May long weekend COVID-19 reminders

Summary: With the upcoming May long weekend and some great weather in the forecast, we wanted to share some important COVID-19 reminders. Also, tips on wearing masks properly. 

May long weekend reminders

• Please ensure to continue practicing physical distancing and avoid gathering in groups larger than 15 people.
• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils.

Alberta Re-launch Strategy Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Alberta Re-launch Strategy begins today. However, in Calgary and Brooks, restaurants, pubs, café’s, hair salons and barbershops will not re-open as initially planned. Their updated scheduled re-opening date is May 25. Some retail stores and malls are opening today. Before you head out to a retail establishment or mall, please check their websites for their hours of operation, stores that are open, guidelines to be followed, etc.

Masks

As many public places are recommending wearing a mask, we wanted to provide some mask etiquette as well as the proper way to wear a mask.

Surgical/Disposable masks

Identify the inside of the mask, which is usually the white side. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you.

• Wash your hands immediately before putting the mask on, before taking it off and immediately after taking it off.
• The mask should fit well (non-gaping).
• Do not share the mask with others.
• Avoid touching your face mask while using it as masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched by your hands.
• Continue practicing good hand hygiene.

Cloth masks

Before purchasing a cloth mask, consider the following:

• Does the mask have multiple layers? Four layers are optimal.
• Have different fabrics or colours been used for each side of the mask? This will help you to know which side faces your mouth and which side faces out.
• Choose a fabric or cloth that can withstand frequent cycles through washing and drying machines.
• Change a cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled:
  • Put it directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then disposed of.
  • Cloth masks can be laundered with other items using a hot cycle, and then dried thoroughly.
• Masks that cannot be washed should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled.
• Dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin.
• Don’t leave discarded masks in shopping carts, on the ground, etc.

More information can be found on the Alberta Health Services website: Help prevent the spread | Alberta.ca

Alberta Health Services (AHS)

Remember, if you have any of the symptoms listed below, stay home and complete the AHS self-assessment tool online COVID Self Assessment which has been updated to include all of these symptoms.

• Fever
• Chills
• A new cough or worsening of a chronic cough
• New or worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat or painful swallowing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell in general, or new fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite
• Loss of sense of smell or taste, or
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

Be well and have a great long weekend!