News

The holidays can be especially difficult for some, and that difficulty is now magnified with the pandemic. Pause for a moment, take a deep breath and know that help and resources are available. Learn tips on how to manage stress and mental health with this brochure and find addiction supports and information here. Additional support services, including 24/7 supports can be found here.

If you are sick or are unsure of your symptoms, please stay home and call Health Link at 8-1-1, or use Alberta Health Services online assessment tool. Do not go to your Family doctor, ER, or walk-in clinic.

To help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should:

• Wash your hands often and well
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
• When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
• Practice Physical Distancing (learn more here)

Looking for more AHS information related to COVID-19? Visit the AHS website.

Up to Date Info and Statistics

The most up to date information regarding COVID cases and statistics are available through the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services websites. This info is updated roughly every 24 hours. AHS will conduct contract tracing with individuals who test positive and contact individuals who have been in direct contact with said individual. Patient information, such as who and where they live, will not be released by AHS or any other agency, as this is confidential patient information. Government of Alberta website: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx AHS website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx

Free Masks for Albertans

Under the Province’s “Masks for Albertans” program, the County has free non-medical face masks available for County residents. You can pick up your free masks at the Dixonville Post Office, Manning Post Office, and the County of Northern Lights office in Manning.

Support Information for Residents

Individuals and families

• Employment Insurance (EI) program
• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
• Mortgage payment deferral

Persons with disabilities

• Special one-time, tax-free, non-reportable payment

Post-secondary students and recent graduates

• Helping student loan borrowers

Seniors

• Temporarily extending the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance payments
• Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds

Indigenous peoples

Indigenous peoples can also access all other benefits.

• Supporting Indigenous communities
• Boosting the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
• Funding for additional health care resources for Indigenous communities
• Expanding and improving access to mental wellness services
• Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable
• Providing support to Indigenous post-secondary students
• Ensuring a safe return to school for First Nations
• New shelters to protect and support Indigenous women and children fleeing violence

Benefit and Supports Finder

Answer a few questions in the Government of Canada website and be matched with current programs and services.

Alberta's Relaunch Strategy

Premier Jason Kenney has released the Government of Alberta's Relaunch Strategy. Click here to see it.

Important Phone Numbers

• Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322
• Kids Helpline: 1-800-668-6868
• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
• Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 1-800-482-4357
• Alberta Supports: 1-877-644-9992
• Family Violence: 310-1818, or chat online, 8 am - 8 pm MST: alberta.ca/family-violence-find-supports.aspx

Help During Tough Times

At some point in our lives we all have stressful times. We can be impacted by such things as financial pressures, unexpected difficulties, unemployment, or stressful situations such as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Alberta Health Services has resources and services available to help you or someone you know. Remember, if you are struggling you are not alone. There are supports in place to help you. Find them here.

Text4Hope Line

Alberta Health Services has launched a free daily text message system to provide a once-daily text with or without a related weblink, to provide support and build coping skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. To sign up, text COVID19HOPE to 393-939

Togetherall Supports

Togetherall is a free, online 24/7 online community support system for mental health. If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. Togetherall offers a safe and anonymous community to connect to anywhere, anytime.

Driving Back to Work Grant Program

Unemployed Albertans have an opportunity to start careers as commercial truck drivers through the new Driving Back to Work Grant Program through the Government of Alberta. >span class="JsGRdQ">is March 1st, 2021. More info here.

I've been tested for COVID-19, now what?

If you have had a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab to test for COVID-19, while you are awaiting your results you are required to remain in self-isolation, at home. While at home, please also continue to follow good respiratory etiquette and good hand hygiene practices. Learn more here.

I have received notice of a positive test result for COVID-19, what do I do?

You will be contacted by AHS Public Health to advise on your self-isolation period. Please remain in self-isolation. Learn more here.

Community COVID-19 Resource Guides

• Peace River FCSS Social Resource Guide
• Manning & District Social Resource Guide

Info for those caring for a COVID-19 patient at home: visit the AHS website here.

All national updates can be found at: www.Canada.ca/coronavirus

Updates from Alberta Health Services can be found at: www.ahs.ca/covid

Updated January 8th, 2021