Last updated: January 18, 2021
Last update: Provincial Summary
Quicklinks
Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw # 1060/GEN/2020
At the September 15, 2020 council meeting, a face covering bylaw was passed for the Town of Fairview. This bylaw has as its trigger, an active case count of 25 in the MD of Fairview.
At this time, the trigger has not been reached therefore the bylaw provisions are NOT ACTIVE. If the bylaw provisions become active, people must wear a mask while inside, indoor public spaces and businesses must post the notice provided by the Town of Fairview at their enterance within public view.
To view the current active cases click here, then scroll down to the map and click on the “Municipal District of Fairview No. 136” area. The number of active cases will be shown in a popup message.
Fairview Relaunch Plan
Prevention
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1060GEN2020 – Mandatory Mask Signage
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Arnold Viersen MP March 20, 2020
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Arnold Viersen, MP March 18, 2020
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COVID-19 Airport Fact Sheet
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COVID-19 Awareness
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COVID-19 Travel Notice Arrival
Please stay up-to-date on the latest information by checking official sources
Does this mean I have to wear a mask now?
Yes, the bylaw provisions are currently active, so you must wear a mask when in an indoor public location or when using public transportation.
Do my employees have to wear a mask while they work?
If your employees work in a public space (a space that the public has access to) they must wear a mask. Alberta Health is also recommending that employees that work in non-public shared spaces also wear masks. If your employees are working within 2 m (6 ft) of each other, they also should be wearing a mask.
What about in a restaurant or working out?
While in a designated eating/drinking area, you do not have to wear a mask. There are also exemptions if you are engaging in an athletic or fitness activity. Spectators would be expected to wear masks.
How will I know if the bylaw provisions are activated?
Town of Fairview employees will be checking the active case count at the Alberta government notification page. If you wish to check this count yourself click here, then scroll down to the map and click on the "Municipal District of Fairview No. 136" area. The number of active cases will be shown in a popup message. If the current case count hits 25 or higher, the mandatory mask provisions of the bylaw will be activated.
If this happens, we will let the community know in several ways:
- This page will be updated with information to indicate activation, including when they were activated.
- Social media for the town will have updates to indicate that they have been activated.
- Town employees will visit businesses to give them signs indicating that it is mandatory to wear a mask.
- Businesses will have signs on their front doors, indicating that it is mandatory to wear a mask.
Why should I wear a mask? If you are so worried about it, shouldn't your mask protect you?
Medical professionals have indicated that most of the effectiveness of a mask comes from stopping germs and viruses from leaving the area of the wearer. The mask does not do very much to protect the wearer from germs and viruses out in the environment. This is where the saying: “My mask protects you, your mask protects me” comes from.
If I don’t feel sick, why should I still wear a mask?
Medical professionals have estimated that COVID-19 has an incubation period of between 1-14 days. This means that you could be sick with COVID-19 for up to 14 days without feeling symptoms. During this time, you may still be able to infect others. This is one of the reasons that medical professionals point to mask use as being able to slow the outbreaks of this illness. Additionally, some people never experience any symptoms from COVID-19 but are still able to infect others.
If I wear a mask, then I don’t have to do anything else?
“Masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical (social) distancing.” - Information from canada.ca
If the trigger is reached, how long do we have to wear masks?
If the number of active cases goes over 25, then the bylaw provisions become active and wearing masks when inside indoor public areas becomes mandatory. If the number of active cases drops below 25 for 14 consecutive days, then the bylaw provisions will again become inactive.
I do not think I can wear a mask, due to a personal reason. What can I do?
We encourage you to make use of the alternative provisions available to you by many businesses here in Fairview. Some are offering free local delivery, sidewalk pickup or other alternative options. Please get in touch with your favourite business to ask them what other options they have in place for you. As well, you could also ask a friend if they would be able to run those errands for you. The bylaw also specifies several exemptions to mask wearing that may cover your situation as well. However, due to the possibility of you, or others, getting ill we strongly encourage you to look at the other options mentioned above that may be available to you as well.
Further face covering information
Information from the City of Grande Prairie
Information from the Government of Alberta
Information from the Government of Canada
Information from the CDC (Center for Disease Control)
Federal Summary
Support for Canadian Businesses
The federal government has announced an Emergency Community Support Fund which will allocate $350 million to charities. The funds will be available to both independent organizations and national organizations like the United Way.
The federal government is also launching a calculator on the CRA website to help businesses eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) determine the amount that they can claim. Companies can apply for the CEWS beginning Monday, April 27.
Supporting Canadian Businesses Through the Canada Account
Helping Businesses Keep Their Workers
Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes
Quarantine Act
The Prime Minister has announced that Canada is enacting and enforcing the Quarantine Act
For travellers arriving in Canada
The Government of Canada has put in place emergency measures that require mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all persons entering Canada, even if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Some provinces and territories may have specific recommendations for certain groups, such as health care workers. These efforts will help contain the outbreak and limit the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.
Upon return to Canada, you will be asked if you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing. If you have any of these symptoms, you must:
- go immediately to your place of isolation using private transportation only, such as your personal vehicle
- isolate in a place where you will not be in contact with vulnerable people, such as older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions
- if you have symptoms but do not have a place to isolate, you will be required to isolate for 14 days in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer
If you do not have symptoms, you must self-isolate for 14 days and monitor your health for cough, fever or difficulty breathing. If you develop these symptoms within 14 days:
- continue to isolate yourself from others
- immediately call a health care professional or public health authority and describe your symptoms and travel history
- follow their instructions carefully
- do not have visitors, especially older adults, or those with medical conditions who are at a higher risk of developing a serious illness
- wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing
The federal government said maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Additionally, if a person causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while wilfully or recklessly contravening the regulations, they could be subject to a fine of up to $1,000,000 or to imprisonment of up to three years, or to both.
Airline Travel
- Canada has now closed the borders, except for for Canadian and US citizens
- Airlines are now required to ban all travellers with any illness symptoms from flying, including Canadians trying to return from abroad. The government is setting up a “support program” for Canadians stuck overseas
- Starting Wednesday, only 4 Canadian airports will allow international flights. These are Calgary, Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau and Vancouver. This does not impact shipping (commerce/trade) flights
RCMP
Effective immediately, Alberta RCMP detachments will be modifying service delivery at front counters and restricting access to public spaces within RCMP facilities. Signage will be displayed at all exterior public entrances reflecting the following:
- In order to prioritize essential policing services and to reduce unnecessary contact with personnel, detachments will suspend all non-critical front counter services. Fingerprinting for Criminal Record Checks will only be done in exceptional circumstances. Non-urgent fingerprinting and Criminal Record Checks will resume at a later date.
- Before proceeding to a detachment, please consult our provincial directory and phone the listed telephone number (http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en/find/AB#wb-cont). If assistance can be provided to you over the phone, an employee or officer will do so. If your request requires personal contact with an officer, that decision will be made over the phone.
- The decision to limit public contact in non-urgent situations was made to ensure the health of the public and our employees so that we are able to sustain essential services across Alberta.
- Please dial 911 only in an emergency.
- Our Operational Communication Centres are open and fully functional for all emergency calls.
A number of changes have been put in place to protect the health of our employees and the public. These decisions were made to ensure that there were no impacts to essential services, keeping our communities safe. As Alberta's provincial police service, we have sound business continuity plans in place to ensure Albertans can continue to count on us every day, including during times of public health emergencies.
Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP
Media Contact
Fraser Logan
Media Relations Group
780-412-5261
Provincial Summary
Stage 2 Relaunch
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
- pools for leisure swimming
- VLTs in restaurants and bars
- bingo halls and casinos (but not table games)
- instrumental concerts
- provincial campgrounds at full capacity
Events and gatherings can be larger in stage 2
- 50 people maximum: indoor social gatherings, including wedding and funeral receptions, and birthday parties
- 100 people maximum: outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events, including wedding and funeral ceremonies
- No cap on the number of people (with public health measures in place):
- worship gatherings
- restaurant, cafes, lounges and bars
- casinos
- bingo halls
- More flexibility for ‘cohort’ groups – small groups of people whose members do not always keep 2 metres apart:
- a household can increase its 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 could be part of a sports/performing and household cohort.
Still not approved in stage 2
- social gatherings that exceed above listed maximums
- regular in-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12. Classes will resume September 2020
- vocal concerts (as singing carries a higher risk of transmission)
- major festivals and concerts, large conferences, trade shows and events (as these are non-seated social events and/or vocal concerts)
- nightclubs
- amusement parks
- hookah lounges (permitted for food and drink only)
- major sporting events and tournaments
- non-essential travel outside the province is not recommended – this won't be lifted until stage 3 of the relaunch strategy
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 1 Relaunch
With strict safety guidelines in place, Albertans can and should confidently support Alberta businesses as the province gradually relaunches the economy.
“As we continue to carefully relaunch our economy, the safety of Albertans remains our top priority. Alberta businesses have demonstrated great resilience through this pandemic. Now it is time to show them our support. I encourage all Albertans to go out and support local businesses in a safe and responsible way. We all have a role to play in supporting our province’s economic well-being, while remaining vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. With care and common sense, we will be able to move steadily and safely through the stages of our relaunch strategy.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
Stage one of Alberta’s relaunch strategy puts safety first as restrictions are gradually lifted. Calgary and Brooks will see a slightly more gradual reopening, taking into account higher case numbers in these two communities, to balance public safety with the need to get businesses open and services restored for Albertans.
“Thanks to the sacrifices Albertans have made, much of the province has been successful at flattening the curve. Yet, I know the idea of relaunching our economy evokes strong emotions for many of us. It is OK to feel anxious, but we must move forward for our collective health and well-being. Shop specifically for what you need, not just to browse. Take appropriate precautions, stay home if you are sick and look out for each other. Together, we can successfully move forward in a gradual and thoughtful manner.”
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health
With enhanced testing capacity and contact tracing ability, along with a rapid response plan in place in the event of possible outbreaks, the province is ready to take the first incremental steps to reopen some businesses and services.
Stage one – all areas of Alberta except cities of Calgary and Brooks
- With increased infection prevention and control measures to minimize the risk of increased transmission of infections, some businesses and facilities can start to resume operations on May 14 in all areas except the cities of Calgary and Brooks:
- Retail businesses, such as clothing, furniture and bookstores. All vendors at farmers markets will also be able to operate.
- Museums and art galleries.
- Daycares and out-of-school care with limits on occupancy.
- Hairstyling and barbershops.
- Cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars will be permitted to reopen for table service only at 50 per cent capacity.
- Day camps, including summer school, will be permitted with limits on occupancy.
- Post-secondary institutions will continue to deliver courses; however, there will be more flexibility to include in-person delivery once the existing health order prohibiting in-person classes is lifted.
- Places of worship and funeral services, if they follow specific guidance already online.
- The resumption of some scheduled, non-urgent surgeries will continue gradually.
- Regulated health professions are permitted to offer services as long as they continue to follow approved guidelines set by their professional colleges.
- In Calgary and Brooks, the relaunch will be gradual over 18 days due to higher COVID-19 case numbers in these communities.
The new alberta.ca/bizconnect web page provides business owners with information on health and safety guidelines for general workplaces, as well as sector-specific guidelines for those able to open in stage one. Businesses allowed to reopen during stage one will be subject to strict infection prevention and control measures, and will be carefully monitored for compliance with public health orders. It will be up to each business operator to determine if they are ready to open and ensure all guidance has been met.
Physical distancing requirements of two metres remain in place through all stages of relaunch and hygiene practices will continue to be required of businesses and individuals, along with instructions for Albertans to stay home when exhibiting symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat. Albertans are also encouraged to wear non-medical masks when out in public places where keeping a distance of two metres is difficult.
Still not permitted in stage one:
- Gatherings of more than 15 people unless otherwise identified in public health orders or guidance.
- Gatherings of 15 people or fewer must follow personal distancing and other public health guidelines.
- Arts and culture festivals, major sporting events and concerts, all of which involve close physical contact.
- Movie theatres, theatres, pools, recreation centres, arenas, spas, gyms and nightclubs will remain closed.
- Services offered by allied health disciplines like acupuncture and massage therapy.
- Visitors to patients at health-care facilities will continue to be limited; however, outdoor visits are allowed with a designated essential visitor and one other person (a group of up to three people, including the resident), where space permits. However, physical distancing must be practised and all visitors must wear a mask or some other form of face covering.
- In-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12 students.
Recommendations:
- Travel outside the province is not recommended.
- Remote working is advised where possible.
- Encourage Albertans in Calgary and Brooks to wait to access services upon reopening in their communities rather than travelling for services.
- Albertans are encouraged to download the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app and use it when in public.
Progression to stage two will be determined by the success of stage one, considering health-care system capacity, hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) cases, and infection rates. For more information, visit alberta.ca/RelaunchStrategy.
Quick facts
- Relaunch stages will include an evaluation and monitoring period to determine if restrictions should be adjusted. Triggers that will inform decisions on the lessening or tightening of restrictions include hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy.
- Confirmed cases, the percentage of positive results and the rate of infection will be monitored on an ongoing basis to inform proactive responses in localized areas of the province.
- Decisions will be applied at both provincial and local levels, where necessary. While restrictions are gradually eased across the province, an outbreak may mean that they need to be strengthened temporarily in a local area.
- The most important measure Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise physical distancing and good hygiene.
- This includes cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, and disposing of tissues appropriately.
Related information
Multimedia
What to do if you think you are sick
If you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing:
- stay home - do not go to an ER or clinic
- take the COVID-19 self-assessment test
- call Health Link 811 for testing and instructions
Provincial News Releases (new update January 18, 2021)
Stronger Public Health Measures
The following changes to public health restrictions came into effect Monday, January 18, 2021
• Outdoor social gatherings are allowed up to 10 people. Indoor gatherings remain prohibited.
• Personal and wellness services can open by appointment only (hair and nail salons, etc).
• Funeral ceremony attendance has increased to 20 people, with mandatory masking and 2 metre physical distancing between households. Funeral receptions are not allowed.All other restrictions remain in place:
• No indoor social gatherings
• Restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes open for take-out or delivery only
.• Retail services and shopping malls must reduce customer capacity to 15%.
• Health services, like physio and massage, open by appointment only.
• Entertainment and indoor recreation facilities remain closed.
• Places of worship limited to 15% capacity for in-person attendance.
• Working from home is mandatory unless a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness.
Albertans must continue following all public health measures to reduce case numbers: wash your hands, wear a mask in public, keep 2 metres apart, and stay home and get tested when sick.
Further information:
Further information regarding :
Safety Information
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, use the Alberta Government COVID-19 information button near the top of the page.
Non-Medical Masks - Alberta.ca informational link
COVID-19: Choosing the right non-medical mask for wearing in public
COVID-19: How to use a non-medical mask
Arnold Viersen Update - April 6, 2020
Thank you to essential service workers & volunteers in Peace River – Westlock
Dear Editor,
These past few weeks have confirmed the world is now a different place. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the day-to-day routine for residents in Peace River – Westlock and for all Canadians.
I would like to take this opportunity to first thank the extraordinary doctors, nurses and other health care providers in our riding, as well as emergency services personnel who are doing exceptional work to keep us all healthy and safe. I would also like to recognize the work of our farm families, foodbank staff, grocery store clerks, pharmacy and drug store staff, truck drivers, and other essential services who are doing extremely important work in these times of uncertainty.
I also want to thank the businesses and individuals who have stepped forward to help others in their communities. Businesses like West of the 5th who have started creating hand sanitizer for local medical staff and those in need. Or the La Crete organizers of window teddy bear hunts for families. Or those getting groceries for neighbours in isolation. Just a few of the many examples of our communities coming together to keep one another safe and lift each other’s spirits.
It has been a long few weeks, but now is not the time to be complacent. We have to remain vigilant in physical distancing to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe. That means no visits with extended family, no playdates, and no social gatherings. Please stay home, except for essential grocery store or pharmacy runs. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for 20 seconds. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. And finally, keep home surfaces like counters, doorknobs and electronics clean.
I would like to remind residents to visit canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, as well as the federal government’s response to the crisis. With questions or concerns on this information, please contact my office at 1-800-667-8450 or arnold.viersen@parl.gc.ca.
If you have any fears about your health or feel you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your family physician or your local health unit. You may also contact your provincial COVID-19 hotline at 811.
We’re in this together, and together we’ll get through.
Sincerely,
Arnold Viersen, MP
Peace River – Westlock
For more information:
Office of Arnold Viersen, MP
Peace River – Westlock
arnold.viersen.a2@parl.gc.ca
Tel: 613.996.1783 Fax: 613.995.1415
ABTraceTogether
Technology to Support COVID-19 Response
Questions and answers:
What is AB TraceTogether?
- AB TraceTogether is a mobile app that enables community-driven contact tracing to support existing efforts to fight COVID-19 and prevent the spread.
- It is a tool to complement traditional manual contact tracing completed by public health officials.
What does AB TraceTogether do?
- The AB TraceTogether app allows contact tracers from Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to get in touch with you if you have come into close contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19.
- The app operates on a person’s phone as they go about their day. It securely logs the encrypted reference codes of devices of other app users who have been in close proximity to you.
- If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, the app will assist health officials to notify people you’ve been in close contact with so they can self-isolate and get tested. This will speed up current manual processes and make it quicker to stop the spread of the virus, particularly if restrictions are eased.
How does AB TraceTogether work?
- Users can voluntarily download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- AB TraceTogether uses Bluetooth to look for other devices that have the app installed. It takes a note of a contact when it occurs, by securely logging the other user’s encrypted reference code.
- The date, duration and proximity of the contact are generated on the user’s phone and also noted. Your location is not recorded.
- This information is securely encrypted and stored on the phone.
- The app uses a rolling 21-day window to allow for the maximum 14-day incubation period of COVID-19, and the time taken to confirm a positive test result.
- Close contact information on your phone is not accessible by anyone, including you. If you are diagnosed with the virus, you will be asked to consent to upload your close contact information to a highly secure information storage system.
- The uploaded information enables health officials to contact the user and close contacts to provide advice on actions they should take to manage their health.
What is contact tracing? Why is it important?
- Contact tracing is the process of identifying individuals who may have come into contact with a person infected with as COVID-19. These contacts are tested for infection. When a contact tests positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing process is then repeated to identify, test and isolate their contacts, as necessary.
- The goal of contact tracing is to interrupt ongoing transmission and reduce the spread, and alert contacts of the possibility of infection as soon as possible.
- Identifying people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 is a critical part of limiting the spread of COVID-19 in communities.
Why do we need an application for contact tracing? Aren’t AHS staff already doing this work?
- Contact tracing is currently very resource intensive and relies on the recall and memory of infected individuals.
- Through wireless Bluetooth technology, the app will complement manual contact tracing and capacity, and facilitate early detection to help reduce the spread of the virus and better protect Albertans.
- The app is especially useful in cases where infected persons do not know everyone whom they had been in close proximity with for an extended duration, for example, at a grocery store.
- The app is not intended to replace current contact tracing methods.
Isn’t this an invasion of privacy?
- Users opt in and must consent to sharing data after a positive test result.
- Data is stored on the user’s phone in encrypted form and deleted every 21 days and will not be accessed unless they consent to share their data with AHS.
- The only information exchanged between user’s phones is a random ID – nothing identifiable is exchanged.
- The app does not use your phone’s GPS, and does not track the user’s location or contacts.
Will the application be pushed/downloaded to Albertans phones automatically?
- No. Absolutely not.
- Use of the application is completely voluntary.
- Users can download the application if they choose and opt in, and must consent to sharing data after a positive test result.
- However, the more Albertans who download and use the application, the better we can protect individuals from being unknowingly exposed and possibly spreading the disease and the sooner we can move towards our relaunch strategy.
Who can use AB TraceTogether? Is it only for Albertans?
- AB TraceTogether can be downloaded and used by anyone with a Bluetooth-equipped Android or iOS smartphone.
- You need to be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the app, but Wi-Fi is not needed for the app to work.
Will the application be used as an enforcement tool to ensure those required to self-isolate are doing so?
- No, the app will not be used as an enforcement tool. That’s not why it was designed.
- The app does not use your phone’s GPS, and does not track the user’s location or contacts.
- The app is designed to help enhance manual contact tracing and capacity and facilitate early detection to help reduce the spread of the virus and better protect Albertans.
So if I am under quaratine and leave my property, the app won’t be used to fine me?
- No, the app will not be used as an enforcement tool. That’s not why it was designed.
- The app does not use your phones GPS, and does not track the user’s location or contacts.
Do users have to pay to download the application? When will it be available across the province?
- The application will be free to use and download.
- The app will remain voluntary.
- It will be available in the Google Play Store (Android users) and the Apple App Store (iPhone users) starting May 1. Just search for: AB TraceTogether.
How does the app work? Does it require data? Will it drain cell phone batteries?
- After downloading the application in the Google Play Store (Android users) or the App Store (iPhone users), users simply:
- Enter their mobile number;
- Enable push notifications;
- Keep Bluetooth turned on; and
- Leave AB TraceTogether running.
- The application runs on Bluetooth technology, and requires minimual data use for the application to function.
What constitutes a close contact? Will it work if you are in a grocery store?
- The application uses Bluetooth Relative Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) readings between devices to approximate the proximity and duration of an encounter between two users.
- Users who are within 2 metres from each other for a duration of 15 minutes in total within a 24-hour period are categorized as a close contact.
- It is for a total of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period, not 15 minutes straight.
- To be effective, you should have the app running on your phone whenever you may be coming into contact with people. You will receive daily notifications to ensure the app is running.
Are other countries using contact tracing applications like this? Has it helped contain the spread of COVID-19?
- Yes, AB TraceTogether is based on Singapore’s TraceTogether application.
- However, it is important to remember that the application is just one tool in Alberta’s fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.
- Australia’s contact tracing solution is also based on Singapore’s TraceTogether application.
Is this the exact same version of the application that is being used in Singapore, or has it been customized for Alberta? Who developed AB TraceTogether?
- Singapore made the source code for its TraceTogether application free to other countries interested in adopting something similar.
- The Government of Alberta then contracted Deloitte Canada to work closely with Alberta Health to develop an Alberta version of the application.
- The AB TraceTogether application is designed to ensure the protection of Albertans’ privacy.
How many users are you hoping to get? How many users need to subscribe for it to be useful?
- The more Albertans who download and use the application, the better we can protect individuals from being unknowingly exposed and possibly spreading the disease and the sooner we can move towards our relaunch strategy.
Will the use of this application help businesses and schools reopen sooner?
- The more Albertans who download and use the application, the better we can protect individuals from being unknowingly exposed and possibly spreading the disease and the sooner we can move towards our relaunch strategy.
- Better contact tracing has proven to be successful in other jurisdictions who are working to reopen their economies.
- Singapore designed the application to be interoperable with other jurisdictions that implement TraceTogether. Once this update is available, Alberta will apply this enhancement.
Can visitors to the province also use the application or is it for Alberta residents only?
- Anyone in Alberta (visitors and residents) will be able to download and use the application.
The privacy commissioner has raised concerns over Babylon by Telus Health, what have you done to protect individuals data?
- Data is stored on the user’s phone in encrypted form for only 21 days and will not be accessed unless you test positive for COVID-19 and provide consent to AHS.
- We have briefed the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC) on AB TraceTogether and have been in contact with her office throughout the development of the app.
- The AB TraceTogether app does not capture or use information about your location in order to function. In addition, location data is not collected by Alberta Health or Alberta Health Services and is never sent from your phone to another organization for any purpose.
- Under the obligations defined by the Health Information Act, Alberta Health will submit a Privacy Impact Assessment to the OIPC.
Why is the data stored for 21 days? How will that work?
- The app uses a rolling 21-day window to allow for the maximum 14-day incubation period, and the time taken to confirm a positive test result.
- The rolling 21-day window allows the app to continuously monitor only those user contacts that occur during the COVID-19 incubation window.
- Contacts that occurred outside of the 21-day window are automatically deleted from the user’s phone.
If you tested positive, recovered and completed self-isolation, should you still use the app?
- We encourage everyone living or visiting Alberta to use AB TraceTogether, regardless of their location or health status.
What can you tell Albertans who are concerned about their privacy?
- The AB TraceTogether app does not capture or use information about your location in order to function. In addition, location data is not collected by Alberta Health or Alberta Health Services and is never sent from your phone to another organization for any purpose.
- During the app set up, the only personal data we collect is your mobile number, so Alberta Health Services can contact you quickly if you were in close proximity to a COVID-19 case.
- This data is stored only on your phone, and is not shared with Alberta Health or Alberta Health Services. Should Alberta Health or Alberta Health Services need the data for contact tracing, they will ask you directly to share it with them and enable an upload of your contact tracing logs.
Will I be notified if I am in close proximity with an individual who currently has COVID-19?
- No. The app does not use your GPS and does not track your location and is not an enforcement tool.
- AB TraceTogether does not broadcast real time alerts about peoplaround you.
- The purpose of the app is to support contact tracing efforts by public health to identify exposures and limit the spread of COVID-19.
What happens if you get in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19?
- If another AB TraceTogether user tests positive to COVID-19, and your device noted that you were in close proximity to them recently, you may be contacted on the mobile number you registered by Alberta Health Services, alerting you to the potential exposure.
Can you say no to uploading your AB TraceTogether information if you test positive for COVID-19?
- Yes. You always have the choice about whether to share your information if you are identified as a confirmed case.
- Remember though that uploading your information could help save lives and keep others in the community safe.
- The app is community-driven. If app users who test positive with COVID-19 submit their app information when asked, it will help protect others in the community who may have also been exposed to COVID-19.
Is Apple launching its own app now (if Apple/Google have announced they are coming out with an API)?
- Our understanding is that Apple and Google will work with health authorities such as Alberta Health to deploy apps that use their announced application program interfaces (APIs). As such, we’re keenly interested in what Apple and Google are doing, and how that will improve our product over time.
Will Alberta Health be adopting the Google/Apple API when it’s available?
- Our app is based on an existing open source project, and both Apple and Google are working with that project. We are hoping that we’ll be able to adopt those innovations, including the use of that API, and use that to improve the experience over time.
How does the app fit into the relaunch strategy?
- Quick tracing and containment of outbreaks is critical as the province works to gradually relaunch the economy.
- The AB TraceTogether app will drastically speed up the current manual tracing process and help Albertans protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.
Is there any way for businesses to access my information?
- No. Alberta Health and the Government of Alberta follow industry standards for protecting information and use appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards. Alberta Health will not disclose your personal information to third parties without your consent. Please refer to the ABTraceTogether privacy statement for more details.
Does the app identify if there is a wall between me and someone who I have had close contact with (e.g., a neighbour)?
- Although Bluetooth is not a perfect solution, the code is written to detect signal strength. A wall will weaken the signal even if you are physically close to another person on the opposite side of a wall. This is a benefit of Bluetooth against GPS, as GPS detects location and does not account for physical boundaries.
Are there any kind of analytics or AI being conducted on Albertan’s phones?
- There is no AI being conducted on the phones. Analytics details are as follows:
- The Government of Alberta, through Alberta Health, may use anonymized data collected through the use of the AB TraceTogether app to make sure it is functioning for users who have downloaded it, understand app adoption, support the consistent and effective use of the app, and to better inform contact tracers on thresholds and effective public health outreach activities.
- Information provided may be used for health system management and planning, policy development and analysis of the public health emergency. Contact information will not be used for this purpose, only your random anonymized User ID and other de-identified data.
- None of this data is identifiable to a specific person or location, and is always stored separately from any personal information used for contact tracing, such as your phone number. Analytics information used to inform Alberta Health on app effectiveness may include, for example: Total Number of Users, Distribution of User registrations over time, Total Number of Contacts by User, Average Contacts per User, Distribution of Contacts across Users, Total Unique Contacts, Total number of contacts that have been contacted by a health care worker, average duration of exposure with contacts, etc.
- Analytics information collected to provide a better experience to app users may include: Device information (brand, category, model, OS version), and app information (app store, app version, country, language, time since installation).
Will AB TraceTogether automatically message people that might have COVID-19?
- No. Alberta Health Services contact tracers are trained and equipped with the procedures and encouters from ABTraceTogether to contact people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. This ensures that Albertans are supported through a trained professional, rather than through an automatically generated message.
Some contact tracing solutions are embedding behavioural phsychology or risk analytics features. Does ABTraceTogether have this functionality?
- No. Alberta has chosen to keep the app’s functionality as simple as possible. Two phones will exchange a digitally encrypted ID and that’s it.
How does ABTraceTogether plan to integrate the Google/Apple API?
- We are aware of the technology and are exploring opportunities to work together.
How is my data protected from hackers or government surveillance?
- Data collection is minimized and only used for specific purposes. Ongoing cybersecurity testing is being conducted on the Application to identify and address potential security weaknesses. Details on data are as follows:
- During the app set up, the only personal data we collect is your mobile number, so Alberta Health Services can contact you quickly if you were in close proximity to a COVID-19 case.With your consent, the AB TraceTogether app exchanges Bluetooth proximity data with nearby phones running the same app. This data is anonymized and encrypted, and does not reveal your identity or the other person's identity. In order to measure distance, information about your phone model and the signal strength recorded is also shared, since different phone models transmit at a different power. This data is stored only on your phone, and is not shared with Alberta Health Services. Should Alberta Health Services need the data for contact tracing, they will ask you directly to share it with them and enable an upload of your contact tracing logs. The AB TraceTogether app also collects anonymized app utilization data to improve the app across different phone models, and to provide a better experience to our users. 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, including the following key features:
- Geolocation data is not collected by the app (i.e., the information retrieved will not be able to identify where you have been, such as your city or address).
- The Bluetooth exchange ID log data collected is stored locally in your phone in an encrypted form. This data will not be accessed by Alberta Health Services unless and until you choose to upload it as a result of being diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Mobile numbers or any other personal information are not revealed to other app users. Only temporary IDs are exchanged between phones and these IDs change regularly.
- Once contact tracing for COVID-19 ceases, we will prompt users disable Alberta Contact Tracing’s functionality. Please see the privacy notice (insert link) for more information.
- During the app set up, the only personal data we collect is your mobile number, so Alberta Health Services can contact you quickly if you were in close proximity to a COVID-19 case.With your consent, the AB TraceTogether app exchanges Bluetooth proximity data with nearby phones running the same app. This data is anonymized and encrypted, and does not reveal your identity or the other person's identity. In order to measure distance, information about your phone model and the signal strength recorded is also shared, since different phone models transmit at a different power. This data is stored only on your phone, and is not shared with Alberta Health Services. Should Alberta Health Services need the data for contact tracing, they will ask you directly to share it with them and enable an upload of your contact tracing logs. The AB TraceTogether app also collects anonymized app utilization data to improve the app across different phone models, and to provide a better experience to our users. 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, including the following key features:
What terms will a user have to use to search in the Google/Apple stores to find the app?
- For the Apple App store the keywords are: COVID, contact tracing, Alberta, Alberta Health Service
- For the Google Play store, users will be able to search for the app using ABTraceTogether, or searching under the keyword “Health and Fitness”
- The Google Play store does not allow you to write specific key words, so we had to choose from a pre-populated list – most options were not relevant or factual.
Local Information
Please be reminded that playgrounds are available for use at your own risk and are not sanitized. In accordance with Alberta Health Services’ guidelines, physical distancing of two meters are to be observed.
Please avoid touching surfaces such as benches, railings and fencing and follow all recommended health precautions including proper hand hygiene at the end of your visit. All park users should consider wearing a face mask when physical distancing measures are not possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Local Business Information
Business Support Information
The Heart of the Peace Economic Development committee provides a website with exclusive business resources and supports sources. The COVID-19 outbreak has increased stressors on our already stretched local businesses. Visit the site for a wealth of information on the supports that the Federal, Provincial and Local governments are providing during this time, including Albert's Relaunch Strategy information.
New business restrictions
Some businesses are required to temporarily close, reduce capacity or limit in-person access.
Effective January 18, personal and wellness services can open by appointment only. All other restrictions remain in effect.
Business restrictions available here
If your business is open, you must continue following all current general and sector-specific public health guidance.
Alberta Biz Connect
Reduced Capacity and Occupant Loads Information
NOTICE - Step Four
Multiply your usual occupant load by the CURRENT MANDATED RESTRICTION percentage (15% as of December 13, 2020) visit the Alberta Government website COVID information )
Local Business Status
Local business status to closures and enhanced procedures