Coronavirus

August 31, 2020

Sturgeon County Council adopted a “Temporary Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw” on August 20^th, 2020 due to the increase of COVID-19 cases reported by Alberta Health Services. This resulted in Alberta Health Services informing the County that their COVID-19 classification changed from “open” to a “watch”. The Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw applies to all indoor or substantially enclosed indoor spaces that are open to the public, whether privately owned or owned by Sturgeon County, as well as public vehicles (taxis, shuttles).  This bylaw only applies to Sturgeon County and does NOT apply to the Town of Legal.

Currently, the Town of Legal is not aware of any COVID-19 cases within its municipal jurisdiction. We continue to monitor the AHS information and updates as it becomes available.  By staying vigilant with the practices of social distancing, proper hygiene, wearing of masks and public education, Council at this time does not see the need to enact a bylaw as it would be difficult to enforce. 

Regionally, the Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Partnership group (SREMP) is meeting weekly to discuss the value of such a bylaw.  At this time, Sturgeon County is the only municipality adopting such a bylaw, although others will discuss with their respective Councils.

Council applauds our residents and businesses who have worked hard to provide a safe environment for all while trying to return to as near-normal life.    We also thank those that do wear a mask and encourage all to utilize a mask to protect others including their families.

Respectfully,

Robert Proulx

Chief Administrative Officer

The Town of Legal Municipal Office is open to the public.

Be advised that a maximum of 3 customers will be allowed in the office at one time.

For your safety, and the safety of our staff, please be sure to follow proper precautions as set out by Alberta Health Services (following physical distancing, sanitizing upon entering and exiting the building, etc).

We look forward to seeing you!

Corona viruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause respiratory illness in people, ranging from mild common colds to severe illnesses. Others cause illness in animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and more rarely, these can then spread from person to person through close contact. Novel coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are like those for influenza or other respiratory illnesses. They range from mild to severe and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

The majority of cases have reported mild symptoms. Older adults and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease are more likely to become seriously ill.

COVID-19 is believed to be spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or with surfaces they have recently touched.

To help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should:

• Wash your hands often and well
• When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
• Individuals with concerns about symptoms should call Health Link (811) unless severely ill in which case they should call 911 and inform the operator that you suspect COVID-19

As this is an evolving situation, further updates can be found at Alberta Health Services website  www.ahs.ca/covid.

A self-assessment tool has been developed by Alberta Health Services to help determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself or on behalf of someone else, if they are not able. Visit the following to complete your self assessment.

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/Pages/COVID-Self-Assessment.aspx

If you have symptoms:

• Anyone who has symptoms, including cough, runny nose, fever or sore throat, must also self-isolate for 14 days.
• Please do not visit a hospital, physician’s office, lab or healthcare facility without consulting Health Link (811) first.
• If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and advise them that you may have COVID-19.

To protect yourself while out in public, wash your hands frequently, and maintain a distance of about 2 metres from others.

To book an appointment for testing for COVID-19, go to the Alberta Health Services link below to book your date and time.

www.ahs.ca/covid

Service Canada can help!

If an individual requires assistance with one our critical services and benefits they can complete a service request form at: Canada.ca/service-canada-e-service. Once the service request is submitted, a Service Canada representative will contact the individual within 2 business days at the phone number they indicate.

Service Canada Outreach Information (English)

Service Canada Outreach Information (French)

Centre for On-line Mental Health Support (COMHS) is a FREE on-line service dedicated to helping individuals and families manage through this difficult time. Providing programming specifically for: Adults, Parents, Teens, Young Adults, Mindfulness, Seniors and Those Living Alone.

Visit their website at: www.comhs.health to view all programs.

If you need help to cope with the COVID-19 situation, please access crisis support services listed below.

Alberta Health Services Access 24/7
(Mental health crisis, adult addiction and central intake)
780-424-2424

Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line 24/7
1-877-303-2642

Canadian Mental Health Association
780-482-4357 or 1-800-232-7288

Mental Health Crisis
780-342-7777

Alberta Heartland Primary Care Network
780-997-0046

Victim Services
780-942-3704

Children’s Mental Health Crisis Line
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am - 10:45 pm
Weekends and Stat Holidays: 10:00 am - 10:45 pm
780-427-4491

Other Health and Support Contacts
Call 911 if you need immediate emergency help

Health Link: 811
Call 211 for information and referral to community, social, health and related government services in Alberta

Alberta Supports, Emergency Income Support Contact Centre
1-866-644-5135

COVID-19 Domestic Violence Resources
We know that people who are living with violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger because of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

To support these vulnerable individuals, we have gathered resources that take their needs into consideration. We have also gathered some resources to make sure family, friends, neighbors and co-workers have the information they need to safely support survivors.
Resources + Information for Survivors:


Remember that you are not alone. There are supports available to you at all times, including during this public health crisis.


• If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911.

• The Alberta Family Violence information is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. You may call 310-1818 and or connect through chat (English only at this time).

• The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters has a toll-free line to help you locate a shelter. Call 1-866-331-3933, then press 1.

• For mental health advice, call the Mental Health Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-303-2642.

• For sexual assault support services, call Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000.

• Reach out to a trusted friend, co-worker, or family member who could check in with you about your safety and support needs, should you have to self-isolate or quarantine at home. Consider staying with family and friends, if safe to do so.

• Our Family Violence Outreach Worker can provide emotional support and other services. Call or text 587-879-6125 and be sure to let us know when it is safe to call.

• Create or review your safety plan. To get help with safety planning, contact our Family Violence Outreach Worker at by phone or text at 587-879-6125. Be sure to let us know when it is safe to call.

• Take care your physical and mental health. Specific information about COVID-19 for Albertans may be found here. You may also call 811 any time of day to be connected to a nurse for health information and advice.
Community Specific Resources
Contact our Family Violence Outreach Program for a safety planning, emotional support and connections to local resources and agencies. Call or text at 587-879-6125. Be sure to let us know when it is safe to call.

Until all homes are safe, we’ll have Jessie’s House.
www.jmmf.ca | outreach@jmmf.ca | 587-879-6125


Financial Resources, Income Support
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed what survivors of domestic and sexual violence have always known: living wages, paid leave and flexible scheduling are lifelines that give workers the ability to take time off or adjust their schedules to attend to health and safety needs without losing income.

• Your employer may offer paid leave and other benefits. Contact HR or your immediate supervisor.

• Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits have been changed to support Canadians affected COVID-19. You can apply online or call 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free) for more information.

• Income Support for individuals and families to pay for food, clothing and shelter may be available to you.

• Emergency funds are available to help people escaping abuse. Call Alberta Supports to apply:
▪ Weekdays from 7:30 am to 8 pm
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)
▪ Weekends, holidays and after hours
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 (in Alberta)


Resources for the Community at Large
Social distancing, self isolation and/or quarantine may increase risk for those who are living with violence at home. Any response to COVID-19 should include reaching out to keep families, friends, and co-workers supported. Here’s great information to help you support families, friends and neighbours living with family violence.

• Although the resources on this page are from Australia, the information and video are great! https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence/my-situation/i-want-to-help-someone

• Global News produced an excellent three-part series on Family Violence. Watch it here.

• We are trained to deliver Make it Our Business and Cut it Out. To learn how you can Recognize, Respond and Refer members of your community, visit www.makeitourbusiness.ca.

If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, CALL 911

Non-Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities, such as pharmacies, disability service providers, social service, civil society groups, and independent medical clinics, should submit requests for PPE by emailing pessecc-logistics@gov.ab.ca.

Requests will be quickly processed through the Provincial Operations Centre based on specific need. PPE is being procured through both traditional methods and the Alberta Bits and Pieces Program. This program is helping source equipment and manufacturing opportunities close to home at a time when Albertans need it most.

When emailing the address above, describe exactly what kind of service you are providing, clientele type, contact when undertaking services, risks, etc. Request will be prioritized this way.

For more information, see: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=70092C9A6B991-C98C-455D-25BD32050DA99A83  

Sturgeon County has developed a guide to enhance awareness on current available government support related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This information is continuously under development and while Sturgeon County strives to keep this information updated, timely, and accurate, Sturgeon County makes no guarantees. Under the continuously changing environment, users of this guide should be aware that the information contained within this document may not be complete or reflect all recently announced support measures.

https://www.sturgeoncounty.ca/COVID19#27188-resource-guide

In an effort to keep all businesses in the region aware of supports and programs related to Covid-19 measures, we are working together as a region to provide information important to you. This information will be updated for the most recent releases that come available.

For Additional Business Support Links and Updates Please Visit: https://startinsturgeon.ca/Services/COVID-19-Toolkit

Provincial Government Resources

The Alberta Government has provided a set of ten POSTER TO SUPPORT AWARENESS and actions that can be taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta, please download or print!
publications/covid-19-information-help-prevent-the-spread-poster

Here is some valuable information from the Government of Alberta on Employment rules changes:

We’re acting quickly to protect Albertans by implementing paid, job-protected leave. Details of how these changes will take effect will be provided in the coming days.

Changes to the Employment Standards Code will allow employees to take 14 days of paid, job-protected leave if they are:

• required to self-isolate or sick or caring for a loved one with COVID-19

To be eligible, employees:

• will not be required to have a medical note
• do not need to have worked for an employer for 90 days

This leave covers the self-isolation period recommended by Alberta’s chief medical officer. We recognize this could put pressure on employers and are working towards a solution to address these challenges.

Business continuity plans

Employers should consider their business continuity plans and how COVID-19 could impact their workplace. To prepare, make plans to:

• protect employees
• limit spread in workplaces
• ensure continuity of critical services if staff are ill or self-isolating
• explore alternate working arrangements, such as:

o working from home or remotely

o doing work that doesn’t require contact with other people

Additional Provincial Resource Links Available at https://startinsturgeon.ca/Services/COVID-19-Toolkit OHS: Respiratory viruses and the workplace

Employment standards rules Business continuity planning WCB: COVID-19 worker fact sheet

WCB: COVID-19 employer fact sheet

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

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness  benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. If you are eligible, visit the EI sickness benefits page to apply.

Service Canada is ready to support Canadians affected by COVID-19 and placed in quarantine, with the following support actions: · The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim

• Establishing a new dedicated toll-free phone number to support enquiries related to waiving the EI sickness benefits waiting period
• Priority EI application processing for EI sickness claims for clients under quarantine
• People claiming EI sickness benefits due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate
• People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and have their EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay

Contact the new dedicated toll-free phone number if you are in quarantine and seeking to waive the one-week EI sickness benefits waiting period so you can be paid for the first week of your claim:

• Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free) · Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742

Work Sharing Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/ 

The Work-Sharing program is implementing temporary special measures to support employers and employees affected by the downturn in business caused by COVID-19. The new temporary special measures are available to employers impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19. The measures allows for eligible employers to retain skilled employees and workers to remain employed during the temporary downturn in business due to COVID-19. The temporary special measures will:

• extend the Work-Sharing agreements by an additional 38 weeks
• wave the mandatory waiting period between agreements
• ease the recovery plan requirements Access the Work-Sharing page to learn more about the program and its Access the Work-Sharing temporary special measures page to find out if you are eligible for temporary special measures.

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In an effort to support our residents and businesses during the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, Council of the Town of Legal, at the Special Council meeting held Monday, March 30, 2020, passed three readings for the following bylaws:

• Bylaw #06-2020 (Amending Water Bylaw #12-2019)
• Bylaw #07-2020 (Amending Wastewater Bylaw #11-2019)
• Bylaw #08-2020 (Amending Waste Collection Bylaw #10-2019)

which exempts penalties on Town of Legal utility accounts effective March 21 to August 20, 2020. 

All utility accounts will continue to be billed for regular billing cycles.

Should a resident who is enrolled in the Pre-Authorized Automatic Withdrawal program would like to be removed, please contact the Town of Legal at 780-961-3773.

The Town of Legal is accepting the following payments:

• cash or by cheque (via the mail slot at the main entrance)
• electronic payments
• Pre-Authorized Automatic Withdrawal

Use of Playgrounds and Skatepark Discouraged

Legal's public parks and trails remain open. We do discourage the use of playgrounds and the Legal Skatepark to limit contact between residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you choose to use the equipment, please ensure to:

• Practice physical distancing by maintaining 2 metres (6 feet) of distance from others;
• Bring your own hand sanitizer; use before and after equipment use;
• Wash your hands upon returning home.

Please continue to enjoy the parks and trails, or play outside on your property, while maintaining physical distancing practices.

Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our residents while continuing to serve you.

For updates, visit www.legal.ca.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Town of Legal remain committed to the safety of residents and staff, as well as, supporting the community as best as possible.

To help further province-wide efforts of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) recommend that Albertans refrain from holding garage sales at this time. This is due in part because garage sales have the potential to violate mandatory physical distancing restrictions and requirements.

While garage sales in Legal are not banned, they are discouraged at this time. For those wishing to host or attend a garage sale, they must still abide by all the current public health orders.  Some recommendations for garage/yard sales are:

Hosting a Garage Sale

• Ensure people are maintaining social distancing (keeping a minimum 6 feet apart)
• Space tables at least 6 feet apart
• Provide a hand sanitizer station for everyone to use
• Sanitize all items that people have touched
• Keep all items for sale outside so that people do not have to enter a garage or building
• Wear gloves if you are handling or exchanging money
• Accept digital payments such as e-transfers as an alternative to cash
• No more than 50 people can attend an outdoor gathering at one time
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do NOT host a Garage Sale

Attending a Garage Sale

• Do NOT touch your face, and sanitize your hands after touching items for sale or cash
• Utilize digital payment methods when possible
• Remain at least 6 feet from others while shopping
• Thoroughly clean any items that you purchase
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do NOT attend a Garage Sale

Overview

This is intended for both building and business operators who operate within buildings that have been affected by low or zero occupancy and have had reduced water flow during the COVID-19 pandemic. Water lines in these building should be flushed to ensure that potential microbial and chemical risks from stagnant water are minimized. For example, water that stays in lines for a long period of time can have higher amounts of leached chemicals or bacterial growth in the water.

Flushing procedures should be done in accordance with any site-specific protocols. Depending on the complexity of the system, it may be helpful to consult with a plumber or building system engineer to assist with flushing procedures. All components of the water system should be assessed including the water service delivery line, building reservoirs, internal plumbing lines, boilers, water softeners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ultrasonic mist machines and hot and cold water lines. Disease-causing organisms can be transmitted to workers and patrons through the aerosols generated at faucets, showers, toilets, humidifiers, decorative fountains and cooling towers. Ingesting the water or preparing food with stagnant water can also be risky.

COVID-19 Risk Mitigation

For futher information, visit alberta.ca/BizConnect
Email: BizConnect@gov.ab.ca