Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, provides daily updates on COVID-19 and the ongoing work to protect public health of Albertans.

Cases are rising across Alberta

Stronger mandatory and voluntary measures have been put in place across Alberta to protect the health system and limit the spread. All Albertans should keep gatherings small, socialize safely, monitor your symptoms, stay home if sick and get tested.

Learn more about regional relaunch status in your community, including whether additional measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Regions are designated as open, watch or enhanced relaunch status. All regions must continue to follow Alberta’s public health measures and guidelines, regardless of relaunch status.

Communities under enhanced public health measures

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) or never develop symptoms (asymptomatic).

Some of the more commonly reported symptoms (core symptoms) include: 

• Fever (temperature equal to or over 38°C)
• Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
• Runny nose or sore throat (core symptoms for adults)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste (core symptoms for children under 18)

If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve:

• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste (core symptoms for children under 18)
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

 New symptoms list for children:

• Runny nose and sore throat are off the list of core symptoms requiring mandatory isolation for those under age 18. This includes the daily checklist used for school and childcare settings.
• This is only for children with no known exposure. If a child is a close contact or had known exposure within 14 days, testing is recommended and the child still needs to isolate.
• A child with only one non-core symptom should stay home and be monitored for 24 hours. Testing is not needed if symptoms improve. The child can resume normal activities when they feel well.
• A child with two or more non-core symptoms, or if one symptom gets worse, should get tested. They should stay home until the symptoms go away, or they test negative and feel better.
• The COVID-19 symptoms list for adults, including teachers and daycare staff, is unchanged. Health officials will continue to monitor evidence closely.
• COVID-19 symptoms can be mild and are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

Actions to take if a student shows symptoms

COVID-19 Alberta Health Daily Checklists

The Daily Checklist for Children applies for all children, as well as all students who attend kindergarten to Grade 12, including high school students over 18. Children should be screened every day by completing this checklist before going to school, child care or other activities.

The Daily Checklist for Adults was developed to support schools, activity organizers, employers, businesses and facility operators in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among attendees/staff. This tool is meant to assist with assessing attendees who may be symptomatic, or who may have been exposed to someone who is ill or has confirmed COVID-19.

Complete the Alberta Health daily checklist for children under 18
Complete the Alberta Health daily checklist for adults 18 years and older

Influenza immunization

The 2020-2021 Alberta Influenza Immunization program is now available. Influenza immunization is more important this season, than ever before. All Albertans, six months of age and older, are eligible to be immunized, free of charge; however, this year, AHS is working with pharmacists and physicians to offer immunization to different age groups and demographics.

• Everyone, especially seniors and those at risk, is encouraged to get immunized against influenza.
• Alberta ordered a record 1.96 million doses of vaccine.
• By appointment, doctors’ offices and participating pharmacies will immunize ages five and up.
• By appointment, public health clinics will immunize ages under five, their household members; people with no provincial health number; and where they are the only provider.

Learn more about Influenza Immunization

Get tested for COVID-19

You should stay home and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom or known exposure to COVID-19. Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

If you have symptoms, you are legally required to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer.

Use the COVID-19 Testing / Online Booking tool

Alberta has one of the highest testing rates in the world

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is paused to help reduce testing wait times, speed up results and limit the spread. Anyone with no symptoms must be tested if they are a close contact, or are linked to an outbreak. Book tests online at COVID-19 Testing / Online Booking or call Health Link at 811. Only 0.11 per cent of more than 659,000 asymptomatic tests with no known exposure were positive. Albertans with health concerns but no symptoms or exposure should talk to their care provider.

Alberta has expanded testing to all Albertans, whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811. If you have symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19, you must stay home and book your test with AHS.

Pharmacies can choose to provide testing to people who have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19. Albertans who are well and asymptomatic and wanting to be tested will need to call ahead to the pharmacy in advance to arrange an appointment for testing and additional instructions from the pharmacy.

Learn more about getting tested for COVID-19
Take the COVID-19 assessment or book a test
Contact a participating pharmacy to arrange a test

Isolating and quarantining help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people you could infect if you're sick. Both require staying home and avoiding situations where the virus could spread.

• Mandatory 14 day quarantine for returning international travellers or close contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19
• Mandatory 10 day self-isolation if you have any core symptoms from the start of your symptoms or until they are gone, whichever is longer, or until you test negative for COVID-19

COVID-19 testing is available to all Albertans with symptoms, close contacts of confirmed cases and those linked to an outbreak.

Learn how to monitor your symptoms
Take the online assessment to arrange testing
Learn about self-isolation and quarantine
List of approved hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers

To protect the health and safety of Albertans, public health orders can be legally-enforced and fines issued for violations.

Learn about COVID-19 public health orders and legislation

Mandatory quarantine for returning international travellers

Canadians are legally required under public health order to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days if they have recently returned from international travel, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

International Border Testing Pilot Program

An Alberta-Canada joint pilot program is testing an alternative to the 14 day quarantine requirement for international travellers while continuing to protect Canadians from COVID-19. Participants are closely monitored daily for symptoms and must follow enhanced preventive health measures, such as wearing masks in public places and avoiding visiting high-risk groups.

Learn more about the International traveller COVID-19 pilot

COVID-19 public health orders enforceable by law

Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, Community Peace Officers, in addition to Police, have been granted full authority to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.

Fines administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.

Learn more about enforcement measures to protect Albertans
Submit a complaint online; Help Save Lives

• Outbreak update from the Government of Canada
• Global situation dashboard from the World Health Organization

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, watch out for associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cybercrime. Anyone who suspects they have become a victim of fraud can call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1.888.495.8501.

Protect yourself, beware of:

• Spoofed government, healthcare or research information.
• Unsolicited calls, emails and texts requesting urgent action or payment and/or offering medical advice, financial relief, or government assistance and compensation. If you didn't initiate contact, you don't know who you're communicating to. Never respond or click on suspicious links and attachments. Never give out your personal or financial details.
• Unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims, products or research. Don't be pressured into making a donation. Verify that a charity is registered.
• High-priced or low-quality products purchased in bulk by consumers and resold for profit. These items may be expired and/or dangerous to your health.
• Questionable offers, such as: miracle cures, herbal remedies, vaccinations, and faster testing.
• Fake and deceptive online ads, including: cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and other items in high demand.

Fraudsters are posing as:

• Loan and financial service companies offering loans, debt consolidation and other financial assistance services.
• Cleaning or heating companies offering duct cleaning services or air filters to protect from COVID-19.
• Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies threatening to disconnect your power for non-payment.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood.
• Public Health Agency of Canada giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19, tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription.
• Red Cross and other known charities offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation.
• Government departments sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails, tricking you into opening malicious attachments, or tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details
• Financial advisors pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease, or offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs.
• Door-to-door sales people selling household decontamination services.
• Private companies offering fast COVID-19 tests for sale. Only healthcare providers can perform the tests. No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results.
• Selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent the disease. Unapproved drugs threaten public health and violate federal laws.

Managing financial health in challenging times
Verify that a charity is registered

COVID-19 cases continue rising across Alberta and the situation is critical. Stronger public health measures are now required to address the growing number of cases. Together, these measures will help protect our healthcare system, keep schools and businesses open as much as possible, and protect vulnerable Albertans.

Health officials are monitoring the situation and will adjust measures if required.

View new measures at a glance
View the COVID-19 Relaunch Status Map
Subscribe to the COVID-19 status notification

Why these mandatory measures are needed

Albertans have a responsibility to slow the spread of the virus and make sure the health system can continue supporting patients with COVID-19, influenza and many other needs.

There is a time lag between when people get infected and when new cases are identified. This means the cases we see today were infected up to 2 weeks ago.

We must work together to protect each other. The greater the community spread, the more likely it will infect our loved ones Learn about most at-risk of severe outcomes, including death.

Learn about most at-risk of severe outcomes

What else you should do

Albertans must continue following existing public health measures to keep everyone safe:

• Stay 2 metres apart when you can, wear a mask when you can't
• Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes
• Monitor your symptoms every day
• If sick, stay home, get tested, and follow mandatory isolation requirements while waiting for results. If positive, isolate from others for 10 days or until symptoms are gone, whichever is longe. If negative, stay home until you're better
• Avoid non-essential travel
• Get the flu shot to keep influenza cases low so health workers can focus on the COVID-19 pandemic
• Download and use the ABTraceTogether contact tracing app when out in public

Learn more about influenza
Download and use the ABTraceTogether contact tracing app

Indoor and outdoor gatherings
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective November 24, 2020.

No indoor social gatherings are permitted in any setting (private homes, public spaces or workplaces):

• Indoor close contacts must be limited to people in the same household
• People who live alone can have up to the same 2 non-household contacts for the duration of the restriction
• Work and mutual support group meetings are not social gatherings, but attendance should be limited and public health measures followed
• This does not apply to service visits from caregivers, health or child care providers and co-parenting arrangements
• Festivals and events are prohibited (indoors and outdoors)

Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people and must not have an indoor component:

• Backyard gatherings that require movement in/out of homes are not permitted
• Attendees should remain distanced at all times and follow public health measures
• Festivals and events are prohibited (indoors and outdoors)

Weddings and funerals
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective November 24, 2020.

Maximum of 10 people for wedding ceremonies or funeral services:

• This includes the officiant, bride/groom and witnesses
• This does not include staff or organizers who are not considered an invited guest
• This applies to any facility, including places of worship and funeral homes
• This includes services held indoors or outdoors, seated or non-seated
• Receptions are not permitted

This measure will help limit exposure, reduce outbreaks and protect vulnerable attendees.

Places of worship
Mandatory restrictions for Enhanced status (purple) areas, effective November 24, 2020.

• Places of worship with a maximum of 1/3 normal attendance and held at normal location, including rental spaces like a community hall
• Physical distancing between households must be maintained
• Mask use is mandatory
• Online services are encouraged
• In-person faith group meetings can continue but physical distancing and public health measures must be followed

Faith communities are often significant aspects of people’s lives, and include intimate and close contact between members. This measure will help limit exposure at these activities, reducing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable members who attend.

Mask requirements
Mandatory restrictions for Calgary and Edmonton areas, effective November 24, 2020.

Masks are mandatory in all indoor workplaces, except when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or an appropriate barrier is in place:

• This applies to all employees, visitors, delivery personnel and contractors
• This includes all locations where employees are present and masks won’t pose a safety risk
• This does not change current student mask requirements in schools

Employers to allow working from home
Province-wide recommendation.

Working from home should be considered, where possible.

K-12 schools
Province-wide mandatory restrictions, effective November 30, 2020.

Grades 7-12 students:

• Move to at-home learning November 30 to January 8, except during winter break*
• Resume in-person classes January 11
• Diploma exams are optional for rest of the school year. Students and families can choose to write an exam or receive an exemption for the January, April, June and August 2021 exams

Grades K-6 students (including Early Childhood Services):

• Continue in-person learning until their scheduled winter break (generally December 18*)
• Move to at-home learning after the winter break until January 8
• Resume in-person classes January 11

*Schools have different winter break schedules, check with your school for details. Exemption is available for students with disabilities or in outreach programs, learn more at K-12 learning during COVID-19.

Effective November 27, some businesses will limit their in-person access to reduce the amount of contact between people in the community, while still allowing them to offer services. These business restrictions apply to all communities on the enhanced list (purple areas). Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person visits to retail locations and use curbside pick up, delivery and online services.

Businesses closed for in-person services
Mandatory restrictions for Enhanced status (purple) areas, effective November 27, 2020.

Businesses that are closed for in-person service include:

• Banquet halls, conference centres, trade shows, auditoria and concert venues, non-approved/licensed markets, community centres
• Children’s play places or indoor playgrounds
• All levels of sport (professional, semi-professional, junior, collegiate/universities and amateur). Exemptions may be considered.

Restaurants, bars, pubs and lounges open with restrictions
Mandatory restrictions for Enhanced status (purple) areas, effective November 27, 2020.

Restaurants, bars, pubs and lounges will be open with restrictions if they follow all public health guidance in place including:

• Maximum of 6 people from the same immediate household at a table and no movement between tables. People who live alone can meet with up to 2 non-household contacts as long as they’re the same two throughout the duration of these restrictions.
• Only seated eating and drinking is permitted. No other services or entertainment will be allowed, including billiards, games or darts.
• Liquor can be sold until 10pm and food-serving establishments must close to in person-dining at 11pm. Liquor sales apply to casinos, but casinos are not required to close at 11pm.

Albertans are encouraged to use take out, delivery, drive-thru and curbside pick-up options. Additional inspections will occur to verify that public health measures are being followed. Establishments that are non-compliant may face orders and fines.

Businesses and services open with restricted capacity
Mandatory restrictions for Enhanced status (purple) areas, effective November 27, 2020.

Most retail businesses may remain open with capacity limited to 25% of the occupancy set under the Alberta Fire Code.

• Retail, including liquor and cannabis
• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Clothing stores
• Computer and technology stores
• Hardware
• Automotive
• Alberta approved farmers' markets
• Unlicensed outdoor seasonal markets

Some entertainment and event services may remain open with capacity limited to 25% of the occupancy set under the Alberta Fire Code.

• Movie theatres
• Museums and galleries
• Libraries
• Casinos, offering slots only. Table games must be closed at this time.
• Indoor entertainment centres including amusement parks, water parks, bingo halls and racing centres.
• Indoor fitness, recreation, sports and physical activity centres, including dance and yoga studios, martial arts, gymnastics and private or public swimming pools.
  • Facilities can be open for individual studio time, training or exercise only.
  • There can be no group fitness, group classes, group training, team practices or games.
  • Instructors can use facility to broadcast virtual fitness classes from, but there can be no group class.

All public health guidance and physical distancing requirements must be followed. Albertans and businesses are encouraged to limit in-person visits and use curbside pick up, delivery and online services instead.

Businesses open by appointment only
Mandatory restrictions for Enhanced status (purple) areas, effective November 27, 2020.

Businesses open by appointment only are not permitted to offer walk-in services. Appointments should be limited to one-on-one services.

• Personal services such as hair salons and barbershops, aesthetics, manicure, pedicure, body waxing and make-up, piercing and tattoo services
• Wellness services including acupuncture, massage and reflexology
• Professional services such as lawyers, mediators, accountants and photographers
• Private one-on-one lessons (no private group lessons permitted)
• Hotels, motels, hunting and fishing lodges

These businesses must follow all current public health guidance for their sector and should consider virtual options where possible. Home-based businesses should follow the restrictions for the type of service they provide.

If you violate a public health order, you may be subject to a $1,000 fine. Additionally, you can be prosecuted for up to $100,000 for a first offense. If you are concerned someone is not following public health orders, you can remind them that not following orders is against the law and puts people at risk, and/or you can submit a complaint to AHS public health inspectors online or call 1-833-415-9179.

Complaints that require an immediate response can also be reported to your local police force through their administrative phone line.

Learn about public health orders and legislation
Submit a complaint

To be successful, we must stay vigilant to slow the spread: follow public health measures, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and continue acting responsibly. The plan to move forward requires careful monitoring and respecting all guidelines outlined by the Chief Medical Officer. Each stage of relaunch will depend on our ability to keep infection numbers low.

Conditions for relaunch
To ensure a safer reopening, the following elements are in place:

• Enhance our nation-leading testing capacity at the highest level in Canada
• Robust and comprehensive contact tracing, aided by technology, to quickly notify people who may have been exposed
• Support for people who test positive to enable effective isolation and contain spread
• Stronger international border controls and airport screening, especially for international travellers
• Rules and guidance for the use of masks in crowded spaces, like mass transit
• Strong protections for the most at-risk, including those in long-term care, continuing care and seniors lodges
• A rapid response plan in the event of possible outbreaks of COVID-19

Learn about the conditions for relaunch and stages
Opening soon: Alberta's relaunch strategy (updated June 2020)

As businesses prepare to reopen as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, resources are available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe. By working together, we can ensure our sacrifices to slow the spread of COVID-19 are not wasted. To be successful during the economic relaunch, businesses should continue acting responsibly by following public health and physical distancing measures and using good hygiene and disinfecting practices.

Learn about Alberta Biz Connect

General guidance
This guidance supports all workplaces in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

• Alberta Health daily checklist: October 8
• Cohort groups: June 23
• Enhanced infection prevention and control measures
• Flushing water systems: May 13
• General relaunch guidance: August 20
• Hand sanitizer, what you need to know: June 23
• Industry-initiated COVID-19 testing: September 28
• Non-medical face masks for the general public: May 14
• Occupational Health and Safety resources 
• Public health orders and legislation 

Guidance for businesses and sectors for Stage 1 of relaunch
This guidance supports sectors that were allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic or could reopen under Stage 1 of relaunch.

• Campgrounds (private and municipal): June 30
• Day camps: November 2
• Daycare and out-of-school care (child care): November 2
• Disability services providers: June 8
• Dog parks: June 18
• Farmers' markets and public markets: September 30
• Food processing facilities: June 18
• Funeral homes: June 18
• Golf course and driving range operators: June 18
• Gondolas, trams and chairlifts: July 21
• Graduation ceremonies: September 29
• Grocery stores: October 8
• Hair salons and barbershops: June 18
• Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals: June 30
• Hunting and fishing lodges, camps and outfitters: June 30
• Industrial work camps: June 5
• Interpretive attractions: June 18
• Malls and shopping centres: June 18
• Multi-family dwellings, condominiums and apartment buildings: June 18
• Museums and art galleries: June 9
• Outdoor events: September 29
• Outdoor fitness: June 22 
• Places of worship: October 9
• Playgrounds: June 18
• Post-secondary institutions: June 22
• Preschools: November 2
• Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars: September 17
• Retail businesses: June 18 
• Shelters: preventing, controlling and managing COVID-19: June 8
• Shooting (firearm) ranges: August 12
• Taxis, limos and rideshares: June 29

Guidance for businesses and sectors for Stage 2 of relaunch
This guidance supports businesses and sectors for their reopening under Stage 2 of relaunch, starting June 12.

• Animals and pets: June 22
• Beaches and recreational areas near water: July 17
• Bingo halls: September 30
• Canvassing and campaigning: September 30
• Casinos and racing entertainment centres: September 3
• Chartered tour buses, multi-city buses and passenger trains: June 13
• Drive-in style events: September 14
• Family day home/group family child care programs: November 2
• Food catering: June 11
• Food sampling and beverage tasting: August 21
• Garage, yard and estate sales: July 30
• Home-based mobile and door-to-door operations: September 30
• Horse racing parks and motor raceways: June 30
• Indoor events: June 23
• Indoor recreation entertainment and play centres: September 23
• Instrumental music: September 11
• Junior collegiate and university leagues: October 20
• Large production facilities: June 15
• Libraries: June 9
• Live music, dance and theatre: June 25
• Movie theatres: June 9
• Office buildings: September 16
• Outdoor spray parks and wading pools: June 9
• Outdoor vocal concerts: July 17
• Personal services: September 9
• Professional sporting events: August 4
• Public rallies, marches and demonstrations: June 30
• Public transit: July 8
• Rodeos: September 29
• Safe holiday entertaining: September 24
• School (ECS-12) guidance for school re-entry, scenario 1: November 2
• School (ECS-12) implementing school re-entry guidance: November 2
• Screen-based production industry: June 12
• Seniors centres and seniors serving organizations: August 11
• Singing and vocal performance: September 11
• Sport, physical activity and recreation: October 20
• Summer school re-entry: June 10
• Swimming pools and whirlpools: September 9
• Tradeshows and exhibiting events: August 4
• Video lottery terminal retailers: June 17
• Warehouse operations: June 15
• Wellness services: September 9

Personal protective equipment
As businesses prepare to reopen, it's important to take measures to protect employees and customers:

• Practice good hygiene and thorough cleaning and disinfecting
• Use Health Canada approved hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers for use against COVID-19
• Conduct a hazard assessment to identify existing and potential hazards related to COVID-19
• Aid physical separation through barriers (Plexiglas), signage, floor markings and traffic flow controls to limit people in a space

Business owners can purchase PPE
Connect to PPE suppliers using the websites below. The government is not responsible for products or prices offered on these sites.

• Rapid Response Platform Canada 
• ATB Nexus
• Federal Supply Hub

Alberta-based businesses that manufacture PPE

• Alberta Bits and Pieces

Stage 1 allows some businesses and facilities to resume full operations as early as May 14 with enhanced infection prevention and controls in place. Mask use will be strongly recommended in crowded public spaces, like mass transit, that do not allow for physical distancing of 2-metres apart

Between May 1 to May 4, 2020:

• Boat launch access in select provincial parks was permitted to reopen
• Vehicle access to parking lots and staging areas on public lands and parks was permitted to reopen
• Golf courses were permitted to reopen, with restrictions to keep clubhouses and pro shops closed. On-site shops and restaurants were permitted to reopen, consistent with other businesses and retailers.
• Alberta Health Services was permitted to resume some scheduled, non-urgent surgeries
• Dental and other regulated healthcare workers such as physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, social workers, occupational therapists, dieticians and more were permitted to resume services as long as they follow approved guidelines set by their professional colleges

As of May 14, 2020:

• Alberta Parks' online campground reservation system will open for bookings at select campgrounds starting June 1, onward with some restrictions in place. Out-of-province bookings will not be processed.

Lifted restrictions for Stage 1

• Some retail businesses like clothing, furniture and book stores
• All farmers' market vendors
• Some personal services like hairstyling and barber shops
• More scheduled surgeries and dental procedures
• Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen for public seating at 50% capacity, but people will not be able to go to the bar to order drinks, they will need to be served at the table
• Museums and art galleries
• Some additional outdoor recreation
• Daycares and out-of-school care, with occupancy limits
• Summer camps, with occupancy limits (this could include summer school)
• Post-secondary institutions will continue course delivery, but method (online, in-person or blend) will depend on the restrictions in place at each phase

Continuing restrictions for Stage 1

• Gatherings of more than 15 people will not permitted
• Gatherings of 15 people or fewer must follow physical distancing and other public health guidelines
• Public attendance at businesses, facilities and events that have close physical contact will not be permitted, including: arts and culture festivals, major sporting events and concerts
• Movie theatres, pools, recreation centres, arenas, spas, nightclubs and gyms will remain closed
• Visiting patients in healthcare facilities will remain limited
• In-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12 students will remain prohibited

Recommendations for Stage 1

• Non-essential travel, especially outside the province, will continue to not be recommended
• Remote working is advised where possible
• Progression to Stage 2 will be determined by the success of Stage 1, considering healthcare system capacity, hospitalization and ICU cases, and infection rates

Stage 2 will allow additional businesses and services to reopen and resume operations starting June 12 with 2 metre physical distancing requirements and other public health guidelines in place.

Business operators, sport and recreation services can determine if they are ready to open and ensure all guidance for workplaces is met.

What can open with restrictions

• K-12 schools, for requested diploma exams and summer school, following guidance
• Libraries
• More surgeries
• Wellness services such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology
• Personal services (esthetics, cosmetics skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial treatments, artificial tanning)
• Movie theatres and theatres
• Community halls
• Team sports
• Indoor recreation, fitness and sports, including gyms and arenas
• Indoor and outdoor pools for leisure swimming and indoor and outdoor hot pools/whirlpools
• VLTs in restaurants and bars
• Hookah lounges
• Bingo halls and casinos (but not table games)
• Indoor and outdoor instrumental and vocal concerts
• Provincial campgrounds at full capacity
• Trade shows
• Indoor children’s play centres and outdoor playgrounds

Events and gatherings can be larger in Stage 2

A gathering is any situation that brings people together in the same space at the same time for the same purpose. Check with your local municipality for additional restrictions in your area.

Unless otherwise identified in public health orders, the following gathering restrictions are in place:

• 50 people maximum for indoor social gatherings, including wedding and funeral receptions and birthday parties
• 100 people maximum for other outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events, including wedding ceremonies, funeral services, movie theatres, indoor arts and culture performances and other indoor spectator events where people remain seated
• 200 people maximum for audience-type community outdoor events, such as festivals, firework displays, rodeos and sporting events, and outdoor performances

No cap on the number of people (with public health measures in place):

• Worship gatherings
• Restaurants, cafes, lounges and bars
• Casinos and bingo halls

More flexibility for cohort groups. Small groups of people whose members do not always keep 2 metres apart:

• Households can increase their close interactions with other households to a maximum of 15 people
• Performers can have a cohort of up to 50 people (cast members or performers)
• Sports teams can play in region-only cohorts of up to 50 players (mini leagues)
• People can be part of a sports/performing cohort and a household cohort at the same time

Still not approved in Stage 2

Unless an exemption has been provided, the following are still not permitted:

• Social gatherings that exceed above listed maximums
• Major festivals and concerts, large conferences and events (as these are non-seated social events)
• Nightclubs
• Amusement parks
• Major sporting events and tournaments

The success of Stage 2 will determine when Alberta progresses to Stage 3. Factors are active cases, health-care system capacity, hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) cases, and infection rates.

Stage 3 timing will be determined based on health indicators. Some restrictions and enhanced protection controls will remain in place.

Lifted restrictions for Stage 3

• Fully reopening all businesses and services, with some restrictions
• Larger gatherings permitted (number of people to be determined)
• Arts and culture festivals, concerts and major sporting events will be permitted with restrictions
• Nightclubs will reopen, with restrictions
• Industry conferences can resume, with restrictions
• No restrictions on non-essential travel

Continuing restrictions for Stage 3

• Physical distancing restrictions will be maintained

What does physical distancing mean?

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical (social) distance between each other. Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

• Avoiding crowded places and gatherings
• Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• Limiting contact with people at higher risk (older adults and those in poor health)
• Keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
• Follow Alberta’s restrictions on mass gatherings

Other steps you can take:

• Wear a mask in public when distancing is not possible
• Download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app while out in public
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol)
• Use gloves properly if you choose to wear them (they are not necessary)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Watch for COVID-19 symptoms
• Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to arrange testing if you have any symptoms

Learn more about physical distancing

Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, Community Peace Officers, in addition to Police, have now been granted full authority to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders. Fines now administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence. Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.

COVID-19 orders and legislation
Restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings
Restricted and non-restricted services

Wearing a homemade facial covering/non-medical mask in the community has not been proven to protect the person wearing it and is not a substitute for physical distancing and hand washing. However, it can be an additional measure taken to protect others around you, even if you have no symptoms. It can be useful for short periods of time, when physical distancing is not possible in public settings, such as when grocery shopping or using public transit.

These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of a potential loose fit and the materials used. Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.

Do not place a facial covering/mask on a child under the age of 2; doing so can cause unintended suffocation. Those who have difficulty breathing or removing a covering/mask without assistance should also avoid using them.

Medical masks

Medical masks include N95 masks and surgical or procedure masks. N95 masks protect from exposure to biological aerosols that may contain viruses or bacteria. They are generally only required during specific, high-risk medical procedures. Surgical or procedure masks provide a barrier to splashes, droplets, saliva or spit. They are not designed to fit tightly against the face.

These masks should be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. They may also be recommended for use in some workplaces, like salons, where there is prolonged close contact with people.

Gloves

It is not necessary to wear gloves in public. If you choose to wear gloves, remember to wash your hands before you put them on and immediately after taking them off. Change the gloves if you touch your face, cover a cough or sneeze with your hands, or if they become dirty or torn. Always discard the gloves in a lined garbage bin after taking them off.

To avoid spreading germs or COVID-19, do not touch your face or mask with your gloves, do not touch any personal items (cell phone, bag, credit card) that you might touch again with bare hands, and do not try to wash gloves or use hand sanitizer with gloves on.

When worn properly, a person wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can reduce the spread of his or her own infectious respiratory droplets. Non-medical face masks or face coverings should:

• Allow for easy breathing
• Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
• Maintain their shape after washing and drying
• Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
• Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment
• Be made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen)
• Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping

Some masks also include a pocket to accommodate a paper towel or disposable coffee filter, for increased benefit. Non-medical masks or face coverings should not:

• Be shared with others
• Impair vision or interfere with tasks
• Be placed on children under the age of 2 years
• Be made of plastic or other non-breathable materials
• Be secured with tape or other inappropriate materials
• Be made exclusively of materials that easily fall apart, such as tissues
• Be placed on anyone unable to remove them without assistance or anyone who has trouble breathing

Homemade masks are not medical devices and are not regulated like medical masks and respirators. Their use poses a number of limitations:

• They have not been tested to recognized standards
• The fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
• The edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth
• They may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles
• They can be difficult to breathe through and can prevent you from getting the required amount of oxygen needed by your body

Buying a cloth mask

The Government of Alberta does not endorse any particular vendor of non-medical cloth masks. Make sure the cloth mask you buy has multiple layers of fabric, fits securely against your face, allows for clear breathing, and can be laundered.

Making your own mask

The following instructions will help you to make a homemade face covering to help prevent you from spreading your respiratory droplets. If possible, use different fabrics for each side of the face covering, so you know which side faces your mouth and which side is out. Some homemade mask instructions also include a pocket to accommodate a paper towel or disposable coffee filter for increased benefit.

• Learn about the sew method
• Learn about the no-sew method using a t-shirt
• Learn about the no-sew method using a bandana

How to wear a mask with ear loops or ties

• Before putting on the mask, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.
• Ensure your hair is away from your face (a non-medical facemask can be safely worn by someone with facial hair).
• Check the mask for damage; if damaged, discard.
• Open the mask fully to cover from your nose to below your chin.
• Place mask over nose and mouth and secure to your head with ties or ears with ear loops (depending on style of mask).
• If the mask has a nose bar, pinch around your nose to reduce gaps between your face and mask.
• Adjust if needed to make sure your nose and mouth are fully covered.
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you need to adjust your mask, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water before and after you touch it.
• Keep your nose, mouth and chin covered at all times, until you are ready to remove the mask.

How to remove a mask with ear loops or ties

• Remove your mask if it becomes wet, torn, dirty or the ear loops/ties become damaged.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol before you remove the mask.
• Do not touch the front of the mask. Remove using the ties or ear loops.
• Dispose of your mask in a lined garbage bin and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.

What not to do with your mask

• Do not touch your face under the mask.
• Do not use a ripped, visibly soiled or wet mask or if the ear loops/ties are damaged.
• Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time; it must be changed when it gets damp.
• Don’t share your mask with another person.
• Don’t wear the mask below your nose or chin.
• Don’t let the mask give you a false sense of security; masks are meant to be used to as an addition to other measures such as physical distancing wherever possible, and hand washing.

If you plan to reuse the mask, wash it before wearing it again. Change your cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled by putting it directly into the washing machine, and washing it with other items using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.

Non-medical masks that cannot be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled. Dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin after use, and do not leave discarded masks in shopping carts or on the ground.

ABTraceTogether is a mobile app that enables community-driven contact tracing to support existing efforts to fight COVID-19. ABTraceTogether will be a tool to complement traditional manual contact tracing completed by public health officials.

Learn how to use the ABTraceTogether app

The ABTraceTogether app uses a secure, community-driven approach where mobile devices exchange Bluetooth-enabled secure encrypted tokens when another device with the app installed is detected nearby. No other information is shared.

If an Albertan tests positive for COVID-19, a Contact Tracer from Alberta Health Services (AHS) will get in touch with the infected person using contact information provided at the testing center. This process does not change from existing AHS leading practices.

Contact Tracers are individuals who work for AHS. They will contact an infected person to determine others who may have been exposed to the infected person over the previous 21 days.

When an infected person is contacted by a Contact Tracer, the infected person will be asked if they use the ABTraceTogether app. If the infected person has the app, they will be asked to voluntarily upload the encrypted data from the app to Alberta Health Services. This information will be critical to help increase the speed and effectiveness of Alberta’s COVID-19 response.

Once AHS receives the encrypted data, AHS Contact Tracers will be able to use that information to reach the other app users who have had close contact with the infected person.

Quickly identifying the people that have been in close contact with the infected person will enable AHS to get them the guidance and care they need and to get them to self-isolate, reducing the spread of COVID-19 and helping them protect their family, friends and community.

Learn how to use the ABTraceTogether app

The Government of Alberta is using this technology to protect Albertans. This app helps government support AHS to complement current contact tracing approaches to increase the speed, accuracy and effectiveness of contact tracing procedures.

Contacting people that may have been infected faster enables AHS Contact Tracers to provide them the guidance and care they need, protect their family, friends and community by self-isolating, and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The app applies the definition of close contact used by Alberta Health Services (approximately 2 meters) for contact tracers to determine whether a user has had probable exposure to COVID-19.

The app uses Received Signal Strength Indicator readings to determine if app users have been within approximately 2 meters of each other. The app uses successive communications to estimate the duration of an encounter. The app will complement contact tracing and is not a substitute for professional judgment and human involvement in contact tracing.

Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services are committed to protecting your privacy, and chose a contact tracing solution that was designed with privacy in mind.

Learn more about privacy

The COVID-19 pandemic is a very stressful situation for individuals, businesses and communities. It’s normal to feel stress and anxiety. It’s also common for people to display great resiliency during times of crisis. We should remember that this is absolutely the time to lean on each other. Even if we can’t be close physically, we need to stay close emotionally. So, while you’re staying in, stay in touch with each other, and reach out if you need support.

Alberta Health Services has resources and services available to help you or someone you know. Remember, if you’re struggling you’re not alone. There are supports to help you.

2020-21 VIRTUAL Workshop Guide
The Alberta Healthy Living Program offers free workshops, to all communities in the North Zone, virtually (by Zoom) to help people better manage their chronic conditions.

The Alberta Healthy Living Program helps you discover changes – big or small – that will help you live healthier and learn to confidently manage your health. It could be small changes, such as watching what and how much you eat or by adding physical activity to your day. Or, it could be big changes that involve understanding your emotions and how they can affect your health.

Who it’s for
Workshops are for Albertans interested in learning how to manage long term health conditions. Family, friends, and caregivers are also welcome to attend.

Learn to live healthier
Workshops in this guide are designed to help you learn how to manage chronic conditions and live healthier. Workshops cover:

• Disease-specific education for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and more
• General health topics such as nutrition, reducing stress, and sleeping well
• Supervised exercise programs

Workshops are led by healthcare professionals including health educators, registered dietitians, registered nurses and exercise specialists. Find out which workshops may be for you using our navigation tool on page 3. This tool will help you find other workshops in this guide based on your interests or chronic conditions.

• Learn the guidelines for the Early Years (0 to 4) 
• Learn the guidelines for Children and Youth (5 to 17) 
• Learn the guidelines for Adults (18 to 64) 
• Learn the guidelines for Seniors (65+) 
• Learn the guidelines for physical activity throughout Pregnancy 

As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.

• Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
• FAQ on COVID-19 for young children and students
• Healthy Together, your guide to family and home life during COVID-19

Help is still available even if you are infected or in isolation. If you or someone you know is at risk of family violence, help is available. Call Alberta’s 24-hour Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 to get anonymous help in over 170 languages. Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger. Police and RCMP will respond even if you have COVID-19 or are in self-isolation or quarantine and experiencing symptoms.

Family violence is an abuse of power in a family or other trusting relationship where people rely on each other. When someone experiences family violence, their well-being, security and survival are threatened. Rates of family violence increase during and following natural disasters, public health crises and economic downturns. It is important to know where you can turn if you are experiencing family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Learn more about family violence and getting help 24/7
• Family Violence Info Line Chat
• Find local emergency shelters and temporary housing

As older adults are more at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased need for them to practice physical (social) distancing and self-isolation. This may make them more vulnerable to abuse. The Family Violence Info Line (310-1818) can assist with information on elder abuse shelters and community resources.

• Learn how to recognize signs of elder abuse
• Find local emergency shelters and temporary housing

Call 911 if you or the person you are reporting is in immediate danger. Children are at a much higher risk for neglect and abuse during times of uncertainty and crisis. Help is still available even if you are infected or in isolation. Call the Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS) to get help if you, or children you know, are being neglected, abused or sexually exploited. If you believe a child is at risk, you must report it. Help is available in multiple languages 24/7.

What is child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation

Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits. They are committed to improving services for Canadians by working with partners to provide access to the full range of government services and benefits that Canadians want and need through the Internet, by telephone, in person or by mail.

• Attention! Service Canada Ready to Help
• Learn more about Service Canada
• Learn about Employment and Social Development Canada

Employment Insurance (EI) program

The government has made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians looking for work. As of September 27, you may be eligible for EI if you:

• Were employed for at least 120 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
• Received the CERB, the 52 week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
• Stopped working through no fault of your own
• Have not quit your job voluntarily
• Are ready, willing and capable of working each day (EI regular benefits)
• Are temporarily unable to work while you care for someone else or yourself (EI maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits)

If you are eligible for EI benefits, you will receive a minimum taxable benefit at a rate of $500 per week, or $300 per week for extended parental benefits.

Learn more about EI

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

Learn more about CRB

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:

• Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
• Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
• Have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

Learn more about CRSB

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child (under the age of 12) or family member, because schools, daycares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine, or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Mortgage payment deferral

Homeowners facing financial hardship may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral of up to six months. The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender. Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the deferred payments — including principal and accumulated interest – are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.

To know if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral or to learn what options are available, contact your lender directly — your bank or your mortgage professional.

Practical services for Seniors: delivery of items and personal outreach

The Government of Canada will provide immediate essential services to Canadian seniors impacted by COVID-19. The government will contribute $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.

Contact your local organization

Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds

In recognition of the impact of volatile market conditions on many seniors’ retirement savings, the Government of Canada is reducing the required minimum withdrawals from RRIFs; the required minimum withdrawal will be reduced by 25% in 2020. A RRIF is an arrangement between you and a carrier (an insurance company, trust company or bank) that the Government of Canada registers; you transfer property to the carrier from an RRSP, PRPP, RPP, SPP, or from another RRIF, and the carrier makes payments to you.

Learn more about the RRIFs

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

The seniors property tax deferral program allows eligible senior homeowners to voluntarily defer all or part of their residential property taxes, including the education tax portion. This is done through a low-interest home equity loan with the Alberta Government. If you qualify, deferral program will pay your residential property taxes directly to your municipality on your behalf. 

For program information and how to apply

Collaborative Online Resources and Education for Seniors

Collaborative Online Resources and Education (CORE) provides a platform for seniors-serving organizations to improve delivery of services for older Albertan and seniors. The hub will make it easier for organizations to share resources and coordinate services, with a focus on key COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports.

CORE Alberta will support seniors-serving organizations to access training, COVID-19 information and resources, map where the greatest needs are across the province, and help seniors in more remote locations get the support they need.

The online hub cost $40,000 to develop. The Alberta government and partners will invest about $720,000 in inter-agency programs and initiatives that will be coordinated through CORE. Funding partners include Alberta Health Services, Alberta Blue Cross and the Government of Canada. The United Way of Calgary and Area will administer the hub and act as the project’s fiscal agent.

Learn more about CORE

One-time, tax-free payment of up to $500

The payment for seniors provides support through a one-time payment: $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, and an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. This measure will give a total of $500 to seniors who receive both the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement and will help them cover increased costs caused by COVID-19.

Learn more about the one-time payment for seniors

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The Government of Canada is expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. For all organizations who received funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream, funding can be used to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.

Learn more about New Horizons for Seniors

Special one-time tax-free payment for certified holders of Disability Tax Credit

The federal government is proposing a special one-time-tax payment to individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) as of June 1, 2020, as follows: $600 for Canadians with a valid DTC certificate; $300 for Canadians with a valid DTC certificate and who are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, and; $100 for Canadians with a valid DTC certificate and who are eligible for the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Learn more about the DTC

Homelessness; enhancing the Reaching Home initiative

Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. The Government of Canada will support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative. The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.

Learn more about the Reaching Home initiative

Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres

The Government of Canada will increase support for women and children fleeing violence during COVID-19. As announced on March 18, 2020, the government will provide up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak.

Indigenous Community Support Fund

This fund helps Indigenous communities prevent, prepare and respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). $75 million in new funding has been announced for Indigenous organizations providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres and off reserve. More information about this funding will be available soon.

Learn more about ICSF

Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable

Nutrition North Canada is a Government of Canada subsidy program to provide Northerners in isolated communities with improved access to perishable nutritious food. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, to address growing concerns about food security we are extending the list of perishable and non-perishable items subsidized when shipped by air to all 116 Nutrition North Canada eligible communities from now until March 31, 2021.

Learn more about Nutrition North Canada

Providing support to Indigenous post-secondary students

Learn about Indigenous Services Canada distinctions-based strategies that support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. The Government of Canada will provide an additional $75.2 million to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation post-secondary students impacted by COVID-19.

Learn more about post-secondary education

Funding for additional healthcare resources for Indigenous communities

The federal government is providing $285.1 million to fund community-led responses to the pandemic and provide targeted increases in primary health care resources for First Nations communities. In case of outbreaks, this funding can be used to provide surge capacity and additional support for community-based services in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Learn more about healthcare resources

New shelters to protect and support Indigenous women and children fleeing violence

Indigenous Services Canada Family Violence Prevention Program supports the day-to-day operations of 46 shelters, as well as funding for community-driven proposals for family violence prevention projects on and off reserve.

Learn more about family violence prevention

A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans

Effective March 30, 2020, the Government of Canada is placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada student loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time. Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.

Learn more about the Canada Student Loan repayment deferral

A moratorium on the repayment of Alberta Student Loans

Effective March 30, 2020, the Government of Alberta is implementing a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Alberta student loan repayments for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans. Interest will not accrue during this period. This mirrors the approach of the Canada Student Loans Program. Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.

Learn more about the Alberta Student Loan repayment deferral

Employers should consider their Business Continuity Plan and how COVID-19 could impact their workplace. To prepare, make plans to protect employees, limit spread in workplaces, ensure continuity of critical services if staff are ill or self-isolating, and explore alternate working arrangements, such as working from home or remotely and/or doing work that doesn't require contact with other people.

Learn more about Business Continuity Plans

COVID-19 Economic Response Plan for Canada

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Learn about Canada’s economic response plan

New Economic Recovery Council for Albertans

The Economic Recovery Council has been appointed to provide insight and expert advice on how to protect jobs during the economic crisis stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent collapse in energy prices. The Council will also focus on strategies for long-term recovery from the crisis, including efforts to accelerate diversification of the Alberta economy.

Learn about Alberta’s new Economic Recovery Council

As a small business owner, you may be facing immediate challenges or be worrying about the weeks to come in light of the actions taken by our Government to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. Business Link has gathered current information and resources available to you as you work through the implications this has on you and your business.

Business Link is a non-profit organization designed to help small business owners through one-on-one support and guidance, market research, access to experts, training, networking opportunities, and specialized support for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Talk to a small business advisor at Business Link, and get free advice, coaching and information on COVID-19 resources and supports.

Learn about the resources available for businesses affected by COVID-19

Business Link is supported by the Government of Canada and the Alberta Government.

The Business Resilience Service allows you to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support your small to medium sized business, not-for-profit or charity on how to respond and reshape amid uncertainty.

The program, delivered to your organization free of charge, provides guidance on COVID-19 financial support program options and eligibility, direction on accessing the most appropriate support organizations, help to make decisions to support recovery plans, and real time insights and feedback to policymakers.

To access the Business Resilience Service, call 1-866-989-1080 and connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. This service is available 7-days a week.

Learn more about BRS

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• Extending the work-sharing program
• Extension of lay-off periods

• Alberta Credit Unions offer relief solutions
• ATB Financial offers access to additional working capital
• Business Credit Availability Program for loan guarantee for SMEs
• Business Credit Availability Program for co-lending for SMEs
• Businesses unable to access other support measures
• Canada Emergency Business Account
• Industrial Research Assistance Program for early-stage businesses
• Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility
• Mid-Market Financing Program
• Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
• Young entrepreneurs

• Youth employment and skills strategy
• Student work placement program
• Mitacs
• Business/higher education roundtable

• Education property tax deferral for Albertans
• Corporate income tax changes for Albertans
• Deferral of sales tax remittance and customs duty payments
• Tourism levy deferrals for Albertans
• ATB Financial offers payment deferrals on loans and lines of credit
• Alberta Credit Unions offer relief solutions

• Funding for Indigenous businesses and Aboriginal Financial Institutions

• Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support

• Keeping workers in food supply chain safe
• Increasing credit availability
• Helping food producers access more PPE and adapt to health protocols
• Helping producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19
• Increasing the Canadian Dairy Commission borrowing limit
• Helping redistribute existing and unsold inventories
• Increasing interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability
• Expanding the AgriInsurance to include labour shortage

• Keeping workers in food supply chain safe
• Increasing credit availability
• Assisting fish and seafood processing sector
• Changes to EI for self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons

• Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
• Helping the National Arts Centre continue its operations
• Support for Independent production companies
• Supporting Canada’s six national museums and the National Battlefields Commission
• Waiving payments for Part I license fees

• Helping address urgent housing needs of vulnerable individuals

• Continuing supply of essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities
• Supporting essential air access to remote communities­­
• Waiving ground lease rents

• Cleaning up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells
• Launching the Emissions Reduction Fund

• Delivering essential services to those in need

• Providing wage support for universities and health research institutes
• Covering eligible costs to maintain research activities

• Flexible funding for community resilience
• Funding for communities
• Supporting communities: new ways to adapt spaces and services

• Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support

If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. Please refer to the product specifications and requirements for Canada’s medical supply needs. If you can say yes to the following, we really want to hear from you.

• You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain
• You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns, sanitizers, wipes, ventilators, and/or other medical equipment and supplies
• You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances
• The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19

Explore product specifications and requirements for Canada’s medical supply needs
My business wants to help