Prevention & Protection

COVID-19

Protection from COVID-19 through Immunization

The best thing you can do to support your health and reduce the risk to the broader community is to get immunized. Vaccines are our best protection against COVID-19 and the safest and most effective way to protect against infection and severe illness.

COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing infection and severe disease. If you are eligible and have not been immunized yet, book your immunization appointment as soon as possible.

The COVID-19 vaccines currently available in Alberta require two doses to provide maximum protection. But even one dose provides some protection.

A one-time incentive of $100 is now available for all Albertans 18+ who receive a first or second dose between September 3 and October 14.

In addition to getting immunized, continue to protect yourself and your loved ones against all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:

Gather Safely

Follow new provincial temporary measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and to protect the healthcare system. Temporary measures come into effect September 16.

This includes restrictions on social gatherings, places of worship, weddings and funerals, sport, fitness, recreation and performance activities, businesses and facilities. Starting September 20, vaccine-eligible individuals will be required to provide government-issued proof of immunization or a negative privately paid COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours to access a variety of participating social, recreational and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province. For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program.

Wearing Masks

Masking and physical distancing are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces. This measure extends to places of worship as of September 16. This also includes:

• Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except while alone in work stations.
• Mandatory masking for students in Grades 4 and up, plus staff and teachers in all grades. More information is available on the Government of Alberta website.
• While working in or visiting some health care settings where masking is required, such as in acute care and long-term care facilities.
• While using public transit, including ride share vehicles, taxis, motor coaches and shuttles.

Learn more about masking, including how to wear and care for your mask.

Working from Home

Follow new provincial temporary measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and to protect the healthcare system. Temporary measures come into effect September 16.

• Mandatory work-from-home measures are in place unless the employer has determined a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness.
• If employees are working on location, they must mask in all indoor settings ,except while alone in work stations.

Monitor Your Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses and can range from mild to severe. Even people with mild symptoms can spread COVID-19 to others.

If you have any symptom, stay home, take the online assessment and book a COVID-19 test.

Isolate or Quarantine if Required

People with COVID-19 symptoms or who have returned from travel outside of Canada within the last 14 days are still required to isolate or quarantine, respectively.

Learn more about Alberta’s isolation and quarantine requirements.

Assess Your Personal Risk

Albertans are encouraged to assess and manage their personal risk. It is reasonable for people to continue using precautions that will serve their needs.

Risk Factors

When assessing your personal risk, it is important to consider your setting, individual health and wellness factors, and comfort level.

Factors that increase COVID-19 risk:

• You are not fully immunized yet.
• You regularly interact with people who are not immunized, including children 11 years of age and under who cannot be immunized yet.
• You attend crowded indoor spaces.
• You have risk factors for severe health outcomes from COVID-19.

Factors that lower COVID-19 risk:

• You are fully immunized.
• You mostly socialize outdoors, instead of indoors.
• You have a small social circle.
• You can normally maintain distancing from other people.

Consult your physician or primary healthcare provider if you want input on assessing your personal risk of severe outcomes or to assist in determining your personal risk level.

Additional Precautions

All Albertans should:

• practice good hand and respiratory hygiene
• stay home when they are sick

If you have risk factors as described above, it is reasonable to consider additional precautions such as:

• avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded indoor places
• minimizing close contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms
• continuing to use a face mask

Practice Good Hygiene

• Stay home if you are feeling sick
• Wash or sanitize your hands often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched

Physical Distancing

• Stay at least 2 metres / 6 feet away from others
• Avoid or limit time spent in crowded indoor places
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

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