COVID-19

LATEST UPDATES ON COVID-19

Next phases announced

 Updated December 15, 2021

 

  Protecting Albertans from Omicron

Alberta is taking immediate actions and clarifying health measures to protect Albertans and the health-care system against the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus.

 

  Expanding booster doses to more Albertans

Starting December 15, Albertans 50 to 59 and all health-care workers can now book a third dose as long as it's been at least 6 months since their second dose.

Albertans 60+ and other high-risk groups are already eligible. More age groups will be announced as quickly as supply allows.

Third doses are the best way to boost your immunity to improve protection against new variants and limit the spread of COVID-19.

 

    See full list of eligible groups and book your shot

 

 

At-home rapid test kits available

Starting December 17, Albertans can pick up one free COVID-19 rapid testing kit per person at select pharmacies in Calgary, Red Deer or Edmonton, or at select Alberta Health Services clinics in other communities, while supplies last. Each kit includes 5 tests and instructions.

Rapid tests can help detect COVID-19 before people know they're infected. Increasing testing at home will identify infections early so people can isolate to help stop the spread.

These tests cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Unvaccinated people must pay to obtain proof of negative test result through a private vendor or pharmacy to gain admission.

 

Find a pick up location near you

 

 

         

Social gathering over the holidays

Albertans are asked to observe all public health measures over the holidays to help slow the spread.

 

Limit indoor private social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people ages 18 and older. There is no limit on those under 18.

Outdoor private social gatherings are limited to 20 people. Physical distancing between households is required.

Continue practicing good habits to protect yourself and those around you: stay home if you are feeling sick, get tested at an AHS assessment centre if you have symptoms, and take a rapid test before gathering with other households.

 

Learn more about gathering limits

 

 

Updated May 2021      

             

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and vital for us to get back to normal. They make our immune systems stronger to help prevent and fight off diseases. Get your shot to protect yourself and those around you. Thousands more Albertans can start booking their first dose in the next 2 weeks. To reduce wait times, bookings will be done in stages by birth year.

All vaccines approved in Canada are safe, effective and help prevent serious illness. You’re encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you can.


Phase 2: AstraZeneca (Starting March 10)

Albertans aged 50 to 64 who do not have a severe chronic illness can either:

  • receive the AstraZeneca vaccine early, or
  • wait until Phase 2D begins in May to get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine

Appointment bookings will open in stages by birth year, one year at a time:

  • Born in 1957: Starting March 10
  • Following years and dates will be announced based on supply

AstraZeneca has been proven to be highly effective in preventing serious illness and death in healthy adults 18 to 64. People in Phase 2B and Phase 2C are ineligible due to age, chronic health conditions or living arrangements.

Find out if it’s is right for you.


Phase 2 Group A (Starting week of March 15)

People in Group A can receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Exact booking dates will be announced the week of March 15.

  • Albertans aged 65 to 74, booked in stages by birth year
  • First Nations, Inuit and Métis people aged 50 and older
  • Staff and residents of licensed supportive living (seniors) not included in Phase 1

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are prioritized for people most at risk of severe outcomes, due to limited supply.


How to book

There are 3 ways to book your first appointment once it’s your turn: 

  • Book online
  • Call 811
  • Contact a participating pharmacy (Calgary, Edmonton or Red Deer)


Book your free shot

Can’t find a spot?

Appointments are based on vaccine supply. More spots will be added as supply increases. Please be patient, and only book once so doses aren’t wasted.


Need a ride?

Isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges can call 211 for help finding a ride to an appointment.


Follow up: Second doses

Starting March 10, second doses of the vaccine will be given 4 months later so all Albertans can be protected with the first dose by the end of June. First and second dose appointments will be booked separately. You will receive a reminder closer to your eligibility date.

Anyone who received their first dose prior to March 10 will still receive their second dose within 42 days. All existing appointments will be honoured.

Results show the first vaccine is at least 80% effective in preventing severe illness. The second dose ensures you’re protected for as long as possible.


Not your turn?

Everyone who wants a vaccine, will get a vaccine. But you may have to wait until people most at risk get vaccinated first. Learn more about the phased vaccination program and find out when it is your turn.


Help prevent the spread

Until most Albertans are protected by the vaccine, we must continue following all public health guidelines: keep 2 metres apart, wash your hands, wear a mask in public, and stay home when sick. Learn more at alberta.ca/covid19


Staged Relaxation Of Restrictions

Alberta is bending the curve to protect our health system, but we must be careful not to lift restrictions too quickly.


A Path Forward is a roadmap to help Albertans understand how restrictions will be eased in steps over the coming months. It outlines the sectors that will see gradual restriction changes at each step based on hospitalization benchmarks.


Step 1 restriction changes came into effect February 8.

New measures at a glance

Get your test results faster with MyHealth Records

Access COVID-19 test results for you and your children through MyHealth Records, a free and secure online service that helps keep track of your health information.

Sign up for MyHealth Records

Visit alberta.ca/covid19 to learn how you can help limit the spread.

COVID-19 Info for Staff and Decision Chart

COVID Watch Status!


The number of active COVID cases is rising! Please do your part to follow personal hygiene and physical distancing practices. Stay home when sick. Wear a mask when necessary. Please follow this link Alberta/COVID for more information.

COVID Update


With new confirmed cases of COVID in our region we want to remind everyone to follow the physical distancing and personal hygiene guidelines. Masks are still available if you haven’t picked them up yet!


Please follow this link Alberta/COVID for more information.


Gathering Restrictions
AHS has released this amazing COVID-19 Toolkit for Addictions & Mental Health. This information is beneficial to anyone on a regular basis.

Support for Seniors

There is an AHS Flyer and a new CORE Website for seniors! Check them out via the links below.


COVID Online Self Assessment Tool

The relaxation of COVID restrictions may increase the risk of COVID.

Go HERE for a list of symptoms and access to the online self assessment tool
Alberta’s COVID Relaunch Strategy

During the staged relaxation of restrictions, it is still very important that everyone continue with good personal hygiene and physical distancing.

Please visit the following links for up to date information regarding Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy as well as General and Industry Specific Guidelines.



Hello agricultural operators,

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reaching out to operations that have historically brought foreign workers into Canada through the Federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). Public Health Orders issued by the Chief Medical Officers of Health of Canada and Alberta have been issued to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The intention of this email is to share with you important information related to COVID-19 and how this will impact your operational practices. As well, we intent to provide important information for operators to share with their workers.  

COVID-19

  • As a sponsor or a SAWP worker, please refer to the attachment in this email outlining measures that must be followed to help prevent the spread of this disease. You must ensure these measures are followed. Failure to comply with these requirements not only puts your workers, your family and your community at risk, but it also it the law. Operators that are found to not be non-compliance with the Public Health Orders could face significant fines. Please make sure you take the time to read through this information and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented in your operations.
  • AHS Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) will be working closely with local law enforcement [Community Peace Officers and police] to ensure compliance with these Public Health Orders.
Measles Outbreak - Mexico

AHS Resources:
Low German Mennonite (LGM)
  • A number of workers in southern Alberta agriculture identify as LGM. This population may be at increased risk for COVID-19 and other diseases as a result of a number of factors. To help ensure a healthy population, we kindly ask that you refer to the following website link sponsored by Alberta Health Services Public Health: sites.google.com/view/lgmcovidresources/home
  • This site connects the LGM community with important health resources. The site is continually updated with new material to ensure correct and timely information.
  • You have the ability to sign up for resource notifications, either as an individual or as an agency/company.
  • We kindly ask that you share this resources with your LGM staff and sign up as an agency to receive resource notification updates.
Resources in Other Languages:

Signage:
Cleaning:
Should you have specific questions, please reach out to your local municipality. Alternatively, you can reach your local Public Health Inspector at [email protected] 

Thank you for your efforts to keep the population safe and population.

Regards,

Pam Hodgkinson, MPH, CPHI(C), BEH(AD), BSc.Micro(IIP)
AHS South Zone EOC Liaison Officer

Restrictions on Gatherings

We understand the desire to get together with family and friends, especially during the Easter weekend. However, at this time the risk of spreading the Coronavirus remains high. The direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, must be followed to control the spread through the community. See www.alberta.ca/restrictions-on-gatherings for more information.

Assistance for Employers & Employees


               
Mandatory Isolation Requirements

There have been quite a few questions regarding the COVID isolation orders surrounding Temporary Foreign Workers. For up to date information please visit www.alberta.ca/isolation
The County of Forty Mile would like to thank all those who are working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This may be hard, but we must follow the Public Health Orders and recommendations. For current information go to www.alberta.ca/COVID19 and www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics
 
Click on the image below to download the full document on FAQ's about the novel Coronavirus
The MD of Taber has created messages in low german for their residents regarding the Covid 19 Emergency. Thank you to the MD of Taber for letting us share this with our residents.


Corona Virus - Low German


Self Isolate - Low German 

Please Watch the video to learn ways you can prevent the spread of Coronavirus. For more information click this link COVID-19 Information for Albertans.
Social Distancing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. The province has provided the following fact sheet for suggestions and assistance.
FOREMOST - In response to the current COVID-19 situation in Alberta the County of Forty Mile No. 8 is taking steps to reduce risk to staff and the general public. With the exception of a public hearing for Bylaw 5/2020, all County facilities are closed to the public and will remain so until further notice.  This includes all Fire Halls, the Administration building, Public Works shops in Foremost, Etzikom, Manyberries and Bow Island and the Agriculture Shop.  With regard to the public hearing, we encourage the public to submit their comments in writing by dropping them off in the drop box at the main office, 303 Main Street, Foremost, Alberta or by emailing to [email protected].  If you submit by email, we will respond to acknowledge receipt of your submission.

The County of Forty Mile No. 8 wants to ensure that citizens are not impacted negatively by the office closure to the public. Staff are reporting to work and are available by phone or email for citizen assistance. Citizens can call (403) 867-3530 to reach County staff or for inquiries.

Citizens who need to pay utilities and accounts receivables can use the following methods during the office closure (postdated cheques are accepted):
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 has drop boxes for payments at the front doors of the main office in Foremost.

Cheque made payable to the County of Forty Mile No. 8 and mailed to PO Box 160, Foremost, Alberta T0K 0X0
Online banking through ATB, BMO, CIBC, Servus Credit Union, TD and RBC
Credit Card (Visa or MC) through OptionPay

Assistance with payments is available by calling (403) 867-3530 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]. 
Development and Land Use applications will continue to be accepted during this time. Applications can be submitted through the County’s drop box at the front door of the Main office or e-mailed to [email protected] and Planning and Development staff can be reached at (403) 867-3530 or [email protected]

Citizens are asked to follow Alberta Health Services recommendations such as frequent hand washing, self-isolating if you have recently travelled outside of Canada, staying home if feeling sick, and social distancing. More information is available at www.ahs.ca/covid19  


ONLINE PAYMENTS
Click the link to pay your utility bills and accounts receivables online: OptionPay

CONTACT THE COUNTY OF FORTY MILE NO. 8
Click the link to view County of Forty Mile No. 8 administration contacts: Contact County 

INFORMATION ON COVID-19
Click the link to view Alberta Health Services information: AHS COVID-19 information

Click the link to view a short video about COVID-19 and how to prevent the spread: www.swhealth.org/dr-peter-lin-breaks-down-information-on-coronavirus-covid-19/


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