Albertans are now legally required to self-isolate if they have returned from overseas or are suffering COVID-19 symptoms.
But is it safe to go outside when self-isolating?
Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health for the province, says yes.
She has addressed the question in her daily media updates, and wrote in a on March 20: "There is no danger if someone who is self-isolating goes for a walk outside and stays 2 metres away from others.
"Going outside and being active should be encouraged."
But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a different message at his March 29 update.
"It's very simple," he said. "According to Public Health Canada you can go for a walk unless you have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms, or unless you have returned from overseas within the last 14 days."
Trudeau said if you do go outside, if you are not in any of those three categories, you must keep your distance from other people and not gather in groups.
"If you are in quarantine or self-isolation and need some fresh air, open a window or step outside onto your stoop if that's a private place," he said.
"But we really need people to be abiding by the rules that Public Health has put out, particularly people who have returned from travel outside the country."
As of March 25, Albertans are legally required under聽public health order聽to self-isolate for:
- 14 days if they recently returned from international travel or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
- 10 days if they 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
