Daily COVID-19 Update: June 8, 2020

Changes to travel restrictions for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents

The Canada Border Services Agency is announcing that as of June 8, 2020 23:59 EDT, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and who do not have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or who do not have reason to believe they have COVID-19, will be exempt from the prohibition on entry to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.

Foreign nationals who are admitted into Canada pursuant to this exemption must quarantine for 14 days.

An immediate family member refers to a person’s:

1. spouse or common-law partner;
2. dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or a dependent child of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
3.  dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, of a dependent child referred to in paragraph (b):
4.  parent or step-parent or the parent or step-parent of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
5.  guardian or tutor.

All foreign nationals who have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 continue to remain prohibited from entering Canada.

This change does not apply to immediate family members of temporary residents in Canada, such as those on a student or work visa.

Non-medical masks available to Albertans

Starting today Albertans can visit one of almost 600 A&W, McDonald’s Canada, or Tim Hortons drive-thrus in the province to receive four non-medical masks. Masks are free and no purchase is necessary.

Albertans are encouraged to pick up masks for family members and friends, especially those who may not be able to get to a drive-thru, to reduce traffic. Masks are being distributed on the honour system, and people are asked to respect the limit of one package of four masks per Albertan to ensure everyone who wants masks can get them. Find more information.

Hand Sanitizer Recall

Check your hand sanitizer label. On Saturday, Health Canada issued a recall of six hand sanitizers that are made with industrial-grade ethanol. The chemical can lead to dry skin, irritation and cracking. The brands include Eltraderm, Contract Packaging Distributions, Nature's Own, Sanilabs and Walker Emulsions. Read more.

National disability organizations receive additional funding to support and enhance accessible  communications and engagement activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic

The federal government announced an additional $1.1 million in funding to support national disability organizations through the Social Development Partnership Program - Disability Component to enhance their communications and engagement activities to better address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities.

The importance of accessible communications and the need for engagement with persons with disabilities during the pandemic is critical at this time and has been raised as a key issue by the disability community and the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group.

Supporting the disability community to maintain communications and engagement during the pandemic will allow organizations to create a barrier-free, multi-lingual experience for persons with disabilities and ensure they receive accessible and relevant information to support them during this time.

Launching consultations on child care in Alberta

The government is launching consultations to ensure parents and early childhood educators have their say on reducing red tape and improving quality and safety in child care. To ensure physical distancing, child care operators and industry associations will participate in virtual table talk sessions. An online survey will also be available to parents, early childhood educators and operators, beginning June 15. The survey will be on alberta.ca and will also be sent to parents through their child care centre.

The UFA Rural Communities Foundation continues $100,000 Community Grant Program

On Friday, June 12 - Farmer's Day - the UFA Rural Communities Foundation (RCF) is opening this year's program to applications. The RCF encourages communities to apply for up to $100,000 for projects that enrich education, recreation and culture. Find more information and access the application form. 

The mandate of the foundation is to improve the sustainability of farmers and ranchers in Alberta by improving access to funding for educational, recreational and cultural facilities and programs in Alberta

Virtual physician visits to become permanent

Effective immediately, new billing codes for “virtual” patient visits via telephone and video calls introduced for the pandemic will become permanent. In March, government introduced new and expanded billing codes for virtual care to aid in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All existing rules for virtual care codes remain in place.

Quick facts

• Permanent billing codes include patient visits, consultations, and mental health services provided over the phone or through secure video conference.
• In-person physician and specialist care will continue. Virtual services will be offered by physicians and specialists where appropriate.
• These permanent virtual codes will not be subject to the daily patient visit cap.
• Rates vary depending on specialty and service, and are the same as current basic in-person rates.

Applaud Albertans for stepping up for seniors

Across Alberta, countless individuals and groups, including seniors themselves, have stepped up in new and innovative ways to ensure their friends, neighbours and community members have the supports they need during this difficult time. From introducing special store hours, making daily telephone calls to check in, or dropping off groceries and prescriptions, Albertans are making a difference when it is needed most. Take the time to recognize Albertans who are investing time, energy and resources to help seniors during the pandemic and nominate these individuals for the 2020 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards. Categories include individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations and subcategories include volunteerism, philanthropy, innovation and outstanding service. Nominations are being accepted until August 11.