On Tuesday, April 7 the province has ordered a province-wide ban on visitors to long-term care centres, licensed group homes, and other facilities.

Under an amended public health order, no visitors will be allowed unless a resident is dying or the visitor is essential for delivering care that cannot be delivered by staff.

“Residents of all continuing care sites are at extreme risk if exposed to COVID-19, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “I know this will have a profound impact on the lives of those residents and their families; this is not a step that we take lightly. I’m asking all Albertans to reach out and support their loved ones through the phone, video and any other means possible.”

There have been 1,348 cases of COVID-19 identified in the province as of April 6. This includes 112 confirmed cases and 13 deaths at continuing care facilities. 

The new restriction applies to all licensed supportive living, long-term care and other continuing care facilities in the province. It also applies to all residential addiction treatment operators licensed under the Mental Health Services Protection Act.

Family, friends and religious leaders will still be allowed to visit a resident who is dying. In these cases, only one visitor can enter at a time and they cannot interact with any other residents while in the building. Exceptions will also be made if an essential visitor is needed to provide specialized care for a resident.

Any visitor entering these facilities must undergo a health screening prior to stepping inside. This includes a temperature check and a questionnaire. Anyone sick will not be allowed into the building. Those who are well will be required to wear a mask or face covering during the time they are in the building.

All other public health measures remain in place for continuing care facilities. This includes daily screening of staff, enhanced cleaning and other infection prevention control measures, and mandatory outbreak protocols that must be followed for all facilities.

There is one local company that service has become even more crucial as residents of the valley begin to hunker down in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

         Roger Bajzarowicz began DINO Delivery about a year ago. This was a simple delivery company to help residents get groceries, prescriptions, and other needed items at a reasonable rate. He is fully licensed and has expanded his service to support restaurants and other businesses that rely on his unique service.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world he is finding his service is getting busier. Along with serving his regular customers, he has been called upon to support the Emergency Management Agency, delivering the sets of signs for people in self-isolation.

His work helps support those doing the right thing and self-isolating. For those who have returned from travel, or are exhibiting symptoms, and are ordered to self-isolate, rather than putting the community at risk and venturing out, they can order delivery. He is expanding his service beyond the valley and will be serving areas including Delia, Michichi, Morrin and Munson, Carbon and Rockyford. He has also extended his hours.

He says he has changed the way he is doing his work in light of the COVID -19. He accepts cash or e-transfer and will do contactless deliveries.

He also understands that many who are in self-isolation are not able to work so he has lowered his standard rate. 

To learn more call, 403-821-0074.