A number of actions have been taken to date to contain the outbreak and provide Albertans with the services they need.

Provincial response to COVID-19 outbreak

Health and emergency management

  • Collaboration with health partners since January to ensure proven processes and well-trained teams were in place to both protect the public and respond to infections before any COVID-19 cases were present in Alberta.
  • Online resources such as alberta.ca/COVID19 and the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 online self-assessment tool.
  • Series of aggressive public health measures to limit the spread of the virus, including restrictions on mass gatherings, prohibiting attendance and limiting visitation at many facilities and restricting capacity at restaurants and other food service locations (began March 12).
  • Additional $500 million for Budget 2020 to ensure Alberta’s public health officials have the resources they need to deal with the pandemic (March 15).
  • New billing code for pharmacists working to help Albertans assess and screen for COVID-19 (March 19).
  • Institution of a state of public health emergency under the Public Health Act to better empower authorities to respond to the pandemic (March 17).
  • Access to health-care information and support from anywhere in the province by smartphone through the Babylon app by TELUS Health (March 19).
  • Amendments to the Emergency Management Act to allow local and provincial states of emergency to exist at the same time, helping communities and the province respond effectively to emergencies (March 20).
  • Increase availability of child care spaces for workers providing core services during COVID-19 (March 22).

Economic

  • $60 million to help social services organizations respond to critical front-line services (March 17).
  • Series of energy sector initiatives for Alberta’s energy sector: funding the industry levy for the Alberta Energy Regulator for a period of six months, achieving $113 million in industry relief; granting extensions for oil and gas tenures; the recent $100-million loan to the Orphan Well Association (March 20).
  • Economic Recovery Council to provide advice through the downturn that comes as a result of COVID-19 and the energy price crash (March 20).
  • Lower copayments for prescriptions for Alberta government-sponsored coverage for seniors and non-group coverage to assist with added associated costs.
  • $50 million for Albertans who must self-isolate and do not have another source of pay or compensation while they are self-isolated (March 18).
  • Six-month, interest-free moratorium on student loan payments for all individuals who are in the process of repaying these loans (March 18).
  • 90-day utility payment deferral for residential, farm and small commercial customers who are expecting financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19 (March 18).
  • ATB Financial deferral for up to six months on loans, lines of credit, and mortgages for personal and small business customers impacted by COVID-19 (March 18).
  • Programs for individual and business Alberta credit union members to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow (March 18).
  • Deferred collection of corporate income tax balances and instalment payments for Alberta businesses (March 18).
  • Employment Standards Code changes to provide job protection for Albertans who need to self-isolate (March 13).
  • Licensed restaurants and bars can 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 self-isolating (March 17).
  • Upcoming expiry dates for Alberta drivers’ licences, identification cards, vehicle registrations, other permits and certificates extended until May 15 (March 17).

Quick facts

  • The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise 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, disposing of tissues appropriately, and staying home and away from others if you are sick.
  • Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.
  • For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.