Alberta News Summary

Asymptomatic testing paused

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is paused to help reduce testing wait times, speed up results and limit the spread.
Existing appointments will be honoured until Nov. 4.
Anyone with no symptoms must be tested if they are a close contact, or are linked to an outbreak. Book tests online at AHS.ca or call HealthLink at 811.
Only 0.11 per cent of more than 659,000 asymptomatic tests with no known exposure were positive.
Albertans with health concerns but no symptoms or exposure should talk to their care provider.

An online map lists every school with two or more confirmed cases. Updated on school days.
Government distributed more than 1.6 million reusable masks to 740,000 students and 90,000 staff.
A re-entry tool kit is available for parents and students.

Parents and guardians can access the COVID-19 test results for children under the age of 18 through MyHealth Records (MHR) as soon as they are ready.
More than 340,000 Albertans have MHR accounts.

Everyone, especially seniors and those at risk, is encouraged to get immunized against influenza.
Alberta ordered a record 1.96 million doses of vaccine.
By appointment, doctors’ offices and participating pharmacies will immunize ages five and up.
By appointment, public health clinics will immunize ages under five, their household members; people with no provincial health number; and where they are the only provider.

Confidential supports are available. The Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 and the Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Canadian Mental Health Association has resources at mentalhealthweek.ca.
The Kids Help Phone is available 24-7 and offers professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people by texting CONNECT to 686868.
Online resources provide advice on handling stressful situations and ways to talk with children.

A 24-hour Family Violence Information Line at 310-1818 provides anonymous help in more than 170 languages.
Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-403-8000, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
People fleeing family violence can call local police or the nearest RCMP detachment to apply for an Emergency Protection Order, or follow the steps in the Emergency Protection Orders Telephone Applications (COVID-19).
Information sheets and other resources on family violence prevention are at alberta.ca/COVID19.

Legally, all Albertans must physically distance and isolate when sick or with symptoms.
Good hygiene is your best protection: wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into an elbow or sleeve, and dispose of tissues appropriately.
Albertans are asked to share acts of kindness during this difficult time at #AlbertaCares.
Alberta Connects Contact Centre (310-4455) is open Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

780-422-4905 Assistant Communications Director, Health