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Last updateSun, 06 Oct 2024 1pm

Visits to long term care centres banned

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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.


DINO Delivery supporting self isolation

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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.

Friends of Morrin School mobilizes

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    The Community of Morrin is banding together and looking at ways to support the new Morrin School and how it will benefit the students and community.
    The Mail reported in November of last year the Morrin School was selected for replacement. Quickly the community mobilized, forming the Friends of Morrin School Council. This is a group that will be undertaking fundraising to support the new school and look at how they can add to it.
    “We’ve had a few meetings already and formed an executive. We had the Friends of Delia School come and talk to us about their ups and downs and how they accomplished their fundraising goal to enhance the Delia School,” said treasurer Terra Adams.
    The Friends of Morrin School Council has been working on getting feedback from the entire community on what they would like to see added to the school.
    Some of the things discussed include adding bleachers to the gymnasium, multipurpose community space, a shop space, and a stage.
    “We are in the stages of getting feedback and we are going to start prioritizing what we want to see,” said Adams, adding they are aware that with  COVID-19, much can change for the community and the people in it.
    Right now they are looking for members to join the council. They have formed a communications team to help get the word out. They have started a Facebook group, a Twitter account, and an Instagram page. They have also created www.friendsofmorrinschoolcouncil.com to help keep the community updated. Membership forms are available on the website or through its social media accounts.


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