Seniors Self Contained and Apartment - Covid-19 Information
The North Peace Housing Foundation has made changes to our normal operations to keep our residents, tenants, and staff safe. We are taking the pandemic very seriously and hope that all tenants are doing the same.
As stated by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, “Older Albertans are at an increased risk of having complications if they were to get COVID-19,” and we, at the North Peace Housing Foundation (NPHF), are taking steps we feel are necessary to fulfill our obligations as a housing provider.
On March 15, 2020, we made the very difficult decision to restrict all visitation to our Lodges and Senior Self-Contained Apartments until further notice. While understanding the increased stress and loneliness this may cause, we believe that it is necessary. Some of the additional steps that we have taken to keep our independent living tenants as safe and healthy as possible include additional cleaning and sanitizing of the common areas and high touch surfaces, the closure of the Coffee Rooms until further notice, and the removal of furniture in the common areas of our facilities in our apartment buildings. These decision were made, with the guidance of Alberta Seniors, to minimize interaction and personal contact between tenants and hopefully reduce the chances for the virus to spread.
Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports that there is unnecessary visitation at our independent living apartment buildings. Of course, there may be situations where, due to health or mobility concerns, the visitor would be considered essential, and in these circumstances it is necessary. However, in these instances it is vital that the individual providing the care take all necessary precautions to ensure that they are not only protecting themselves and their loved one or client, but every other tenant in the building. These include hand washing, using hand sanitizer when appropriate, adhering to physical distancing rules, and not entering the building if they are experiencing even one of the COVID-19 symptoms.
North Peace Housing Foundation asks that you follow our recommendations strictly. If you are struggling and need assistance with personal care, groceries, errands, etc. please call your building Manager and we will try to help you in any way we can. Seniors can also contact 211 if they need help finding resources in their community. 211 is a comprehensive referral system accessible to all Albertans. Call or text 2-1-1, or visit ab.211.ca
Laundry Card Process
Additionally, we implemented the following process to refill laundry cards (applicable to Garden Court tenants only):
Additional Recommendations from Alberta Health
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce the risk of getting sick.
Wearing medical masks
The Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Statement on Masks
“… I have been getting a lot of questions around the effectiveness of face masks for the general public.
What we know is that people who are sick spread illness. We also know that even with more asymptomatic transmission happening than we previously thought, all of the recommendations we have made about keeping 2 metre distant from others, and having close contacts of cases or returning travellers stay home for two weeks from their last exposure – those recommendations are more important than ever.
In addition to, not in place of, following all of that advice, it may be an added benefit for those who are well and in places where they cannot keep 2 metres distant from others, to wear a face covering.
Wearing a non-medical mask, such as a homemade cloth mask, has not been proven to protect the person who is wearing it; however, it may be helpful in protecting others around you. This is because face coverings are another way to cover your mouth and nose to prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating other people or surfaces. Additionally, wearing a mask may stop you from touching your nose or mouth.
If you choose to wear a non-medical mask or face covering, it should be well-fitted and not gape at the sides. You should also be aware that masks can become contaminated on the outside. Avoid moving or adjusting the mask. After wearing the mask, assume that it has been contaminated and take the proper precautions. Critically, if you wear a mask, you must wash your hands before putting it on, as well as before and after taking it off.
Cloth masks should be worn only a short time, as there is some evidence that they can trap virus particles after they become damp, which may put the wearer at greater risk of being infected. For those choosing to wear non-medical masks, it may be prudent to carry a bag with several clean masks in it, as well as a plastic bag that can be used to safely store used masks until they can be washed at home. It is critical that used masks be carefully handled to avoid spreading infection to others.
The most important steps you can take to prevent the spread of infection remain the same. Consistent adherence to good hygiene such as proper hand washing, following all public health orders, staying home whenever possible, particularly if you are feeling ill and practicing physical distancing when you need to go out are the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy.”
Public Health Act Orders
On March 25, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued orders under the Public Health Act to legally require returning international travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate. Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines:
If you know someone who is not self-isolating when they are legally required to:
Hand Cleanliness
Self-Isolation
If you need to self-isolate, follow these guidelines:
Symptoms
Other Sources of information:
Please go to our website at https://www.nphf.ca.
For Further Information from The Government of Alberta on the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) please go to:
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
For further information from Alberta Health Services please go to:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
For further information from the Government of Canada please go to:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
For further information from the World Health Organization please go to:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
For Information from The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta:
COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenant
As stated by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, “Older Albertans are at an increased risk of having complications if they were to get COVID-19,” and we, at the North Peace Housing Foundation (NPHF), are taking steps we feel are necessary to fulfill our obligations as a housing provider.
On March 15, 2020, we made the very difficult decision to restrict all visitation to our Lodges and Senior Self-Contained Apartments until further notice. While understanding the increased stress and loneliness this may cause, we believe that it is necessary. Some of the additional steps that we have taken to keep our independent living tenants as safe and healthy as possible include additional cleaning and sanitizing of the common areas and high touch surfaces, the closure of the Coffee Rooms until further notice, and the removal of furniture in the common areas of our facilities in our apartment buildings. These decision were made, with the guidance of Alberta Seniors, to minimize interaction and personal contact between tenants and hopefully reduce the chances for the virus to spread.
Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports that there is unnecessary visitation at our independent living apartment buildings. Of course, there may be situations where, due to health or mobility concerns, the visitor would be considered essential, and in these circumstances it is necessary. However, in these instances it is vital that the individual providing the care take all necessary precautions to ensure that they are not only protecting themselves and their loved one or client, but every other tenant in the building. These include hand washing, using hand sanitizer when appropriate, adhering to physical distancing rules, and not entering the building if they are experiencing even one of the COVID-19 symptoms.
North Peace Housing Foundation asks that you follow our recommendations strictly. If you are struggling and need assistance with personal care, groceries, errands, etc. please call your building Manager and we will try to help you in any way we can. Seniors can also contact 211 if they need help finding resources in their community. 211 is a comprehensive referral system accessible to all Albertans. Call or text 2-1-1, or visit ab.211.ca
Laundry Card Process
Additionally, we implemented the following process to refill laundry cards (applicable to Garden Court tenants only):
- Call the NPHF Office at 780-624-2055 just before coming over and ask that a Laundry Card be prepared for you. A $40.00 card will be ready upon your arrival. We will track this card separately and you will not be charged an additional $10.00 deposit.
- Please bring your existing card and we will exchange it for a new card. Your card balances will be tracked.
- You will be billed for the card and do not have to pay at the time you pick it up.
Additional Recommendations from Alberta Health
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce the risk of getting sick.
- This is not the same as self-isolation. You do not need to remain indoors, but you do need to avoid being in close contact with people.
- Keep at least 6 feet (about the length of a hockey stick) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs.
- Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands.
- Try to shop at less busy times or order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible.
- Go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while maintaining distance from others.
- Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces.
- Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces.
Wearing medical masks
The Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Statement on Masks
“… I have been getting a lot of questions around the effectiveness of face masks for the general public.
What we know is that people who are sick spread illness. We also know that even with more asymptomatic transmission happening than we previously thought, all of the recommendations we have made about keeping 2 metre distant from others, and having close contacts of cases or returning travellers stay home for two weeks from their last exposure – those recommendations are more important than ever.
In addition to, not in place of, following all of that advice, it may be an added benefit for those who are well and in places where they cannot keep 2 metres distant from others, to wear a face covering.
Wearing a non-medical mask, such as a homemade cloth mask, has not been proven to protect the person who is wearing it; however, it may be helpful in protecting others around you. This is because face coverings are another way to cover your mouth and nose to prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating other people or surfaces. Additionally, wearing a mask may stop you from touching your nose or mouth.
If you choose to wear a non-medical mask or face covering, it should be well-fitted and not gape at the sides. You should also be aware that masks can become contaminated on the outside. Avoid moving or adjusting the mask. After wearing the mask, assume that it has been contaminated and take the proper precautions. Critically, if you wear a mask, you must wash your hands before putting it on, as well as before and after taking it off.
Cloth masks should be worn only a short time, as there is some evidence that they can trap virus particles after they become damp, which may put the wearer at greater risk of being infected. For those choosing to wear non-medical masks, it may be prudent to carry a bag with several clean masks in it, as well as a plastic bag that can be used to safely store used masks until they can be washed at home. It is critical that used masks be carefully handled to avoid spreading infection to others.
The most important steps you can take to prevent the spread of infection remain the same. Consistent adherence to good hygiene such as proper hand washing, following all public health orders, staying home whenever possible, particularly if you are feeling ill and practicing physical distancing when you need to go out are the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy.”
Public Health Act Orders
On March 25, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued orders under the Public Health Act to legally require returning international travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate. Law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines:
- Through amendments to the Public Health Act, community peace officers and police will be able to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.
- Fines administered through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence.
- Courts will also have increased powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.
If you know someone who is not self-isolating when they are legally required to:
- Take proper precautions and distance yourself from the person to limit your risk of exposure if they have symptoms.
- Remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk.
- Submit a complaint online.
Hand Cleanliness
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Self-Isolation
If you need to self-isolate, follow these guidelines:
- Stay home - do not attend work, social events or any other public gatherings.
- Avoid close contact with other people.
- Watch for symptoms in yourself or a family member.
- Monitor your symptoms.
Symptoms
- COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
- Common symptoms can be mild: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
- Symptom of serious illness: difficulty breathing or pneumonia.
- If you have symptoms you are legally-required to isolate for at least 10 days, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
- Take the COVID-19 self-assessment .
- Call Health Link 811 for further instructions if directed by the self-assessment tool.
- Do not go to an ER or clinic – if you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and inform them you may have COVID-19.
Other Sources of information:
Please go to our website at https://www.nphf.ca.
For Further Information from The Government of Alberta on the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) please go to:
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
For further information from Alberta Health Services please go to:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx
For further information from the Government of Canada please go to:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
For further information from the World Health Organization please go to:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
For Information from The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta:
COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenant
Supports for Albertans - Immediate relief for Albertans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Tax changes: Education property tax freeze
Residential education property tax rates will be frozen at last year’s level – reversing the 3.4% population and inflation increase added in Budget 2020.
This will save households $55 million.
Payment deferrals
Utility payment deferral: Residential customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.
This program is available to Albertans who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19, such as those who have lost their employment or had to leave work to take care of an ill family member.
Call your utility provider directly to arrange for a 90-day deferral on all payments.
Learn more about the 90-day utility payment deferral.
Student loans repayment deferrals
We are implementing a 6 month, interest free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans.
Banks and credit unions
Alberta credit unions
ATB Financial customers
Federal government programs
Albertans may also be eligible for financial supports through the federal government:
Employment Insurance sickness benefits
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (launching April 2020)
Canada Child Benefit
GST rebate increase
Eased rules for RRIFs
Residential education property tax rates will be frozen at last year’s level – reversing the 3.4% population and inflation increase added in Budget 2020.
This will save households $55 million.
Payment deferrals
Utility payment deferral: Residential customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.
This program is available to Albertans who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19, such as those who have lost their employment or had to leave work to take care of an ill family member.
Call your utility provider directly to arrange for a 90-day deferral on all payments.
Learn more about the 90-day utility payment deferral.
Student loans repayment deferrals
We are implementing a 6 month, interest free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans.
- Alberta Student Loan repayments will be paused for 6 months, beginning March 30, 2020.
- Interest will not accrue during this period. This mirrors the approach of the Canada Student Loans Program.
- Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
- Borrowers may continue making payments during this period if they choose and this will not affect their eligibility to receive the benefit
Banks and credit unions
Alberta credit unions
- Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow. Contact your credit union to work out a plan for your personal situation.
ATB Financial customers
- Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit and mortgages for up to 6 months.
Federal government programs
Albertans may also be eligible for financial supports through the federal government:
Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- Provides up to 15 weeks of income replacement for eligible Albertans who are unable to work due to illness, injury or quarantine (self-isolation).
- One-week waiting period is waived for people in self-isolation.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (launching April 2020)
- Provides $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to workers without paid sick leave (or similar workplace accommodation) who are unable to work, sick, quarantined or forced to stay home to care for children.
Canada Child Benefit
- Eligible parents will receive $300 more per child with their regular May CCB payment.
GST rebate increase
- Provides low- and modest-income Albertans with a one-time special payment in May of up to $400 for single people and $600 for couples.
Eased rules for RRIFs
- The required minimum withdrawal from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) will be reduced by 25% in 2020 in recognition of the impact of volatile market conditions on many seniors’ retirement savings.