Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Frequently Asked Questions – Public

Nov. 30, 2020

What’s happening in Alberta?

Alberta continues to see cases of COVID-19. For the most current information impacting all Albertans
including information on testing, case count, visitor restrictions, posters and more, please visit
www.alberta.ca/covid19.

Healthcare workers are encouraged to visit www.ahs.ca/covid.

Issued by the AHS Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC).

1. What is novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

• Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause respiratory illness in people,
ranging from mild common colds to severe pneumonias. Others cause illness in animals only. Rarely,
animal coronaviruses can infect people, and more rarely, these can spread from person to person
through close contact.
• COVID-19 is what is called a novel coronaviruses. Novel coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that
have not been previously identified in humans.
• This means people have no immunity against it, and it has no specific vaccine or treatment.
• COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the province, posing a serious risk to public health and the
healthcare system. In this video, Dr. Neil Collins talks about the devastating effects of the pandemic and
urges Albertans to adhere to public health measures.

2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
o Fever
o A new cough or a chronic cough that is worsening
o New or worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
o Sore throat
o Runny nose
• Additional Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
o Stuffy nose
o Painful swallowing
o Headache
o Chills
o Muscle or joint aches
o Feeling unwell in general, or new fatigue or severe exhaustion
o Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
o Loss of sense of smell or taste
o Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye
• Most people (about 80%) recover from this disease without needing special treatment. However, it can
cause serious illness. Those who are older, and those with other medical problems are more likely to
develop serious illness, which can include:
o Difficulty breathing
o Pneumonia
o There is a risk of death in severe cases.
• While we are still learning about COVID-19, serious illness appears to develop more often in people who
are older or have pre-existing conditions, such as:
o High blood pressure
o Heart and/or lung disease
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o Cancer
o Diabetes

3. How is COVID-19 spread from person-to-person?

• COVID-19 is transmitted through tiny droplets of liquid produced by people who have the virus, and then
spread from person-to-person by:
o coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing, and singing
o touching objects or surfaces the virus has landed on and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth
(bath towels, kitchen utensils, door knobs, etc.)
• People who have COVID-19 can spread it to others before they start to feel sick.
• COVID-19 is not widely spread by being airborne, which means it doesn’t stay in the air long and won’t go
very far. But if you are too close to someone with COVID-19 you can get sick by breathing in air that
contains droplets with the virus.
o Airborne transmission is not the dominant or common mode of transmission of the virus that
causes COVID-19 (Public Health Ontario Review). Research on the extent and scale of airborne
transmission mode is ongoing.
• We think the virus generally only survives for a few hours on a surface or object, but it may be possible for
it to survive several days under some conditions.

4. Who is most at risk for becoming very sick with COVID-19?

• Although most people who develop COVID-19 will experience mild illness, some individuals are more
likely to become seriously ill. Older adults and people with medical conditions like high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease appear to be at higher risk of becoming very sick.

5. Can herd immunity be effective to reduce the spread of COVID-19?

• Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, recently wrote a detailed response
outlining the human toll and efficacy of pursuing a ‘herd immunity’ strategy. Dr. Hinshaw explains why
herd immunity will lead to increased deaths and increased hospitalization, and points out it’s still unclear if
COVID-19 infection confers long-lasting protection against future infections. “Herd immunity by natural
infection is not a wise, or possibly even an achievable, goal to pursue,” she concludes.

6. How is COVID-19 treated?

• Most people with mild illness will recover on their own. Although there are no specific medications for
COVID-19 at this time, supportive care is being used to treat people with COVID-19. The Alberta health
care system is able to provide effective care for people who develop a serious COVID-19 illness.

7. Are there vaccines to prevent COVID-19?

• Not yet. Much research is currently underway to development a vaccine, but it could take some time
before a vaccine is developed and approved for use in Canada.

8. What is the difference between COVID-19 and influenza?

• In some ways, COVID-19 is similar to influenza (also known as the flu):
o Both COVID-19 and the flu cause respiratory disease.
o Both are spread the same way, via small droplets from the nose and mouth.
o Neither one is spread through the air over long distances and times, unlike a disease like the
measles.
• However, there are some key differences between COVID-19 and the flu:
o The flu and COVID-19 are different viruses.
o Both have similar symptoms, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between influenza and
COVID-19 symptoms.
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o COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than influenza.

o We currently have no specific vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.
o COVID-19 causes severe disease in a higher percentage of cases than seasonal influenza.
Estimates of mortality in COVID-19 cases depend on many things, but on average they range
from about 1-2 deaths per 100 people infected. By comparison, seasonal influenza is deadly in
about 1 in every 1000 who are infected.
o Because COVID-19 can cause such a serious illness, it is critical to keep it from spreading by
having people with a cough or fever stay home and away from others.

9. How can I protect myself and my family from COVID-19?

• Make sure you practice proper physical distancing. Wear a mask in public when it is difficult to maintain
physical distancing of 2 metres at all times. Masks should be used in addition to other public health
measures to limit spread.
• Adhere to the same practices we recommend for protecting against all respiratory illnesses:
o Wash your hands using an alcohol-based rub or soap and warm water for at least twenty
seconds.
o Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
o Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
o Get immunized against influenza
• If you do get sick, you should stay home and complete the COVID-19 online assessment tool to see if you
should be tested.
• AHS has developed a new webpage, ahs.ca/ShrinkYourBubble that outlines steps Albertans can take to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

10. What are your recommendations for people who are immune compromised, have asthma
or at high risk of severe illness for other medical reasons?
• Stay home. Now is the time to stay home and avoid social and other outings that are not essential.
• If you must leave your home, make sure you practice proper physical distancing. Wear a mask in public
when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times. Masks should be used in
addition to other public health measures to limit spread.
• Follow the same practices e recommended for protection against all respiratory illnesses:
o Wash your hands using an alcohol-based rub or soap and warm water for at least twenty
seconds.
o Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
o Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
o When sick, cover your cough and sneezes with your arm, and then wash your hands.
• Call 911 if you become seriously ill and need immediate medical attention.

11. When should I go to the hospital?

• Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention.
• If you do not need urgent medical attention, take the online self-assessment tool, call your doctor or call
Health Link at 811 for virtual health assessment and referral.

12. Where can I find information about outbreaks or other statistics about cases of COVID-19
in our province?
• AHS has developed a webpage dedicated to reporting the daily COVID-19 outbreak numbers in acute
care settings across the province. It will be updated each weekday afternoon, and will include confirmed
COVID-19 cases in patients and healthcare workers from active outbreaks. You can check out Acute
Care Outbreaks webpage.
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• You can find more information, statistics and characteristics on the Alberta Health website
https://www.alberta.ca/stats/covid-19-alberta-statistics.htm.

COVID-19 Testing in Alberta

13. I’m feeling ill and think I may have COVID-19. What should I do?
• Effective Oct. 20, COVID-19 testing is now only offered to Albertans in the groups listed below.
o Albertans with symptoms of COVID-19
o Albertans who are close contacts of a confirmed case, whether symptomatic or not
o Albertans who are linked to a known outbreak, whether symptomatic or not
o All healthcare workers who are symptomatic, are a close contact of a COVID-19 case or are
linked to an outbreak will still receive testing.
o Refer to this question to understand the new testing and isolation requirements for children and
youth under the age of 18.
• Testing will be by appointment, which can be booked online by visiting www.ahs.ca/covid. If using the
Internet is not an option, 811 can book an appointment.
• Please note that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is allowed to leave home to come for testing,
following the guidance outlined in this Order.
• Review this question to learn when your isolation period would be over.

Steps to take if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

• Self-isolate
• Do not attend work, school, social events, or any other public gatherings.
• Don’t share personal items like dishes, utensils, or towels.
• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid close contact with other people, especially those with chronic conditions, a compromised immune
system, or seniors (over 65 years of age).
• Please do not visit a hospital, physician’s office, lab or healthcare facility without consulting your doctor or
Health Link (811) first.
o For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Inform them that
you may have COVID-19.
• Stay home for a minimum of 10 days with any cold or flu symptoms until feeling well.
• If symptoms continue past 10 days, isolation should as well.
• If you have life-threatening symptoms, go to an emergency department or call 911.
• Travellers must self-isolate for 14 days upon return, even when feeling fine. If symptoms are experienced
during this period of isolation, you must continue to isolate for an additional 10 days following the onset of
symptoms, no matter how long you’ve already been in self-isolation.
• Please visit ahs.ca/covid for the complete guidelines on self-isolation.
• Albertans can now read about COVID-19 self-care instructions and how to manage symptoms of COVID-
19 at home on MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

14. Who is considered priority testing for COVID-19?

• Effective Oct. 20, COVID-19 testing is now only offered to Albertans in the groups listed below.
o Albertans with symptoms of COVID-19
o Albertans who are close contacts of a confirmed case, whether symptomatic or not
o Albertans who are linked to a known outbreak, whether symptomatic or not
o All healthcare workers who are symptomatic, are a close contact of a COVID-19 case or are
linked to an outbreak will still receive testing.
o Refer to this question to understand the new testing and isolation requirements for children and
youth under the age of 18.
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15. Has testing for children and youth under the age of 18 changed? Why did it change?
• Alberta Health announced a new COVID-19 daily checklist for children and youth under the age of 18 (as
well as individuals 18 years of age and over attending high school), which will take effect Nov. 2.
• This will directly affect testing and isolation requirements for Albertans under 18 attending classes,
daycare or recreational activities, as well as individuals 18 years and over attending high school.
o Albertans should use the online assessment tool to self-assess for isolation and testing
requirements.
• The changes reflect current evidence on the symptoms associated with COVID-19 in children and youth,
and will assist with assessing students who may be symptomatic, or who may have been exposed to
someone who is ill or has confirmed COVID-19.
• Data shows some single symptoms (such as a runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, etc.) are commonly
associated with many other illnesses in children and are not a strong indicator of COVID-19 in youth,
especially if they resolve quickly.

o For a child with no known exposures to COVID-19 or international travel in the past 14 days, and
has any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of sense of smell or
taste:
▪ The child is to isolate for 10 days from onset of symptoms.
▪ Testing is recommended.
▪ If the child has a negative test result and is feeling better, normal activities can resume
even before the 10-day isolation is complete.
o If a child has ONE of: chills; sore throat or painful swallowing; runny nose or congestion; feeling
unwell or fatigue; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; unexplained loss of appetite; muscle or joint aches;
headache; conjunctivitis:
▪ The child should stay home and monitor for 24 hours.
▪ If their symptom is improving after 24 hours, they can return to school/activities when
they feel well enough to go. Testing is not necessary.
▪ If the symptom worsens after 24 hours (or if additional symptoms emerge), testing is
recommended but not required. The child can return to activities and school when:
• Their symptoms have resolved AND it’s been at least 24 hours since their
symptoms started.

o If the child has any TWO of: chills; sore throat or painful swallowing; runny nose or congestion;
feeling unwell or fatigue; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; unexplained loss of appetite; muscle or joint
aches; headache; conjunctivitis:
▪ The child should stay home.
▪ Testing is recommended but not required.
• The child can attend school/daycare and other public places when their
symptoms have resolved AND it’s been 24 hours or more since their symptoms
started.

o Children with any symptoms should not visit a congregate living or acute care facility for 10 days
from when symptom(s) started or until they go away (whichever is longer), unless they receive a
negative COVID-19 test result and are feeling better.

o A child who is a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case will still need to be home for 14
days.

16. Why did the criteria for COVID-19 testing change?

• COVID-19 testing criteria has changed in an effort to reduce wait times and to speed up access to results
for those at greatest risk of illness.
• As this new testing approach will support more rapid turnaround of test results, we anticipate that
healthcare workers will be better supported in effectively managing symptoms or potential exposures.
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• The spread of COVID-19 will continue to be monitored, and our testing strategy will be adapted as
needed.

17. I’ve taken the online assessment and determined that I need to be tested. Is there a way to
book an appointment online to be tested for COVID-19?
• Testing will be by appointment, which can be easily booked online by visiting www.ahs.ca/covid. If using
the Internet is not an option, 811 can book an appointment online.
• Once a symptomatic Albertan completes the online self-assessment, they will be presented with an option
to book an appointment online with the closest location, available appointment dates and times for
testing.
• Upon selecting their chosen date and time, they will receive a booking confirmation and at the same time,
the booking will show up in the schedule at the testing assessment centre.

18. Is there a rapid test to confirm COVID-19 in patients at clinical sites?

• Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) will begin piloting point-of-care rapid testing for COVID-19 in clinical
settings next month, providing Albertans with faster, more convenient testing for the disease.
• These two point-of-care rapid testing systems will be rolled out in clinical pilots at several sites throughout
the province, including in Calgary, Edmonton, Slave Lake, St. Paul and Bonnyville.
• The tests will be used for patients who are within the first seven days of exhibiting symptoms, enabling
APL to quickly identify positive cases at testing sites, reducing the need for patient samples to be
transported to centralized public laboratories for processing.
• APL is also working on expanding the use of point-of-care testing in other locations where it can be of the
greatest value for public health authorities to manage COVID-19, such as homeless shelters and long-
term care facilities.

19. I was tested for COVID-19. While waiting for test results, when am I required to self-isolate
and when am I not?
• The COVID-19 test detects if the virus is in your nose or throat. Testing will tell you whether you have
COVID-19 at the time of your test, even if you are not showing symptoms. It is important that you
understand what to do while you await your tests results, and what it means if your COVID-19 test is
positive or negative:

• You are legally required to isolate if:

o you test positive for COVID-19;
o you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat (for adults) or cough,
fever, shortness of breath (for children) that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health
condition and you have not been tested or are awaiting test results;
o you are a close contact of someone known to have COVID-19; OR
o you have returned from travel outside Canada within the last 14 days.
▪ Review this question to learn when your isolation period would be over.

If you are a close contact of a case or returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days, you
must quarantine for the full 14 days, even if you have a negative test result. *Please refer to this question
to understand quarantine policies for those who participated in the travel pilot program.

• You do not have to isolate if any of the following apply, AND you are not a close contact of a case or
returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days:
o you have symptoms of illness that are related to a pre-existing illness or health condition
o you have tested negative for COVID-19
o you have tested negative for COVID-19 and have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny
nose, or sore throat that is related to a pre-existing illness or health condition. Note: we
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recommend that you stay home when sick with any illness, until symptoms resolve; however, if
your COVID test is negative, this is not legally required.
• For complete isolation requirement details, including minimum isolation periods, please visit self-isolation
guidelines.

20. I was tested; can I receive my results by text message or autodialer?

• Albertans can now receive their COVID-19 test results — either positive or negative — through a text
message or an automated phone call. People who don’t choose the text or automated call methods will
receive their results by a phone call from an AHS team member.
• Albertans who opt for a text message are advised results are texted any time of the day, seven days a
week. Automated phone calls are made between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week.
• Parents and guardians will also be able to consent to receive automated test results for dependents
(aged 17 years and younger). Each test result is delivered by a dedicated call or text. This could mean
multiple calls or texts are delivered to a single number provided for a family.
• As announced on November 5, AHS will also continue to directly contact all close contacts of cases in
healthcare workers, minors (parents will be notified if their child has been exposed in a school setting),
and individuals who live or work within congregate or communal facilities, through either phone or email.
• Going forward, all Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a text message to notify them
when their isolation period has ended. AHS will no longer make phone calls releasing cases from
isolation.
• School-related contacts will continue to receive email notification from AHS, and workplaces and
organizers of events of 10 or more attendees will also still be asked to notify the appropriate staff and all
attendees, respectively.
o Refer to this question to understand the notification process for close contacts of positive cases.

21. Is there any other ways I access my test results?

• On Aug. 27, Alberta Health announced Albertans age 14 and up can now access the MyHealth Records
(MHR) tool immediately after signing up online, without waiting for mailed verification.
• Albertans need to sign up for a MyAlberta Digital ID to use this service.
• Albertans who sign-up for MyHealth Records are able to see their COVID test results – as well as other
lab work and immunization records - as soon as they are ready.
o Parents can now access their children’s COVID-19 test results in addition to their own results.
▪ Parents, you will need to provide your child’s personal health number and test date to
access your child COVID-19 test results (within the last 30 days). These results will also
be available as a printable pdf.

22. I am required to travel and need a copy of my test results to share with the airline and the
country I will be visiting. How can I access a printed copy of my results?
• Albertans can access a new fee-for-service COVID travel testing service, offered by Dynalife Medical
Labs.
• For a fee of $150, travelers can be tested by appointment only and receive results that are valid within 72
hours of the arrival time at their destination. Tests must be booked at least 24 hours before departure.
• To access this testing, Albertans should visit ahs.ca/covid, and complete the self-assessment, indicating
they require testing for their travel plans.
• Albertans requiring COVID testing for travel purposes will then be redirected to DynaLife’s travel testing
booking system. Clients will be able to book an appointment at the nearest available travel test collection
site.
o Initial travel test collection sites will be located in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat,
Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.
o Clients may have to travel outside their community to be tested, depending on testing centre
availability and their travel itinerary timing.
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23. I just received a positive COVID-19 test result. What do I do?

• If you have/had symptoms and your test result for COVID-19 is positive, you are legally required to
isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started and until symptoms are gone (whichever is longer).
• If you have not had any symptoms, but your test is positive, you are legally required to isolate for 10 days
from the date you were tested; this date will change if you develop symptoms during this 10 day period.
o Review this question to learn when your isolation period would be over.
• Albertans who receive a positive COVID-19 result will now be asked to immediately visit
ahs.ca/closecontacts and click on the COVID-19 Close Contact Tool and enter information, including
phone numbers of known close contacts.
o Isolation helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 by lowering the chance the virus could spread to
others.
o You must stay at home – don’t leave your home or attend work, school, social events or any
other public gatherings, unless you need medical assistance:
▪ Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention. Inform them that
you have COVID-19.
▪ If you do not need urgent medical attention, you can call your primary health care
provider or 811 for a virtual health assessment.
• Avoid close contact with other people, including household members, and especially seniors and people
with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly, cover your cough and sneezes, avoid sharing household items
and clean and disinfect frequently touched and shared surfaces.
• Check ahs.ca/isolationinformation for more information on isolation requirements, testing options,
symptoms and supports available.

24. I tested positive for COVID-19. How will AHS identify and notify close contacts?
• AHS will directly notify through phone or email close contacts of cases of COVID-19 confirmed in three
priority groups only:
o health care workers,
o minors (parents will be notified if their child has been exposed in a school setting); and,
o Individuals who live or work within congregate or communal facilities.
• Albertans who receive a positive COVID-19 result will now be asked to immediately visit
ahs.ca/closecontacts and click on the COVID-19 Close Contact Tool and enter information, including
phone numbers of known close contacts.
o Once submitted, our contact tracing team will review all close contacts with the positive case, and
an automated text message notification, including additional guidance and instructions, will be
delivered to all close contacts whose phone numbers are provided.
o Refer to this question for supports on how to notify close contacts via email after a positive test.
• Event organizers will also still be directed to notify event attendees of an exposure, and workplaces will
be informed by AHS of a case, and directed to send out the notification to employees.
• Going forward, all Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a text message to notify them
when their isolation period has ended. AHS will no longer make phone calls releasing cases from
isolation.
• Review the contact tracing page for other details.
o Refer to this question for supports on how to notify close contacts after a positive test.

25. What defines a close contact?

• Close contacts are defined as anyone who was within two metres of a positive case of COVID-19 for 15
minutes or more of cumulative contact, without consistent and appropriate use of personal protective
equipment (PPE).
• A close contact is ALSO someone who has had direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who has
COVID-19 (e.g., was coughed or sneezed on), or who provided direct care for a person who has COVID-
19, without consistent and appropriate use of PPE.
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• For sports that involve close, sustained or intermittent and repeated contact, all members of the teams
playing each other are considered close contacts when there is a case on a team.

26. Why did contact tracing procedures change?

• We continue to see an increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Alberta. That
volume is outpacing our contact tracing team, and we are now facing backlogs that demand a change in
our current approach.
• This pilot approach will improve the efficiency of all contact tracing, and allow the contact tracing team to
focus on populations at greatest risk of illness and further spread. AHS also continues to hire more staff
and develop additional, innovative approaches to augment the contact tracing team.

27. I tested positive for COVID-19 and must notify close contacts. Where can I find supports on
what to say or how to share this information.
• AHS has developed a new webpage, ahs.ca/closecontacts, where Albertans can click on the COVID-19
Close Contact Tool and enter information, including phone numbers of known close contacts. They can
also find supports including email templates and scripts to use when notifying their own close contacts, as
well as guidelines to help them identify their own close contacts.
• Close contacts of a positive case are asked to self-isolate and be tested for COVID-19.

28. I tested positive for COVID-19. When will I receive a call from contact tracing to start the
case investigation to determine the point of exposure?
• Effective November 24, AHS will no longer call Albertans to conduct case investigation and contact
tracing if 10 days have passed since receiving their positive COVID-19 test result.
• Instead, they will receive a text message that will notify them to not expect a call AND provide them with
guidance on if and when their isolation period has ended.
• Going forward, all Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a text message to notify them
when their isolation period has ended. AHS will no longer make phone calls releasing cases from
isolation.

29. I tested positive for COVID-19. When is my isolation over?

• Isolating and quarantining help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people you
could infect if you're sick. Both require staying home and avoiding situations where the virus could
spread.
• Go to https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx for more information from the Government of Alberta on
isolation requirements.
• Isolation generally ends 10 days after your symptom onset IF you have not had a fever for 24 hours,
without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND your other symptoms have improved. If symptoms
such as fever have continued, the isolation period should continue until 24 hours after fever has ended
(without the use of fever-reducing medications). Some symptoms such as fatigue and cough may last
longer than 10 days, but do not require a longer isolation.
• If you never develop symptoms, your isolation period ends 10 days after the date when your first positive
COVID-19 swab was taken.
• All Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a text message to notify them when their
isolation period has ended. AHS will no longer make phone calls releasing cases from isolation.
• Check ahs.ca/isolationinformation for more information on isolation requirements, testing options,
symptoms and supports available.
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30. If I am a confirmed close contact but have tested negative and have no symptoms, do I
need to isolate?
• Yes, you must continue to isolate until 14 days after the last exposure to the case. The requirement for
quarantine for close contacts or returned travellers supersedes any testing results (except if participating
in the International Border Pilot Project where there is a specific regimen of testing and shortened
quarantine).

31. I just received a negative COVID-19 test result. What do I do?

• If you do not have symptoms of illness, AND have not been in contact with a known case of COVID-19
OR have not returned from travel outside of Canada within the last 14 days, you do not need to
isolate. Continue to follow good respiratory etiquette and good hand hygiene, and practice physical
distancing.
• If your test is negative but you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19
or you have returned from travel outside of Canada you must still isolate for the full 14 days from your last
contact with the person who is positive, or from the day you returned to Canada.
• You’ll need to continue to follow all public health measures, such as physical distancing and hand
hygiene, even if your test is negative.
• If you develop new symptoms, isolate and take the COVID-19 self-assessment online, or call Health Link
at 811 for additional advice.

32. I will be travelling in November. How can I be tested for COVID-19 upon my return?
• A pilot project between the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada launched Nov. 2,
providing an option for travellers entering Canada through our province to be tested for COVID-19.
• Specifically, asymptomatic international travelers arriving at the Calgary International Airport or the Coutts
Border Crossing (between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.), and either residing in Alberta or staying within Alberta for
the duration of their visit to Canada, will be provided with the opportunity to sign up for this pilot.
• Participants in the pilot will be allowed to quarantine for less than 14 days, provided they test negative for
COVID-19 and if they commit to following specific testing and public health measures, including:
participants cannot enter a hospital or congregate or group living environment, be in contact with
individuals who are at risk of more severe disease, or attend gatherings of more than 10 people, until the
full 14 days have passed.
• Pilot participants who develop symptoms will be referred to ahs.ca/covid to book a test through AHS, and
will be provided with automated options of receiving their test results through AHS.
• For more information on this pilot project, visit www.alberta.ca/international-border-pilot-project.aspx

33. What does the testing of asymptomatic Albertans reveal?

• Testing can only determine whether a person has COVID-19 at the time testing, even if they are
asymptomatic.
• Tests cannot reliably determine whether someone has previously had COVID-19. They also cannot
assess immunity to COVID-19.
• Please be aware that anyone who was asymptomatic when tested and who tests positive for COVID-19 is
legally required to self-isolate for 10 days after the swab was taken. Close contacts of people with positive
test results will also have to self-isolate.

COVID-19 APP

33. Is there an app that can let me know if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?
• The ABTraceTogether app, created by the Government of Alberta, will enhance the current manual
contact tracing process and help Albertans protect themselves and their loved ones. It that can help
identify if you’ve been exposed to, or if you’ve exposed others, to COVID-19.
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• The app uses your phone's Bluetooth to keep an anonymous log of other app users you've been in close
contact with.
• The app is now available to download for free from the App Store and Google Play. More information
about the app is available from the Government of Alberta, here.

Caring For Yourself or Loved Ones with COVID-19

34. My loved one who I live with, has or is being tested for COVID-19. How can I take care of
them and not get sick myself?
• If at all possible, try to ensure that the ill person has a designated bedroom and bathroom.
• Maintain physical distance from the ill individual, as much as possible.
• Visitors should not come to the home.
• Do not allow the ill person to prepare meals for others, and ensure that the ill person uses separate
preparation area or at least prepares meals at a different time, washing all surfaces after.
• Avoid sharing household items like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels and pillows.
• Wash your hands frequently, with soap and warm water.
• Frequently sanitize all surfaces, particular hand rails, door knobs, sink taps, toilets, and other items of
frequent touching.
• Advise loved one to cover their coughs and sneezes with their arm, not their hand, and to practice good
respiratory etiquette at all times.
• Monitor yourself for symptoms and call Health Link at 811 or call your doctor for assessment and advice if
you have symptoms yourself.

35. What does isolation mean?

• Isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people. This means all situations where
you may come in contact with others, such as social gatherings, work, school, child care, athletic events,
university, faith-based gatherings, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and
all public gatherings.
o You should, (where possible) not use public transportation including buses, taxis, or ride sharing.
o As much as possible, you should limit contact with people.
o You should avoid having visitors to your home, but it is okay for friends, family or delivery drivers
to drop off food on the doorstep.
o You can also use delivery or pick up services for errands such as grocery shopping.
o Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels,
pillows, or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash
them thoroughly with soap and water, place in the dishwasher for cleaning, or wash in the
washing machine.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water and regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched
and shared surfaces such as doorknobs and counters.
o If you need to leave your home for an urgent errand, such as picking up essential medication, as
a precaution to reduce risk of spread, you should wear a mask while you are out.
o During this time, it is important that you monitor your health for symptoms like fever or cough.
o If you do develop symptoms, you can complete the online assessment tool for additional advice
or call Health Link at 811.
• Review this question to learn when your isolation period would be over.

36. If a person tested positive for COVID-19, and has now completed their mandatory isolation
period, is it safe to be around them? How do we know they are safe to be around? Is there
a risk that they could still be infectious?
• It is safe to be around a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, once they:
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o Isolate for 10 days from the start of their symptoms AND their symptoms have resolved; OR
o Isolate for 10 days from the date they were tested AND they continue to have no symptoms, even
if they tested positive for COVID-19 and had no symptoms to begin with.
• Children under 18 years of age do not need to isolate if they have only one of a runny nose or sore throat,
but should stay home until well. Review this question for more details.

• Current evidence indicates people with mild or moderate COVID-19 are no longer infectious by day 10
after symptom onset as long as their symptoms have resolved. Testing to see if a person is negative
after they have tested positive for COVID-19 is not recommended or required at this time.
• Some people who have severe disease requiring hospitalization or admission to ICU, or who are immune
compromised may be infectious for longer than 10 days. Their healthcare provider can provide advice
about when they are no longer infectious.

37. I have a child going to school/ childcare and am unsure what steps I should take if my child
feels unwell or is a close contact of someone who has COVID-19. Where can I find more
information?
• AHS has released Guidance for Parents of Children Attending School and/or Childcare which provides
specific information about what to do if a child feels unwell and/or has been notified by AHS as a close
contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19. We encourage you to share this resource and learn more at
ahs.ca/parentcovidguide.
• As of Oct. 7, AHS started notifying parents of close contacts in schools by email rather than by phone.
We believe this will streamline our notification process, better support school administrators, and notify
parents and guardians faster.
• Visit alberta.ca/returntoschool for more information and guidance on re-entry for the 2020/21 school year.

38. I or a family member must self-isolate but don’t have paid leave or other income support.
What options for funding is there?
• Government financial aid plans may be available for those that are unable to come to work due to self-
isolation that do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• Review the information provided by the Government of Alberta and the AHS Record of Employment
(ROE) for COVID-19 for further details.

39. I must take time off work to care for a dependant. Is there financial aid available to me?
• Oct. 9, the Government of Canada announced changes to financial aid, including a new sick leave benefit
and a new caregiver benefit for those forced to take time off work to care for a dependent because of the
pandemic.
• Financial aid may be available for those who are unable to come to work due to isolation requirements
who do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
• You can learn more about the benefits and supports available here.

40. I am not having symptoms, but I’m concerned about COVID-19 and want to talk to
someone. Should I call Health Link?
• Please visit the following websites if you have further general questions about what COVID-19 is, how it is
spread, or how many cases there are in Alberta and the world at present. You can call Health Link 811 if
you have additional questions about what you need to do to protect yourself and your family against
getting a COVID-19 infection.
o Alberta Health: alberta.ca/covid19
o Public Health Agency of Canada: canada.ca
o World Health Organization: who.int
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

41. I am worried about catching COVID-19. Should I wear gloves when outside of my house or
in public places?
• Medical gloves are a very important component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare
workers. However, gloves do not need to be worn by members of the general public during their daily
activities, such as when grocery shopping.
• Gloves can create a false sense of security. If not used and disposed of properly, wearing gloves may
provide another surface for the virus to live on – potentially encouraging virus transmission.
• Gloves are not a substitute for proper hand hygiene.
• We recommend frequent and thorough hand washing (with soap and water for 20 seconds) or hand
hygiene using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly dirty, and covering your mouth
when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your face, nose or mouth regardless of whether gloves are
being worn. These remain the best evidence-based ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illness.
• For those who choose to wear gloves, proper glove use must be practiced:
o Hands should always be washed and/or sanitized prior to putting on gloves and after taking
gloves off.
o Gloves should be changed when they become soiled or torn.
o Change gloves if you touch your face – eyes, nose or mouth – or cover a cough or sneeze with
your hands while wearing gloves.
o Disposable gloves should be thrown out and not used again once they have been taken off.
o Reusable gloves must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

42. I am worried about catching COVID-19. Should I wear a mask if I have to leave my house
or when in public?
• Wear a non-medical mask in public when a distance of two metres cannot be easily maintained.
• Face coverings are another way to cover your mouth and nose to prevent respiratory droplets from
contaminating other people or surfaces. Additionally, wearing a mask may stop you from touching your
nose and mouth.
• If you are in public and are unable to maintain physical distancing and are wearing a non-medical mask or
face covering:
o Ensure your mask is well-fitted and does not gape at the sides.
o Be aware that masks can become contaminated on the outside. Avoid moving or adjusting the
mask. Assume the mask has been contaminated and take proper precautions.
o Critically, if you wear a mask, you must wash your hands before putting it on, as well as before
and after taking it off.
o Cloth masks should be worn only a short time, as there is some evidence that they can trap virus
particles after they become damp, which may put the wearer at greater risk.
o For those wearing non-medical masks, it may be prudent to carry a bag with several clean masks
in it, as well as a plastic bag that can be used to safely store used masks until they can be
washed at home.
o It is critical that used masks be carefully handled to avoid spreading infection to others.
• Frequent and thorough hand washing, physical distancing, covering your mouth when coughing or
sneezing and avoiding touching your face, nose or mouth remain the best evidence-based ways to
prevent the spread of respiratory illness.

Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy

43. What restrictions remain in place when gathering in groups?

• The Government of Alberta announced new restrictions for regions under enhanced status.
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• More information on public health measures can be found here. You can also check the GOA site for the
most updated information on gatherings and cohorting.
• All existing guidance and legal orders remain in place in all areas. Specific information related to your
local community is available, here.
• Check the restricted and non-restricted services GOA page for the most recent information on which
business are able to open and what restrictions must be followed.

44. What will the Alberta Government be watching for as we move forward with the relaunch
strategy in Alberta?
• The re-launch strategy is dependent on monitoring the healthcare system, with careful attention to
COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions throughout this period.
• Confirmed cases and rates of new infections 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.
• During each phase of re-launch, we must still continue to practice health recommendations including
hand washing, staying home when sick and maintaining physical distance.

AHS’ Operations

45. How will AHS decide which surgeries, procedures, exams and appointments will proceed?
• AHS will continue to balance the safety of patients and staff while resuming services for Albertans waiting
for care.
• Decisions on which services proceed are based on clinical need, with those most in need and waiting
longest booked first. These decisions are made within each zone, and are also informed by the pandemic
response in different parts of the province.
• AHS will reach out to patients directly to reschedule their procedures.

46. How will Alberta and AHS address the backlog of surgeries created by the pandemic?
• On Sept. 10, Alberta Health and AHS announced a plan to clear the surgical backlog created during the
pandemic, by increasing surgical activity volume to 150 per cent in order to meet the 2023 Alberta
Surgical Initiative (ASI) commitment of providing all scheduled surgery within clinically acceptable times.
This plan will support surgical activity in both urban and rural communities across the province.
• For more information, see the news release.

Visiting Loved Ones at an AHS Facility

As the pandemic evolves family support and visitation in acute care and continuing care settings will
continue to be adjusted. These changes reflect the balance we must keep to address the ongoing
risk of COVID-19, as well as the well-being of patients and residents as well as families, visitors,
staff, physicians and volunteers. For the most up-to-date version of the visitation guidelines, please
visit www.ahs.ca/visitation.

47. Can I go with a loved one to Urgent Care or to the Emergency Department?
• Yes. In Ambulatory Clinics including Emergency Department/Urgent Care, patients may identify one
Designated Family/Support Person to accompany them.
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• All support persons must be over the age of 14 for adult clinic visits. If visiting the Alberta Children’s
Hospital or the Stollery Children’s Hospital, the Designated Family/Support Person must be 18 years of
age or older.

48. Can I visit a loved one in hospital?

• For the most up-to-date version of the enhanced visitation guidelines and information on screening for
people visiting residents and patients is available at www.ahs.ca/visitation.

49. What is the difference between a Designated Family/Support Person(s) and a visitor?
• An important part of this step is defining the Designated Family/Support Person(s), what that role
entails, who those individuals are to patients, and how designated support person(s) are different
than visitors.

• A Designated Family/Support Person is:

o Someone identified by the patient as an important support
o Someone the patient wants involved in their care and health matters
o A relative, legal guardian, close friend or formal/informal caregiver
• Everyone else, who is not designated by a patient or resident, are considered visitors.
• Designated family/support persons should assess their risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-
19 before they enter an AHS site. To support this, we have created two brochures for designated
family/support persons: Know Your Risk and Know Your Role.

• A Visitor is:
o Not involved in the patient/resident’s health care
o Someone whose time with the patient is discretionary and usually temporary
o Visiting for purposes that are more social in nature

• Patients can determine who will be their designated family or support person and the extent the
person is involved in their care, including collaborating with the healthcare team.

50. Will designated family/support persons and visitors be screened prior to entering an acute
care setting?
• Effective Oct. 13, AHS will implement an enhanced designated family/support and visitor screening tool in
all acute care sites.
• This screening tool was updated to provide clarity and understanding for the screeners, designated family
supports and visitors when they enter a site. It is intended to be done verbally. No personal information
will be saved.
• Updates include:
o Ensure individuals entering a site have not had any new or worsening symptoms that started in
the last 10 days, including symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea in the last 48 hours.
o Further simplified and specified questions to ensure less grey area in answers when it comes to
close contacts.
o Guidance regarding individuals testing positive in the past 10 days or awaiting results of test
because of symptoms.
o Guidance regarding people who have had any instruction to self-isolate in the last 14 days.
• Exemptions are included for designated family/support persons for pediatric patients, maternity or
dependent adults based on the current guidelines, patient situation, site and care team.
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51. Can I visit a resident in long term care, supportive living or congregate living?
• As of July 23, continuing care facilities will operate under a new approach to family support and visitation
based on the CMOH Order 29-2020. This Order will be followed by all licensed supportive living, long-
term care and hospice facilities.
• Residents of these sites are at extreme risk if exposed to COVID-19, therefore a safe visitation approach
is required.
• Indoor visits:
o Each resident or alternate decision maker may designate up to two Designated Family/Support
Persons (over the age of 18) who are essential to maintaining mental and physical health.
o Additional visitors may be given access in specific situations including end-of-life, change in
health status or other pressing circumstances (e.g. financial or legal matters, family crisis).
• Outdoor visits:
o Up to five individuals, including the resident, may participate in outdoor visits, if consistent with
site policy and public health measures.
• For more information please review CMOH Order 29-2020, Protecting Residents at Congregate Care
Facilities and What to Expect, before your visit.
• Book a visit using the Request a Visit tool.

52. I’ve recently travelled and am in quarantine. Can I receive an exemption to visit a patient or
resident who is receiving critical care or end-of-life care?
• Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services have established a process for persons seeking exemption
from either federal and/or provincial quarantine to visit a patient, client or resident who is receiving critical
care for a life-threatening illness or imminent end-of-life care at an AHS, Covenant or continuing care
facility or in a home setting.
• This applies to all AHS and non-AHS facilities, including acute care, continuing care, hospice and home
settings where staff, contractors or subcontractors are providing care.
• There are three process options:
o Facility (acute care, continuing care, hospice)
o Non-facility (home setting)
o Coming from outside of Canada
• This process does not apply if the person requesting exemption is symptomatic or has COVID-19 as they
are no longer in quarantine and are required under Section 6 of CMOH Order 28-2020 to isolate.
• The request may be initiated by the patient, client or resident seeking visitation, their alternate decision
maker, or the individual requesting to visit.
• For people travelling to Alberta from outside Canada for a compassionate reason, they will need both
provincial and federal exemptions from mandatory quarantine.
• These individuals must receive advance approval from the Public Health Agency of Canada before
travelling to and entering Canada.
• Check this page for more information or review the FAQ.

53. Is there an online booking tool to allow family members to schedule visits with patients at a
continuing care site?
• AHS has launched an exciting new online tool that allows designated family/support persons and other
visitors to request scheduled with residents in continuing care sites operated by AHS, Capital Care,
Carewest and Covenant Health online.
• Albertans who would like to request a visit at participating continuing care sites can go to AHS.ca/ccvisit
and complete the online booking request form specifying the location and preferred date and time of the
visit.
• If a request cannot be accommodated, the submitter will receive an email directing you to request a visit
for another date or time.
 COVID-19 FAQs for Public | 17

• Participating locations will have a link to the online booking request tool. All other sites will have their
contact information available on the page for Albertans looking to request a visit by phone
• The tool is being launched in phases at various locations across the province over the next week. Please
go to AHS.ca/ccvisit for the most up-to-date information on which sites are currently accepting online
bookings.

Travel:

54. Am I allowed to travel outside the province?

• Responsible travel within Alberta is permitted, including to vacation homes, cabins, cottages, hotels and
commercial accommodations, campgrounds, national and provincial parks. Physical distancing and
gathering restrictions still apply.
• Non-essential travel outside the province is not recommended. The Canada/US border also remains
closed to non-essential travel. Find more information on current travel restrictions here.
• Refer to this question for more information on testing after travel.

55. What do I do if I am returning to Alberta from outside of Canada?

• The Government of Canada has implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine, under the Quarantine Act,
for travellers returning to Canada.
• All travellers returning from outside Canada are:
o legally required to self-isolate for 14 days, and
o monitor for symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, or sore throat
o If you become sick during this time, you must self-isolate for at least 10 additional days from all
other members of your household from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well,
whichever takes longer.
▪ If you are quarantined because you recently came back from outside the country, or you
are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must remain on your own
property.
▪ You should not leave your property during the 14 days of self-isolation unless you have
made safe arrangements be tested or you require urgent medical attention.
• If you experience symptoms use the online assessment tool to schedule an appointment. If the Internet is
not an option, 811 can book an appointment.
• Call 911 if you have symptoms that need immediate medical attention. Inform them that you may have
COVID-19.
• Find more information here.

56. I recently travelled, how do I find out if someone on my flight tested positive for COVD-19?
• Albertans should monitor their air travel for flights with confirmed COVID-19 cases, even if the flight
was within Canada. Flights that have confirmed cases and the affected seats are posted online by the
Government of Canada.
• If you recently returned from a flight:
o Check the federal list of affected flights for updates
▪ All passengers from international flights are legally required to isolate for 14 days.
▪ Passengers in affected seats from domestic flights are considered close contacts and are
at risk of exposure. You are legally required to isolate for 14 days and monitor for
symptoms.
• Monitor for symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
o If you become sick during this time, you must isolate for at least 10 additional days from the
beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.