COVID-19 Resources
The world is currently experiencing a pandemic from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Lethbridge Public Library is actively monitoring the situation, and protecting the health and safety of our staff, customers, and the general public. Here is some information on what you should know about COVID-19.
Up-To-Date Information on COVID-19
Alberta Health Services
City of Lethbridge
Government of Alberta
Government of Canada
World Health Organization
Alberta Masks
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms are like seasonal and other respiratory illnesses. They can range from mild to severe and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
Older adults and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease are more likely to become seriously ill.
If you are experiencing symptoms:
- AND have travelled outside of Canada
- OR have been in close contact with someone displaying symptoms who recently returned from outside Canada
- OR have been in close contact with a case of COVID-19
Alberta Health Services mandates by law that you self-isolate and limit contact with others for the next 14 days. If you are unsure whether you should self-isolate or have questions about how to self-isolate, contact Health Link by calling 811.
Steps to Staying Healthy
The best way to fight COVID-19 is to wash your hands.
Wash Your Hands
- Use soap and water, lather your hands, and scrub for 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands for 10 seconds in running water.
- Dry with a clean paper towel, turning off water taps using the paper towel.
After
- Sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose.
- Using the washroom.
- Handling garbage.
- Working outdoors.
Before and After
- Preparing and eating food.
- Touching a cut or open sore.
- Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Prevent the Spread of Germs
- Cough and sneeze into your arm/elbow.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after shaking hands.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles.
- Stay home and away from others if you are feeling symptoms.
Sanitize
- If you cannot wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with 60 percent alcohol or more.
- Antibacterial soap does not work better than plain soap in preventing infection and can cause antibiotic resistance.
Social Distancing
- Adjust greetings to avoid physical contact, using a wave, nod or bow instead.
- Keep at least 2 metres away from others when out for groceries, medical trips, or 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 delievered if possible.
- Avoid crowded spaces like elevators or enclosed spaces.
- Follow Alberta's recommendations on mass gatherings.
- Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces.
- Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when it's difficult to maintain social distancing of two metres at all times. Visit www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx for more information about non-medical masks and how to put one on.
Albert's Relaunch Strategy
On April 30 the Province of Alberta announced a staged COVID-19 relaunch.
Early Actions:
- Alberta Health Services will resume some scheduled, non-urgent surgeries as soon as May 4.
- Dental and other regulated health-care workers such as physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, social workers, occupational therapists, dietitians, chiropractors, optometry and more will be allowed to resume services starting May 4.
Some businesses and facilities will start resuming operations as soon as May 14, 2020.
- retail stores like clothing, furniture and bookstores
- all farmers market vendors
- barber shops and hair sylists
- museums and art galleries
- daycare and out-of-school care, with limits on occupancy
- summer camps
- cafes, restaurants, lounges, bars and pubs at 50 per cent capacity
Provincial Statement
Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy
Navigating Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit
Who is Eligible to apply?
- Those residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
- Those who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
- Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
- Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment or self-employment income.
- Workers who are earning up to $1,000 a month, such as contract or gig economy workers, or who have seasonal employment and can’t find a job due to COVID-19, as well as those who are running out of employment insurance, can now apply to collect the CERB for up to four months.
You should apply for Canada's Emergency Response Benefit if...
- You have been laid off or your hours have been reduced to zero.
- You are in quarantine or sick due to COVID-19.
- You are away from work to take care of others because they are in quarantine, sick due to COVID-19; and/or
- You are away from work to take care of children or other dependents whose care facility is closed due to COVID-19.
- You can also apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit if you are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits.
Who can I call for more information?
Anywhere in Canada – 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
Canada Revenue Agency:
1-800-959-8281 help with MyAccount
1-800-387-1193 help with benefits
Rachael Harder MP for Lethbridge - 403-320-0070 (Rachael.Harder@Parl.gc.ca)
Government of Alberta: 1-310-4455
Nathan Neudorf MLA for Lethbridge - East - 403.320.1011 (Lethbridge.East@assembly.ab.ca)
Shannon Phillips MLA for Lethbridge - West – 403.329.4644 (Lethbridge.West@assembly.ab.ca)
This document is meant as a basic guide and does not replace Governmental guidance. Care has been taken when creating this document, and we will update as required.
