July 20 COVID-19 Update
This message includes

  • July 16 Public Health Order: Changes to visitor rules in long-term care facilities, Q&A webinar Tuesday, July 21 at 1 p.m.
  • May 25 Public Health Order Clarification: Updated Alberta Health Q&A
  • Ministerial Orders Related to COVID-19
  • Bill 32: Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplaces Act 
July 16 Public Health Order: New Visitor Guidelines
The new Public Health Order issued on July 16 (CMOH Order 29-2020) rescinds the April 28, 2020 Public Health Order (CMOH Order 14-2020). This order, effective July 23, 2020, gives long-term care facilities greater flexibility in visitation. 

The amendments in this order include the expectation that operators develop a safe visiting policy and process in collaboration with residents and families. Other amendments include: 

  • Each resident or alternate decision maker may identify up to 2 designated family/support persons who are essential to maintaining resident mental and physical health. 
  • Multiple residents may have the same designated family/support persons. 
  • Non-designated family/support persons may be allowed to visit. 
  • This will be determined by resident health and circumstance and the risk tolerance assessment of the site. 
  • Designated family/support persons are not required to be present for visits from others. 
CMOH Order 29-2020 Q&A Webinar

Alberta Health will be offering a 1-hour Question and Answer Webinar on Tuesday, July 21 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. The webinar will address the new visitor rules effective July 23. Webinar participants are encouraged to read the order and the above supporting documents before attending and come prepared to submit questions.
May 25 Public Health Order Clarification
Alberta Health has released an updated Q&A offering clarity on Public Health Order ,  CMOH 23-2020. This document answers questions regarding rules surrounding health screenings, testing and isolation, staffing, and contractors in licensed supportive living and long-term care facilities. 
Ministerial Orders Related to COVID-19
A number of Ministerial orders have been issued in response to the pandemic. You can read the listing of Ministerial orders on the Government of Alberta website . Sections listing Ministerial orders relevant to service providers, include: Businesses, public bodies and non-profits; Community and social services; and Employment standards and codes.
Bill 32, the Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplace Act 
Bill 32 was introduced in the Legislature on July 7 and is currently being debated. If passed, the Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act will impact various aspects of employment standards and legislation, such as overtime, termination and layoffs, and averaging agreements.   

The links with information on Bill 32 can be found below: 
ACDS COVID-19 Contact Email
Service provider input and engagement is critical to helping ACDS advocate on behalf of the sector. Service providers can report their issues, concerns and questions to our dedicated email, and a member of the ACDS Leadership team will respond:
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Alberta Council of Disability Services