Weekly Update: January 29 – February 4, 2021

Expanding COVID self-isolation supports for all Albertans

All Albertans are now eligible to receive self-isolation supports to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Prior to this expansion, only Albertans in Edmonton and Calgary were eligible for the $625 payment when they completed self-isolating in their assigned hotel. Now, Albertans across the province – including First Nations individuals living both on and off reserve and people living on Metis Settlements who cannot isolate safely in their own home – are eligible. More information.

Province warns of prohibited non-certified gas fireplaces

Alberta Municipal Affairs issued a regulatory notice warning residents of prohibited installation and use of non-certified gas fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Fire Hearth Manufacturing Inc. and Luxor Manufacturing Inc. The notice affects various years, makes, and model numbers as identified in the three-page warning. Notice: Installation or Use of Non-Certified Gas Fireplaces

All affected fireplaces must be immediately removed from operation and shall have the gas supply to the appliance terminated immediately in accordance with the CSA B149 – Natural gas and propane installation code. Read more.

More supportive campus experience for veterans

A new initiative at the University of Alberta will help veterans get the education they need to transition to other careers. The two-year pilot initiative will provide specialized on-campus supports and resources to help veterans achieve their educational goals and build new careers once their service has ended. Students can begin accessing these services in the 2021-22 academic year. More information.

Support for students and school staff through the Safe Return to Class Fund

The federal government announced the second instalment of the Safe Return to Class Fund. The second instalment of up to $1 billion is provided to the provinces and territories and can be used for various measures, such as supporting adapted learning spaces and remote learning, improving air ventilation, increasing hand sanitation and hygiene, purchasing personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, and providing health and safety training for staff. More information.

New support to produce COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in Canada

The federal government announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Novavax to pursue the production of its COVID-19 vaccine at the National Research Council of Canada’s Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Montréal. More information.

Heart Health Month

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro issued a statement on Heart Health Month. Part of this statement reads: "Prevention is key, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic when activity levels have decreased for many people. It’s important to find ways to stay active and make healthy choices to reduce your risks. Many risk factors can be managed through eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing stress and more." Read the full statement and check out additional resources under our health and wellness section here.

Increasing protection for vulnerable Albertans

Alberta’s government is providing $68.5 million to protect vulnerable Albertans and staff in continuing care and residential addiction and mental health treatment facilities, as well as home care clients, from COVID-19. This one-time funding will support operators of non-contracted licensed supportive living and both contracted and non-contracted home care, hospices and residential addiction and mental health treatment centres. It will help operators pay for increased staffing, additional cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment. More information.

Government of Canada supports projects to encourage vaccine uptake in Canada

The federal government announced an investment of more than $64 million through the Immunization Partnership Fund (IPF) to help partners across the country in Canada increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake. More information.