As of March 25, the Government of Canada has implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine, under the Quarantine Act, for travellers returning to Canada.
That means all travellers who returned to Alberta from outside Canada in the last 14 days must self-isolate immediately for 14 days after the date of return and monitor for symptoms.
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions, with information from Alberta Health Services.
What does 'self-isolate immediately鈥� mean?
Go straight to your home from the airport.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said in media conference March 22: "It doesn't mean going to the grocery store; it does not mean going to the kennel to pick up your dog; it does not mean dropping your RV off at a service company to be serviced; it does not mean going and visit the grandkids.
"It means one thing and one thing only.
"When you come into the country, whether you're driving north through Coutts or you're landing at one of our airports, you must go directly and immediately to your home without stopping.
"And if you need supplies ... you've got to call family friends or neighbours to help."
Why do I have to self-isolate?
Self-isolation can help prevent the spread of infections. When you are exposed to an illness, there is a time between the exposure and when you start to feel sick. This is known as the incubation period (usually 2 to 10 days for COVID-19, and up to a maximum of 14 days).
There is a very small chance that you can spread the germs during this time (the few days before a feeling of sickness starts).
More importantly, staying home means that if you do start to feel sick, you won鈥檛 run the risk of this happening while you are in a public place. Self-isolation is a cautious action used to lower the chance that the virus could spread to others.
It is important to remember that not everyone who is exposed will get sick, and anyone who feels well for the full 14 days after an exposure of concern is not considered to be infectious.
What does self-isolation mean?
Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people.
This means all situations where you may come in contact with others, like social gatherings, work, school/university, child care, athletic events, faith-based gatherings, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and any public gatherings.
You should, (where possible) not use public transportation including buses, taxis, or ride sharing.
As much as possible, you should limit your contact with people and avoid having visitors to your home, but it is okay for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food or other things you may need.
You can also use delivery or pick up services for errands such as grocery shopping.
If you need to leave your home for an urgent errand, such as picking up essential medication, as a precaution to further reduce risk of spread, you can wear a surgical mask while you are out.
How long do I have to self-isolate for?
If you are a returning traveller, 14 days plus an additional ten days from the onset of any symptoms, whichever is longer.
So, if you get home on day one and start experiencing symptoms on day seven, your self-isolation would end on day 17.
What symptoms should I watch for?
COVID-19 symptoms included fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion.
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days. Do not visit a hospital, physician鈥檚 office, lab or healthcare facility without calling 811 first. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and advise them that you may have COVID-19.
What if my flight was from somewhere else in Canada?
As more flights confirm passengers with COVID-19, Albertans should monitor their air travel even if it was limited to within Canada.
Flights that have confirmed cases and the affected seats is posted online as information is confirmed.
- (updated frequently)
- self-isolate for 14 days if your domestic flight seat was affected or you returned from outside Canada
- monitor for symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat
If you become sick during this time, you must self-isolate from all other members of your household for 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.
Is it safe to be outside when self-isolating?
Alberta Health says yes, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says no.
Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health for Alberta, said in a tweet that there is no danger if someone who is self-isolating goes for a walk outside and stays two metres away from others.
She that going outside and being active should be encouraged.
However, Trudeau said March 29: "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."
What else can I do to help stop the spread of infection?
Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available and if your hands are not visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the garbage, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds making sure you dry them thoroughly, or use alcohol based hand sanitizer.
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, pillows, or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water, place in the dishwasher for cleaning, or wash in the washing machine. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched and shared surfaces such as doorknobs, counters.
Where possible, contact a friend, family member, or delivery services to carry out errands like supermarket shopping on your behalf.
What鈥檚 the difference between social distancing and self-isolation/quarantine?
All Albertans are asked to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce your risk of getting sick, and help prevent spreading the virus to others.
This is not the same as self-isolation, thought comes with similar guidelines. It's about avoiding being in close contact with people.
Social distancing guidelines from to protect yourself and others are:
- Keep at least six feet (the length of a bicycle) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs
- Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands
- Try to shop at less busy times
- Order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
- Go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while maintaining distance from others
- Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
- Follow Alberta鈥檚 recommendations on mass gatherings
- Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces
What can now be enforced by law agencies?
As of March 25, Albertans are legally required under public health order to self-isolate for:
- 14 days if they returned from travel outside Canada or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
- 10 days if they have any COVID-19 any symptoms which are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat
Violation of mass gathering restrictions are now legally enforceable and subject to fines. Mass gatherings are restricted to 50 people. See details and other restrictions .
