hubei Province of China or the Grande Princess Cruise ship, must
self-isolate for 14 days, even if they are feeling well.
o
Travelers who returned to Alberta from other
destinations outside Canada are encouraged to self-isolate, and monitor
themselves for symptoms for 14 days.
·
Travelers who returned on or after March 12
o
ALL travelers
who returned to Alberta from outside Canada on or after March 12 are required
to self-isolate immediately for 14 days, and monitor for symptoms.
·
If you develop symptoms – cough, fever or
difficulty breathing – stay home and complete the online COVID-19 self-assessment. Do not go to the ER or
doctor’s office. Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention and inform them that you
may have COVID-19.
·
If you are unsure if you should be
self-isolating, use the online screening tool COVID-19 self- assessment to determine whether you need to call
Health Link 811 to get tested.
Mental health and
coping
·
The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant
impact on Albertans’ mental health. Resources are available if you, or someone
you know, is struggling or needs a little extra support.
o
Please visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/amh/if-amh-mhpip-disaster- pandemic-covid-19-and-your-mental-health.pdf
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/amh/if-amh-mhpip-disaster-pandemic- practical-and-emotional-preparedness.pdf
o
The Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642
is available 24/7 to provide advice and
referrals to community supports near you.
o Kids
and teens can call the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Information for
visiting Long term Care Facilities and Hospitals
Individuals over
60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk
of severe symptoms from COVID-19. To prevent the spread of respiratory viruses,
including COVID-19, among seniors and other vulnerable groups:
·
Only one
essential visitor at a time will be allowed for residents in Long-term
Care, Supportive Living and Congregate Living Settings. Essential visitors are
those providing care necessary for the well-being of the resident and visitors
attending to a resident who is dying. They must be immediate family or a
designated person.
·
AHS will allow patients to receive only one visitor at a time to AHS Acute
Care (hospital) facilities.
·
No
children will be allowed to visit long-term care or continuing care
facilities or hospitals. This restriction is in place, because children do not
necessarily show symptoms of COVID-19, and could therefore pose an unknown risk
to the health of patients and staff.
·
Visitors
must be feeling well on the date/time of visit. Visitors will not be
allowed to visit if they have an illness that can be transmitted (symptoms
including fever, cough, loose stools, rash, or feeling unwell; OR are immunocompromised; OR are on self-isolation for COVID-19; OR are being tested for COVID-19.
·
Families and friends of individuals in these
facilities are asked to use other methods such as a phone call, video calling
or use FaceTime to be in touch with, support and encourage their loved one
through this difficult time.
Actions individuals and families can take
To help protect against all respiratory
illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, you should:
·
Practice social
distancing.
·
Stay home and away from others if you are sick
or in isolation.
·
Wash hands often, using soap and water for at
least twenty seconds.
·
When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then
wash your hands.
·
Avoid touching face, nose, or mouth with
unwashed hands.
·
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
·
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that
are frequently touched.
Actions communities are encouraged to take
·
Update and inform your community members of the
evolving situation through existing community communication channels.
·
Review and update the pandemic annex of your
All-Hazards Emergency Response Plan.
·
Be aware of current public health infection
prevention and control measures.
·
Educate community members on the steps they can
take to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses.
·
Regularly check trusted sources of information,
like the Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services links provided in this bulletin.
Wearing Medical
Masks
·
If you are healthy, medical masks are not recommended.
·
When sick, wearing a mask helps prevent
illnesses from being passed on to other people.
Updates
and additional information
If you have general questions about COVID-19 or require current
information, please refer to the following websites which are trusted
information sources and are being regularly maintained and updated.
Alberta Health – Coronavirus info for Albertans https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
COVID-19 Data for Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx
Alberta Health Services – novel coronavirus (COVID-19) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
Public Health Agency of Canada – 2019 novel coronavirus: Outbreak update https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
World Health Organization – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 Updates available in several languages
–
https://www.gotoinfo.ca/ISCInfo
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298