Alberta
Aggressive measures in Alberta: Strict new rules for visiting seniors in care facilities

Province of Alberta COVID-19 Update for March 20
NOTE: Dr. Deena Hinshaw reports approximately 30 minutes into this video
Forty-nine additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 195.
Aggressive public health measures continue to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Latest updates
- Cases have been identified in all zones across the province:
- 126 cases in the Calgary zone
- 43 cases in the Edmonton zone
- 17 cases in the North zone
- Five cases in the South zone
- Four cases in the Central zone
- Of these cases, 10 are currently hospitalized, five have been admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and one patient has died.
- At this time, three have recovered.
- Aggregate data, showing cases by age range and zone, as well as by local geographical areas, is available online at alberta.ca/covid19statistics.
Stronger restrictions are being put in place for visitors to long-term and seniors care facilities. Essential visitors will be restricted to a single individual who can be family, a friend, or a paid companion who provides care and companionship necessary for the well-being of the resident (physical and mental health) and/or a single designated visitor for a person who is dying, as long as only one visitor enters the facility at a time. Every visitor will undergo a health screening.
- Albertans are reminded of the importance of social distancing as an important way to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
- Albertans are discouraged from attending large shopping malls and other large public spaces, unless necessary.
- A tip sheet is available to help Albertans understand ways to minimize close contact with others in community settings.
- Mass gathering limitations and restrictions around public recreation and private entertainment facilities remain in place across the province.
- If Albertans see facilities that are not following these limitations and restrictions, they are asked to notify public health inspectors at Alberta Health Services through the online complaint form.
- For concerns related to dental practices, contact the Alberta Dental Association and College.
- For concerns related to medical offices and other patient care facilities, contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
- While there are no restrictions at this time regarding personal services like hair salons, Albertans are reminded to reduce the number of times they leave their house to perform errands, practise social distancing and limit the amount of time they spend in crowded spaces.
- All Albertans need to work together to overcome COVID-19. Albertans are asked to share acts of kindness they have experienced in their community during this difficult time by using the hashtag #AlbertaCares.
ATB Financial services
ATB Financial has temporarily closed selected branches and has reduced hours for all other branches in order to protect the health and safety of their team members, customers and the communities they serve. Details about ATB Financial’s customer relief programs, closures and reduced hours can be found at atb.com.
Driver road tests suspended
Effective immediately, driver road tests are suspended until April 20. Albertans who already have a road test booked will be able to rebook online using the same test permit at no additional charge. We are working with the commercial carrier industry to deliver emergency Class 1 road tests as necessary.
Alberta Corporate Registry annual returns suspended
In keeping with public gathering restrictions, deadlines are suspended for businesses, corporations and non-profits that require holding annual general meetings in order to file their annual returns with Alberta Corporate Registry.
Winter camping closing
Alberta Parks is closing winter camping effective immediately and not accepting new winter camping reservations to limit the spread of COVID-19. Bookings for winter camping sites will be cancelled and customers notified via the online reservation system or by phone. Refunds will also be issued.
Liquor and cannabis retailers remain open
Liquor and cannabis retail locations remain open in Alberta. AGLC is maintaining business as usual. There is no impact to supply. Contact aglc.ca for more information.
Some liquor manufacturers producing hand sanitizer
Some Alberta distillers have begun producing or indicating an interest to produce alcohol-based hand sanitizers in their facilities to help fill a gap in many markets due to COVID-19. AGLC is supporting the manufacturers’ efforts, and more information can be found at https://aglc.ca/bulletin/production-hand-sanitizer-class-e. Check with your local distiller regarding the availability of hand sanitizers.
Information for travellers
Travel outside the country is strongly discouraged. Given the rapid global spread of the virus, it is no longer possible to assess health risks for the duration of the trip.
Any traveller returning from outside of the country should self-isolate for 14 days, even if they are feeling well, and monitor for symptoms.
Any traveller who has returned before March 12 should closely monitor themselves for symptoms. If they experience symptoms, they should self-isolate immediately and call Health Link 811 for follow-up assessment and testing.
The Alberta government and Travel Alberta have launched a campaign to inform Canadians travelling in the United States and Mexico about the importance of returning home.
COVID-19 related information has been provided for departing and returning passengers at the international airports in both Edmonton and Calgary. This information has also been shared with all airports in Alberta and several airlines.
Quick facts
- The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise good hygiene.
- This includes cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately, and staying home and away from others if you are sick.
- Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.
Alberta
Plane struck power line before crash near Edmonton, killing man and woman
THORSBY, Alta. — The Transportation Safety Board says a plane that crashed last year southwest of Edmonton, killing the two people on board, had collided with a power line.
The Harmon Rocket two-seat sport plane took off Sept. 26 from Rocky Mountain House and went down near Thorsby before catching on fire.
RCMP said at the time that the pilot, a 59-year-man, and a passenger, a 48-year-old woman, both from Rocky Mountain House, were killed.
The board says the pilot was a well-known air-show performer and was cleared to perform aerobatic manoeuvres at any altitude.
There was no public air show that day, though, and the purpose of the trip was to gather with friends for an afternoon of go-karting next to an airfield.
The board says the pilot was unfamiliar with the area and, while doing a second circuit of the field, went from flying low over the racetrack into a climb and struck an unmarked power line.
The board’s report, released Wednesday, says low-level flight is very risky because not all hazards, such as power lines, can be seen in time to avoid a collision.
The Harmon Rocket is an aircraft regularly seen at air shows across North America.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2021
The Canadian Press
Alberta
Alberta woman accused of murdering former common-law husband with pickup truck
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — A woman in southern Alberta is accused of murdering her former common-law husband by running him down with a pickup truck.
Lethbridge police say 30-year-old Austin James Forsyth was struck by a yellow Dodge Ram in the city on June 1, 2020, and died later in hospital.
Police say the pickup fled the scene.
Officers arrested Melissa Whitegrass on Tuesday following an investigation by the Violent Crimes Unit.
The 37-year-old is charged with first-degree murder, dangerous driving causing death, and assault with a weapon.
Lethbridge police say Whitegrass and Forsyth were in a common-law relationship until 2017.
“Violent Crimes investigators are deeming this incident as a case of domestic violence,” police said in a release Wednesday.
Whitegrass has been remanded in custody and is to appear in court on Tuesday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2021
The Canadian Press
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