This is a special edition of our Ward 11 newsletter,

March 2020

What is COVID19?

COVID19, also known as novel coronavirus, is a virus that causes infections of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild to fatal. It is easily spread by:

• respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes

It is a pandemic that has no vaccination or cure yet, which is why it is crucial to follow the Government of Alberta’s protocol to help flatten the curve.

We observe social (physical) distancing so we can flatten the curve. The idea of flattening the curve is to stagger the number of new cases over a longer period, so that people have better access to care.

More information: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

How can I help prevent the spread?

– Stay home.
– Wash your hands frequently for 20+ seconds (sing your ABCs twice).
– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
– Avoid touching your face.
– Practise social distancing (6 feet or 2 meters away from people at all times)

More resources: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-social-distancing-fact-sheet.pdf

What do I do if I may have been exposed?

From exposure, symptoms can take up to two weeks to manifest, if they manifest at all.

Viral load is the amount of the virus you need to have before you will have a positive test result. Compare it to taking a pregnancy test. If you take the test too early, or without symptoms, the chances of you having a negative result when you are actually positive is heightened.

Self-isolate and monitor your health for fever, cough and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with someone suspected to have had COVID-19, or returned from travel and not adhering to social distancing.

More resources: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

If you have been travelling outside of Canada

Federal and provincial public health leaders have recommended that all travellers from outside of Canada self-isolate for 14 days. These efforts will contribute to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada.

More resources: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

We know that when you have returned from travelling, grocery shopping is at the top of your list to do. Please refrain from grocery shopping when you arrive. Instead, order your groceries online, have someone else pick them up and deliver for you. I have listed a few places below who are offering delivery and pickup.

How do I get tested?

Alberta has administered more tests per capita than any other region in the country. Please click here to see the self-assessment test and more protocols to be tested for COVID19.

What is the difference between self monitor, self isolation, and isolation?

Self Monitor

• Recommended for people who have no reason to suspect they may have COVID19.
• You must keep track of your symptoms, practise proper hygiene, and avoid crowded spaces.
• If symptoms develop, please isolate yourself from others and contact a public health authority immediately.

Self Isolation

• If you develop symptoms, even if mild, you must continue to stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact a public health authority. Monitor your symptoms for 14 days.
• Recommended for people with no symptoms, but have recently travelled or come in contact with someone who has travelled.

Isolation

• Recommended for people who have symptoms AND have been diagnosed with COVID19, or are awaiting test results.
• You must stay home until a public health authority tells you otherwise.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIwdf3WKe3Y

Think of germs and cross contamination like the glitter on one of those Christmas cards. You open the envelope and inevitably, you get it on your hands. And your phone rings. You pick it up, answer it, and tell your mother you’re bringing a salad. You brush your hair out of your face and now you vaguely resemble an 80s rock star. You wash your hands – thoroughly, for 30 whole seconds – and finish making the salad. Your partner arrives home, and kisses you on the forehead. You smirk because now there’s glitter on their lips. You shower, choose a new outfit for dinner at your mother’s and now you are glitter free. You grab the salad, and head to the door. Wait – don’t forget your phone!

Where can I turn for assistance?

Our Edmontonians need our help now more than ever. I’ve compiled a list of what our local, provincial, and federal governments have been doing, and what assistance they are offering. For now, these are some things that may temporarily ease the financial struggle. Our hope is to ensure all Edmontonians and Canadians are taken care of during this time.

Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parent
For Canadians without paid sick leave (or similar), who are sick and quarantined, and/or forced to stay home to care for children, the government has introduced:

Emergency Care Benefit: providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks. This flat-payment Benefit would be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Those receiving Canada Child Benefits will see a $300-per-child top-up in May.

Application for the Benefit will be available in April 2020, and require Canadians to attest that they meet the eligibility requirements. They will need to re-attest every two weeks to reconfirm their eligibility. Canadians will select one of three channels to apply for the Benefit:

1. by accessing it on their CRA MyAccount secure portal;
2. by accessing it from their secure My Service Canada Account; or
3. by calling a toll free number equipped with an automated application process.

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html
Bank Loans

• Most banking institutions will allow payments to be deferred (mortgages, car loans, etc). By doing this, you will likely pay additional interest on the back end of the loan.
• Small businesses may receive deferrals of up to 6 months.
• This does not apply to short term loan companies, such as Money Mart.

Taxes

• Federal and Provincial are still open to file. Strongly advised if you have a refund.
• Municipal: Assessments will be mailed in May, no late penalties until Aug 31.
• Provincial: Corporate income tax balances and installment payments will be deferred to Aug 31.
• Federal: Filing deadline extended until June 1.

More information: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

Rent

• Some landlords and companies are taking it upon themselves to suspend evictions. As of right now, there has been NO legislation passed to prevent evictions.
• Call your landlord as soon as possible and see if they are willing to work out a payment plan.

Transit

Edmonton Transit has taken a number of changes and will likely keep changing as the situation changes further.

• Free TransitETS will be allowing boarding at the back doorTo reduce transmission through cash fare and tickets
• Ridership is not encouraged, but service is there for those who need it. The City is currently looking at mechanisms such as refunds or credits to those who purchased annual passes. More info as it becomes available.
• April passes can be reimbursed through the City’s website.

More information: https://www.edmonton.ca/edmonton-transit-system-ets.aspx

Isolation can be hard and lonely. If you know someone in isolation or self isolation, give them a daily check in call. Talk to them for as long as they need to reassure them that they are not alone.

Consider making time for virtual coffee, board games, or cards games with your loved ones.

Continue to practise social distancing, but remind your loved ones that you are all in this together.Compensate by caring.

Children can sense when something is wrong. If you are having a hard time explaining to your little one what is going on right now, please visit these links:

CDC Center for Disease and Control Link

PBS For Parents Link

Please note: If you receive the letter below, it is a scam. This is not from the City of Edmonton.