COVID-19 Health-Related FAQ
Answers to common health questions
If I am in isolation, can I leave my property?
What can I do to stay healthy?
What if I recently returned to Canada (international travel)?
What if I can’t reach 811 or my physician?
When someone tests positive, isn’t the public at risk?
Can someone who tested positive spread the virus in public places?
What help is available if I’m having difficulty with this situation?
See also: What's Happening FAQ
If I am under isolation, can I leave my property?
If you are under isolation you must not leave your property for 14 days.
The Government of Alberta has updated directives regarding self-isolation and physical distancing. These important directives can be found on the Government of Alberta website.
It is vital that all residents read and follow these directives.
Updated: April 1, 2020, at 3:22 pm
What can I do to stay healthy?
PHYSICAl Distancing
“Physical Distancing” with social connectedness (formerly called social distancing) is a relatively new term that is being used to outline to citizens how they can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Physical distancing is a term that refers to a conscious effort to reduce close contact between people and hopefully reduce community transmission of the virus.
Learn more about physical distancing
Strategies for Staying Healthy
Though there’s much about the COVID-19 outbreak out of our control, you can choose to embrace the kinds of activities that will keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Staying active is always important to maintain good mental and physical health, especially now.
Learn more strategies for staying healthy
Updated: March 17, 2020, at 1:30 pm
What if I recently returned to Canada (international travel)?
All travellers returning from outside Canada are advised to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days and to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. All Canadians are being advised to avoid non-essential travel until further notice. If you must travel, please consult the travel advice provided by the Government of Canada.
Updated: March 16, 2020, at 12:35 pm
What if I can’t reach 811 or my physician?
While you are not recommended to attend a physician in person, where you have symptoms or are following health guidelines, you must contact Alberta Health Services first for instructions (via 811 or their website). Due to high call volumes, AHS is recommending that people first go to the ahs.ca/covid screening site for assistance. Use the online screening tool to determine whether you need to call 811 to get tested.
Updated: March 16, 2020, at 11:45 am
When should I call 911?
Please only call 911 if you need help from police, fire or an ambulance in an emergency. If you are calling Health Link 811 and cannot get through, please do not call 911 unless it is a medical emergency. 911 cannot answer COVID-19 inquiries; only 811 can.
Updated: March 14, 2020, at 9:00 am
When someone tests positive, isn’t the public at risk?
- As soon as a case is identified, the Alberta Government’s public health measures take immediate action to protect Albertans.
- Once a case is confirmed, Alberta Health Services immediately conducts a risk assessment of anyone who may have come in close contact with them.
- Anyone who may have come in close contact will be asked to self-isolate at home, away from the public, until 14 days have passed since their last contact with the case and will be closely monitored by public health officials.
- If they do develop symptoms, health officials will coordinate getting them into care immediately while ensuring that the public and health-care workers are not exposed.
- Anyone who is not contacted by Alberta Health Services is not at risk and does not need to take any additional measures.
Updated: March 19, 2020, at 3:00 pm
Can someone who tested positive spread the virus in public places?
- Alberta Health takes swift action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Anyone who tested positive or who was is in close contact with someone who did is asked to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
- It’s important to remember how this virus spreads. Unlike measles, it is not airborne.
- At this time, it appears COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person spread by larger droplets, like from a cough or sneeze, or touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Individuals who passed a confirmed case on the street are not at risk to have contracted the virus.
- Alberta Health continues to act on the best possible information and alert Albertans as appropriate, including updating our travel advice and recommending against any travel outside of the country.
- Additionally, Alberta Health is recommending as of March 12th that any traveller returning from outside of the country should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. If symptoms do emerge, the individual is asked first to use the simple online assessment tool developed by Alberta Health Services to help you decide whether they need to call Health Link 811 to be tested for COVID-19. The online assessment tool will guide the individual to answer questions about their symptoms & take them through steps to help determine whether they need testing.
Updated: March 19, 2020, at 3:00 pm
What help is available if I’m having difficulty with this situation?
Caring for yourself and others in uncertain times can be challenging. In times like the ones we are currently facing, it is normal to feel anxious and worried, and not know what to do. If you are feeling overwhelmed, taking a moment to acknowledge you are having a normal reaction to an abnormal situation can be a helpful first step. Whatever you are feeling is OK, but know there is help available if you are struggling.
For additional information or for community resources and numbers please check out the Help in Tough Times page.
Updated: March 16, 2020, at 11:45am
Related Pages
Last edited: April 1, 2020