By GILLIAN SLADE on March 25, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Alberta Health shed more light on rules for self-isolation including inter-provincial travel and how self-isolating affects other people in the house. Alberta currently has no restrictions on inter-provincial travel and no requirements for self-isolation if you have travelled in another province. “However, Dr. Hinshaw has discouraged Albertans from travelling in airplanes or taking any other actions that have a high risk of exposure. Albertans should only take these trips if absolutely necessary.,” said Tom McMillan, spokesperson for Alberta Health. You are required to self-isolate for 14 days if you have travelled outside Canada, have symptoms or are positive for COVID-19. This means staying at home in isolation. “In terms of self-isolating, generally speaking, other family members are not automatically required to self-isolate. However, they should take steps to prevent the individual from spreading the virus within the house, such as having them stay in a separate room, use a separate bathroom if possible,” said McMillan. The entire household is required to self-isolate in some circumstances. “When an individual tests positive and AHS determines that the entire household is close contacts, then they would all be asked to self-isolate,” said McMillan. Self-isolating means staying home, not going to work, school, social events or public gatherings. Don’t take public transportation like buses, taxis or ride sharing. Use delivery or pickup services for grocery shopping or ask friends to drop off supplies at your door while you self-isolate. If you observe someone not following the recommendations for self-isolating you can report the situation to Alberta Health Services using an online complaint form. https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case/ 13