Government takes action amidst COVID-19 pandemic

The Press took part in a press conference with government health officials last Friday as they announced changes being implemented with regards to the COVID-19 virus which has now spread into Alberta. As of Friday afternoon, officials stated six new cases of the virus had been confirmed within 24 hours bringing the total to 29 confirmed cases in Alberta. Those numbers have now almost doubled at last confirmation on Sunday March 15 bringing the total to 56 cases in our province alone. All cases have been travel-related or they have been in close contact with a person who has travelled.

The province’s Emergency Management Committee has been working closely with Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and her team at Alberta Health Services. Premier Jason Kenney said, “The Government of Alberta is focused on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is, in fact, a national and global crisis.” Kenney has been working closely with federal and other provincial governments in developing a co-ordinated national response to both the public health crisis and the severe economic impacts. “I had substantial discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Freeland in Ottawa last Thursday and participated in a 90-minute conference call with the prime minister and premiers to offer Alberta’s perspective as well as a five-page letter to the prime minister outlining Alberta’s several requests for additional action,” he added.

The Government of Canada announced an additional expenditure of $1 billion to address both economic and public health challenges followed by Finance Minister Morneau’s announcement about $10 billion in credit support for businesses through BDC and EDC (Export Development Canada). Kenney’s request to the prime minister outlined Alberta’s need for federal assistance to acquire more bulk protective equipment for medical professionals to keep them safe, expressed support for federal use of the Quarantine Act, called for enhanced access to employment insurance including those who are self-employed who would not typically be covered. Kenney said, “We do not want anybody feeling like they have to work even if they are feeling ill and should be staying home.”

Kenney also addressed the need for vigorous federal economic stimulus measures and tighter control on our borders particularly from countries with very high levels of infection. Kenney also announced effective Friday, March 13 that regulations have been amended under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to remove the need for a medical note and to extend sick leave from five to 14 days. “That means every employed Albertan who is impacted by COVID-19 whether self-isolating on the recommendation of AHS or caring for a family member, is now entitled to 14 days of job-protected leave without fear of losing their jobs or suffering wage penalties. This change will also apply to new employees as we are waiving the 90-day employment eligibility period.

For the self-employed, we are working with Ottawa to find the best way to support our workers and their families. We are calling on the Government of Canada to expand further EI benefits for the duration of this public health crisis. Our priority is public safety and health, and we will make sure no-one has to choose between work to pay their bills and doing what is necessary to protect public health. We are still working out the details, but I want to assure employers that we will ensure these actions will not be a further burden to your business. We are all in this together, and all need to take preventative measures to ensure that Albertans are safe, our workforce is safe, and the spread of the illness is contained.”

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro commented on 811 and the readiness of our health care system. “We are in the midst of a severe health pandemic in Alberta and around the world. I want to reassure Albertans that our health system is strong and is doing everything possible to support the response efforts. The health system has our government’s full support to take any necessary actions to protect Albertans from the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever resources are needed in the health system, we will be there. Our government response will be driven by the evidence and advice of Dr. Hinshaw and other public health experts, not budget and not by political considerations. Health Link 811 continues to be critical to the COVID-19 response.Health Link is receiving more than 6,300 calls daily. Given this volume, wait times can be high particularly during peak times from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 6 to 10 p.m. Health Link staff has now doubled to minimize wait times and are continuing to train clinical staff for this role. As well, the number of phone lines to Health Link has tripled, going from 60 to 182 lines.”

For those frustrated, Shandro stresses Albertans be patient and continue to stay on the Health Link line and not to call 911 unless it’s an emergency. Alberta Health Services recently developed an online self-assessment health tool that will guide Albertans in answering questions about their symptoms and take them through steps in helping to determine if testing for COVID-19 is needed. The online assessment tool can be found at ahs.ca/covid and is the same one used by Health Link staff. Another implementation that went into effect March 12 was to amend and activate a billing code in which physicians will be paid $20 a call to provide COVID telephone advice to patients. This is the same measure that was put in place to compensate physicians during the H1N1 response. Shandro reiterated, “We are looking at every option to ensure Albertans get the care they need and the health system has the required tools to flatten the curve. We continue to monitor this on a minute-by-minute basis.”

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw emphasized that there are 29 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with one patient recovering in the hospital in stable condition. All others are in isolation at home. “I expect new cases to be identified in the coming days.” Additional measures were announced on March 12 which restricts the gathering of 250 people or more including conferences and sporting and community events. “Additionally we announced on March 12 that travel outside of Canada is not recommended at this time given the rapid global spread of COVID-19. All travellers returning to Canada since March 12 should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. At this time, I’ve exempted pilots and flight attendants. Family members of those travellers are not included in the self-isolation; however, they need to take necessary precautions to reduce potential exposure.” Initially, the World Health Organization did not recommend school closures in Alberta because a safe school checklist was implemented. Hinshaw originally said, “To be effective, school closures would have to be in place for months rather than weeks.” In light of the rapid spread, Dr. Hindsaw, with the support of the Federal Government, announced late Sunday afternoon on March 15, that all schools K to 12, preschool, post-secondary, and licensed day care centres within Alberta will be closed immediately.

Government officials will be keeping Albertans up to date on any changes in regards to the COVID-19 virus. They cannot predict what it will look like in the coming days or weeks. As Premier Kenney indicated, they are monitoring the situation every minute and more changes can and will occur as more information becomes available. All updated information will be posted on www.Alberta.ca.