At this time, we request that if you or your child has symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and has travelled outside Canada or has been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home and call Health Link 811.
We want to share some information about the current global outbreak of COVID-19, which as you will have heard today has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The current risk to Albertans is still assessed as “Low” and we are continuing to operate as usual but this could change. For the most up-to-date information, check out:
- Alberta Health Services is providing updates at AHS COVID-19 info.
- Alberta Government is providing updates at Info for Albertans.
At this time, we request that if you or your child has symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and has travelled outside Canada or has been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home and call Health Link 811.
For your information, here are the symptoms of COVID-19.
Here is a comparison of COVID-19 vs. Influenza
As an organization, here is what we are doing to keep our school students/community services clients safe:
School students/community services clients:
We do not want to overly alarm our students/Community Services clients, particularly those who are already anxious, as they are likely already inundated with talk about the virus. Staff have been instructed to provide students with matter-of-fact information and promote good practices to ensure, as best as possible, that the virus is not contracted or transmitted which was distributed to every classroom today.
Staff have been instructed to:
- Coach students/clients to regularly wash hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (CDC Handwashing video)
- Coach students/clients to refrain from touching their face. Educate students about the increased chance of contracting the virus through the sinuses and eyes.
- Provide students/clients with strategies to reduce touching their face by providing things to occupy hands; fidgets, pens, anything appropriate.
- Use Kleenex if they need to touch their face.
- Remind students/clients to sneeze into their elbows (follow proper respiratory cough etiquette).
- Have students/clients respect the personal space of others, and do not share food or water bottles.
- Be aware of symptoms, and encourage families to call Health Link at 811 if they are concerned
We would appreciate you reinforcing these messages at home too.
Our Facility:
Throughout the facility, our custodians are increasing their cleaning schedule to ensure we are doing everything reasonably possible to prevent contamination or transmission of COVID-19 or other viruses. As well as deep cleaning and disinfecting, custodians are adding extra surface disinfecting of high-touch areas to their schedule, throughout the building.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will provide appropriate updates when necessary.
Thanks for your attention to this, as we strive to keep Foothills and our surrounding community safe.
Simon Williams & Karen MacMillan
Co-Executive Directors