Be advised that the Town of Legal Administration Office and Public Works Shop are closed to public access until further notice. Town staff will be available by telephone during regular business hours by calling 780-961-3773. In addition, the following town facilities are closed until further notice: - Legal Arena - Legal Curling Rink - Citadel Centre Community Room For those who need to make payments, electronic options are available, as is the use of the drop box to the right of the Town office entrance door. Click for more information.
COVID-19, Town Office & Facility ClosureThe Government of Alberta, click the link below.
http://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus
The Government of Canada, click the link below.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Coronaviruses 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:
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.
myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19
Testing is currently focused on individuals who have traveled outside Canada or had contact with someone diagnosed as having COVID-19, or have developed symptoms of COVID-19.
Travellers returning to Alberta on or after March 12th:
Travellers who returned to Alberta before March 12th:
If you have symptoms:
To protect yourself while out in public, wash your hands frequently, and maintain a distance of about 2 metres from others.
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!
open.alberta.ca/ publications/covid-19-information-help-prevent-the-spread-poster
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!
open.alberta.ca/ 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:
To be eligible, employees:
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:
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
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:
If you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing or you are in self-isolation or quarantine, do not visit or enter any Service Canada office. As an alternative, you may access our services online or by calling 1 800 O-Canada.
Work Sharing Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/ temporary-measures-forestry-sector.html
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:
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan- support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Economic_Response_Plan
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.
Legal's public parks and trails remain open. We do discourage the use of playground and outdoor equipment to limit contact between residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you choose to use the equipment, please ensure to:
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.
For information on what does and does not qualify as an Essential Services please click on the link below.
https://www.alberta.ca/essential-services.aspx
According to the Managing Director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, the intent of the extensive list is to be generic and permissive – in other words, if a Public Health Order or local authority directive has not specifically listed a business or activity to close or stop, and the business or activity is listed under the Essential Services List, then it could and should continue for the good of the economy and society in general.
There will need to be interpretations made using common sense and understanding of the local and specific circumstances, and Local Authorities will have to make decisions on how these guidelines are applied in their unique circumstance.
Think of the Essential Services List like a “green traffic light” – proceed in a safe manner if it is safe to do so. A Public Health Order is like a “red light” – must stop and not continue until directed to do so.
For up to date information "Mass Gathering" and what qualifies as mass gathering click on the link below.
https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case/
Citizens/stakeholders are encouraged to file complaints with Alberta Health Services on such matters related to COVID-19 i.e. mass gatherings through the above link.
The Alberta government will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families and vulnerable populations.
Over $7.7 billion has been committed so far, including:
- $500 million for our health system
- $60 million for community organizations, including emergency and homeless shelters
- $50 million for emergency isolation support
- $3.6 billion to date in total loans to consumers and businesses that qualified for deferrals through the ATB Financial customer relief program
- $45 million to waive interest on student loans
Province and Federal governments have programs in place that people can refer to:
www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#individuals
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:
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: