Alberta confirms 23 new cases of COVID-19, still *one case in North zone

*Update: Based on information from the Government of Alberta we reported there was one case of COVID-19 in the North zone. That was an error and confused with the South zone. There are three cases of COVID-19 in the North zone and one case confirmed in the south zone.

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Alberta has 23 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 raising the total to 97 in the province, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said on Tuesday.

*On Monday, there was the first confirmed case in Alberta Health Service’s North zone and that remains the same.

That area includes the Lakeland region to Elk Point and encompasses a vast portion of the province essentially north of Edmonton.

There are no new cases of hospitalization from the five that are currently in hospital, with two have been admitted to an ICU unit.

Alberta is under a state of public health emergency as of Tuesday afternoon, Premier Jason Kenney announced.

The remainder of people with positive cases of COVID-19 are self-isolating at home.

There are approximately six community transmissions cases which does not involve people who are travelling, estimated Dr. Hinshaw.

Six cases relate to a dental conference in Vancouver, said Dr. Hinshaw.

 

• 70 cases in the Calgary zone
• 20 cases in the Edmonton zone
• three cases in the Central zone
• *three cases in the South zone

State of Emergency

Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees.

This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings.

Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, and other essential services are not included.

To limit the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, all Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreational facilities and private entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, libraries, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres, and bingo halls.

Sit-down restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 50 people.

Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted.

Licensed restaurants and bars can now sell liquor without selling food as part of their take-out – with the exception of drive-thru windows – and delivery services to help keep businesses open, staff employed and additional options for Albertans who are self-isolating.

Changes to the Employment Standards Code have been made to provide job protection for Albertans.

Albertans are prohibited from attending buffet-style restaurants.

At this time, not-for-profit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice.

Food services in work camps are also exempt, but in addition to appropriate sanitization practices, arrangements should be made to provide for workers if they are self-isolated.

$60 million is being provided to help social services organizations respond to critical front-line services.

Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.

Ski hills across the province are strongly encouraged to close by the end of day March 17, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Effective March 18, all passenger ropeways, like gondolas and chairlifts, will be closed until further notice under the Safety Codes Act.

All provincial historic sites and the Provincial Archives will be closing March 17. Information regarding facility bookings and passes will be available on the facilities’ websites.

Upcoming expiry dates for Alberta drivers’ licences, vehicle registrations, other permits and certificates are being extended until May 15.

Effective immediately, the Seniors Information Office, located on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton, will be closed to protect the health of clients and staff. Seniors in need of information on seniors financial assistance programs should contact Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992.

Alberta Court of Appeal is limiting attendance to necessary parties. Matters continue either electronically or with social distancing directives in effect.

In-person post-secondary classes remain cancelled as institutions move to alternate delivery formats. Campuses remain open.