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March 23, 2020 Media inquiries
Forty-two additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 301. Aggressive public health measures continue to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Latest updates
WCB premium payment deferralSmall, medium and large private sector employers can defer WCB premiums until early 2021. Employers who have already paid their WCB premium payment for 2020-21 are eligible for a rebate or credit. For small and medium businesses, the government will cover 50 per cent of the premium when it is due. Large employers will also receive a break by having their 2020 WCB premium payments deferred until early 2021, at which time their premiums will be due. Service changesCommunity and Social Services has suspended in-person service delivery in its program offices and Alberta Supports Centres. Albertans should contact 1-877-644-9992 for more information. Support for homelessTo date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at homeless shelters. Government is providing $25 million to support homeless-serving agencies respond to COVID-19. A number of supports are being offered throughout the province. City of Edmonton
City of Calgary
City of Red Deer
Additional capacity and isolation centres for Lethbridge, Red Deer and Grande Prairie are being confirmed. Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat have shelter capacity to implement social distancing recommendations. The Government of Alberta will continue to monitor the situation in those communities. Access to JusticeThe Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench has suspended booking any new non-emergency or non-urgent matters until May 1. Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/announcements/covid-19-extension-of-suspension-of-sittings Seniors facilities limiting visitationSeniors facilities are receiving social isolation and distancing information, and 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. Offers of helpThe Alberta Emergency Management Agency Unsolicited Offers Program has been set up in response to growing offers of generosity from individuals and organizations to help with the challenges many Albertans are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those wanting to help can go to alberta.ca/COVID19offersprogram for more information. General information for citizensThe Alberta Connects Contact Centre is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Albertans can call toll-free from anywhere in the province by dialling 310-4455 for general information about the Government of Alberta and its response to COVID-19, or for help contacting individual program areas. This line cannot provide medical advice. Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment. Information for travellersAn official global travel advisory is in effect. Albertans should follow all travel recommendations.
More information can be found under travel advice at alberta.ca/COVID19. 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
Related informationMultimediaMedia inquiriesTom McMillan780-422-4905 |
Mandi Johnson
Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister
Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women – Hon. Leela Aheer
March 18, 2020 Media inquiries
The government is providing immediate financial assistance to Albertans affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
New funding and supportive measures will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families, vulnerable populations, local businesses, and employers.
“Albertans are doing their part to keep each other safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are doing ours by assisting Albertans and their families, protecting jobs and supporting workers and employers. We will help shelter Albertans from the economic disruption of COVID-19 now, and position Alberta’s industry and businesses to bounce back when the situation stabilizes. This is an initial set of measures, and more will follow in the days to come.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
Albertans should be focused on their health and not worry about whether they can pay their bills, so the government has put a number of options in place for those struggling financially:
Alberta employers are facing significant challenges and uncertainty. To give them increased access to cash in order to pay employees, address debts and continue operations, the government will:
“In these exceptional circumstances, having cash on hand is vital to families and employers and it’s critical we give Albertans this certainty and support. This tax measure will provide timely relief and additional runway for businesses to continue operating and compensating their employees during this difficult time.”
Travis Toews, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
Alberta is pleased the federal government has responded to concerns and has taken the recommendation to increase supports to people receiving Employment Insurance. Alberta has contributed far more to the federal government in employment insurance (EI) premiums than it receives in EI support, so it is good to see the federal government providing the support Albertans need in these difficult times.
Access to justice services
Family, professional and volunteer visits to all Alberta provincial correctional facilities and young offender centers are suspended until further notice. If defense counsel require an in-person meeting, they must contact the appropriate center director. If families have questions about their loved ones, they should contact the center director.
Current jury trials are proceeding; jurors are required to report to the court. Any counsel or juror showing symptoms should contact the court to seek instructions from the presiding judge. Those who received a summons to attend jury selection between March 16 and May 31 are released and do not need to attend.
Legal Aid Alberta intake services at the Edmonton and Calgary courthouses are closed until further notice. To apply for Legal Aid services, call the Client Contact Centre at 1-866-845-3425, Monday to Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Traffic First-Appearance Centres are closed until further notice. Albertans can visit www.albertacourts.ca/pc/resources/pay-fines to pay for traffic tickets.
Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench information: www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/announcements/covid-19-suspension-of-sittings.
Provincial Court of Alberta information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/pc/home.
Alberta law libraries information: https://lawlibrary.ab.ca/
Markaz-Ul-Islam Mosque Suspending Friday Congregational Prayers Following Covid-19 Directives and Advisories
Markaz-ul-Islam is committed to give all the preventive measures of the COVID-19 in Alberta its utmost attention and priority to save human lives. Based on the guidance provided by religious preferences of renowned international religious establishments in North America and beyond, Markaz-ul-Islam alongside other mosques in Edmonton is cancelling Friday prayer effective immediately.
The daily prayers will continue at a maximum capacity of 50 people. We urge our community to remain home for the prayer if they do not require other services at the Mosque. Markaz-ul-Islam will continue to closely monitor the health situation in Alberta and will post updates on our Facebook page, website and email as the situation evolves. For more information please contact at info@markaz.ca.
Board of Directors
Markaz-ul-Islam
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