COVID-19 FAQ

We are meeting daily to proactively implement measures to try and slow the spread of COVID-19. Redwood is actively working with the local healthcare authority to protect our community and is prepared to implement protocols as risk increases in our community. 

Townsite buildings and facilities (including playgrounds) are closed, but garbage and recycling will be collected, roads and water treatment facilities are well-maintained, and bylaws are being enforced. 

Government of Alberta

Alberta’s situation and action plan.

Alberta Health Services' latest health information and advice for Alberta.

The Public Health Agency of Canada

Information on outbreak updates in Canada, prevention, Canada’s response plan, and facts on the COVID-19.The Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories

Real-time map tracking novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global cases.

The Emergency Management Act outlines the powers of a local authority when a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) is declared. 

A summary of the powers that declaring a SOLE would provide us as per the act is as follows:

a. cause any emergency plan or program to be put into operation;

b. acquire or utilize any real or personal property considered necessary to mitigate the emergency; (must pay compensation)

c. authorize or require any qualified person to render aid of a type the person is qualified to provide;

d. control or prohibit travel within the municipality; (not to the municipality)

e. provide for the restoration of essential facilities and the distribution of essential supplies and provide,

f. maintain and co-ordinate emergency medical, welfare and other essential services in any part of the municipality;

g. order the evacuation from any area within the municipality and make arrangements for the adequate care and protection of those persons evacuated

h. authorize the entry into any building or on any land, without a warrant, by any person in the course of implementing an emergency plan or program;

i. cause the demolition or removal of any trees, structures or crops if the demolition or removal is necessary or appropriate in order to reach the scene of a disaster, or to attempt to forestall its occurrence or to combat its progress; (must pay compensation for damages)

j. procure or fix prices for food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical supplies, or other essential supplies and the use of any property, services, resources or equipment within the municipality for the duration of the state of local emergency;

k. authorize the conscription of persons needed to meet an emergency.

Please do not come to Redwood at this time. Everyone should be avoiding all unnecessary travel. This applies to Redwood residents, second-home owners, and visitors. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to our Townsite once this emergency passes.   

Please do not come to Redwood at this time. Everyone should be avoiding all unnecessary travel. Please note that nearby Kananaskis and Banff National Parks are closed to visitors, and automobile access is temporarily suspended at access points to all provincial parks as well as provincial recreation areas. The suspension applies to motor vehicle access to parking lots and staging areas. Albertans should choose recreation opportunities close to home, like going for a walk in their neighbourhood, but if they do travel to provincial parks or recreation sites, access is by non-motorized means only.

As of March 27, during the COVID-19 health emergency, the Municipal Government Act allows Council meetings to be held completely electronically.

The Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency and aggressive public health measures are being implemented province-wide to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect Albertans.

Mass gatherings are now limited to less than 15 attendees (previously 50). This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals and includes the number of employees. (Grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery services and other essential businesses are not included.)

All recreation facilities – public and private – are closed. 

Restrictions are in place for many businesses. A complete list of affected businesses is available on alberta.ca.

No more dine-in service at food establishments. This includes restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, food courts, and other food-serving facilities. Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted. Licensed facilities will also be permitted to deliver liquor. 

Vehicle restrictions applied to parks and recreation areas. Automobile access is temporarily suspended at access points to all provincial parks as well as provincial recreation areas. The suspension applies to motor vehicle access to parking lots and staging areas. 

For the latest information on the Province of Alberta's response visit: alberta.ca/covid 

If Albertans see facilities that are not following limitations and restrictions, they are asked to notify public health inspectors at Alberta Health Services through the online complaint form. 

Common symptoms include dry cough, fever, fatigue/extreme tiredness. 

Symptoms of serious illness include difficulty breathing and pneumonia. 

If you have symptoms: stay home - do not go to an ER or clinic. Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to determine next steps and find out if you require testing. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and inform them you may have COVID-19.

Stay home and take the COVID-19 self-assessment from Alberta Health Services. Do not go to a health care facility without consulting 8-1-1 first. If you have been tested for COVID, you will be called directly with your test results. 

If you need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1 and inform them that you may have COVID-19.

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

-Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

-Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched

-When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

-Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill

You are legally required to isolate if:

-You returned from travelling outside of Canada, you must self-isolate for 14 days from your return. If symptoms occur, you must remain in self-isolation for an additional 10 days from the onset of your symptoms or until you’re feeling better, whichever is longer.

-You have been identified by AHS as a close contact of a person(s) with COVID-19, you must self-isolate for 14 days from the date of your last exposure to COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer.

-you have a COVID-19 symptom (cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat) that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition. You must isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer.

-Do not go to school, work, other public areas or community settings. 

-Do not go outside for a walk through your neighbourhood or park. This includes children in mandatory self-isolation.

-You can get fresh air in your backyard, if you have one, but must remain on private property not accessible by others.

-If you live in an apartment building or highrise, you must stay inside and cannot use the elevators or stairwells to go outside. If your balcony is private and at least two metres away from your closest neighbour’s, you may go outside on the balcony. 

-Avoid close contact with other people, including household members, and especially seniors and those with chronic conditions, or a compromised immune system.

-Monitor for symptoms like a dry cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing.

You are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days if you:

-Returned from travel outside of Canada after March 12, or

-are a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 (provides care, lives with or has close physical contact, or comes into direct contact with infectious body fluids).

If you become sick during this time, you must self-isolate for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.

A global travel advisory is in effect. Avoid all non-essential travel outside Canada and all cruise ship travel. Canadians abroad should return home immediately. There may be federal financial assistance available to assist your return. Returning travelers should follow self-isolation guidelines even if you are feeling healthy & check recent domestic and international flights for confirmed cases.

Keep the individual with symptoms isolated to own space (bedroom/bathroom when feasible). If sharing bathroom space, disinfect all surfaces, keep toiletries and towels separate, do not share anything. 

For shared kitchen spaces, disinfect after use, use the dishwasher if available or wash all dishes and cutlery in hot, soapy water and use separate drying towels. Have individuals eat all meals in their confined space and keep as much distance as possible.

All Albertans who have travelled outside of the country, including snowbirds returning home from wintering in the United States and other countries, must go straight home upon returning to Alberta and self-isolate for 14 days. 

-Do not go to the grocery store. Don’t stop at the kennel to pick up your dog. Don’t drop your RV off for service or storage, or and do not have family and friends over to visit. 

-Go directly and immediately home, self-isolate for the legally required 14 days. This means staying on your private property, not going out for walks or to any public spaces and monitoring for symptoms.

-If symptoms do develop, individuals must self-isolate from all other members of their household for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until they are feeling well, whichever takes longer. 

-Self-isolation orders are not suggestions or guidelines, they are now the law and they must be followed. 

-You can get fresh air in your backyard, if you have one, but you must remain on private property not accessible by others.

-You are not allowed to go for a walk through your neighbourhood or park. This includes children in mandatory self-isolation.

-You have to remain on your own property.

-If you live in an apartment building or highrise, you must stay inside and cannot use the elevators or stairwells to go outside. If your balcony is private and at least two metres away from your closest neighbour’s, you may go outside on the balcony. 

You still need to self-isolate for 14 days. 

-Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada must go into mandatory isolation for 14 days from their return, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer. 

-Anyone who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms must isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until the symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or a sore throat.

-Anyone who has been identified by Alberta Health Services as a close contact of a person(s) with COVID-19 must go into mandatory isolation for 14 days from the date of last having been exposed to COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer.

-Gatherings must be limited to no more than 15 attendees.

-Albertans have been prohibited from attending some businesses at this time. Check online for the latest details at https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx.

-Businesses that can continue to provide services at locations accessible to the public must have proper risk mitigation measures in place, such as sanitation stations and appropriate distancing between customers.

-Access to public recreational facilities, private entertainment facilities, bars and nightclubs is prohibited.

-No visitors will be permitted at long-term care, supportive living, congregate living, hospice care and acute care facilities in Alberta. Visit albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17001.aspx for more information and exceptions. 

Take proper precautions and, if possible, distance yourself from the individual to limit your risk of exposure if they have symptoms. If possible, remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk.

Public health order complaints can be lodged with Alberta Health Services by submitting a complaint online. Community Peace Officers are actively out in the public educating people about public health orders and the importance of social distancing.