On March 25, 2020, the Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health made a public health orders requiring a mandatory self-quarantine and self-isolation period in some circumstances. Returning international travellers are required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. If symptoms of COVID-19 appear during that time, then a minimum 10 day self-isolation period is also required.
A close contact of a person who is confirmed as having COVID-19 is subject to the mandatory self-quarantine and self-isolation requirements.
In addition, the Order requires people with symptoms of COVID-19, not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition, to self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of the symptoms or until the symptoms are resolved, whichever is longer. An exception is provided if the person has tested negative for COVID-19 and has had no known exposure to it.
On March 27, 2020, the Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health made a public health order that included prohibiting gatherings in groups of more than 15 people.
Further details of all Alberta Chief Medical Officer Orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at Alberta.ca, COVID-19 Information for Albertans.
To protect the health and safety of all Albertans, on March 26, 2020, law enforcement agencies were provided with authorities to enforce public health orders and issue tickets with a specified $1,000 fine for violations including:
• Mandatory 14-day self-quarantine and self-isolation for returning international travelers or close contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19. A definition of “close contact” has been added to section 1 of the Public Health Act by Ministerial Order M.O 612/2020 (March 25, 2020) and has also been included in the Order. Exceptions include people who have tested negative for COVID-19 and essential service workers in limited circumstances.
• Mandatory 10-day self-isolation for people with symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition, including; cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat. Isolation is required for a minimum of 10 days from the start of symptoms or until the symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.
• Restrictions on mass gatherings, identifying that gatherings of no more than 15 people are allowed, with exemptions for certain essential services and facilities (https://www.alberta.ca/essential-services.aspx) and public transit – if 2 meters of physical distancing is observed.
To report a concern of a breach of the preceding Public Health Orders pertaining to individuals, contact the MHPS non-emergency line at 403-529-8481, or file a complaint using the MHPS mobile app, via Crime Tips. The Provincial Offences Procedure Act, Procedures Regulation has been amended to authorize violation tickets to be issued for an offence under the Public Health Act, with the specified penalty for contravening a CMOH Order being $1,000.
Alberta Health Services will continue to investigate offences involving businesses, but will be working closely with members of MHPS. To submit a complaint regarding a business, report to AHS Public Health via online portal at: https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case .
As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, unfortunately so does disinformation and misinformation. For the most update to date, accurate information on the current situation in Alberta visit https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx .
For local updates and information from the City of Medicine Hat visit https://www.medicinehat.ca/what-s-new/covid-19-updates .
If you have any other questions or concerns contact the MHPS non-emergency center at 403-529-8481 or email mhps@mhps.ca.
Follow all Alberta Heath Services guidelines and recommendations including; wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face and stay home if possible. This is the safest course of action for you and your family, and offers the best protection for the most vulnerable members of the community. Call Health Link 811 if you have concerns about your health.
Take care of each other and let’s work together to #StopTheSpread!
Media Contact:
Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416