NOTICE TO MEMBERS Clinics allowed to stay open; mandatory masking in Calgary and Edmonton among new COVID measures announced by Government of Alberta November 25, 2020 Dear Colleagues,
The Alberta government declared a new State of Public Health Emergency and introduced sweeping new measures to combat rising COVID-19 case numbers in the province. These new measures are effective November 24, 2020, and will be re-assessed in three weeks’ time. All existing guidance and legal orders from all levels of government also remains in place.
For chiropractors, the best news came with the announcement that, “Doctors and other regulated health professional can continue to care for their patients in-person.”
Patients must be accepted by appointment only. Walk-in services are not permitted.
The ACAC had advocated for chiropractic clinics to stay open to help Albertans with their health and well-being. We are pleased our advocacy efforts were heeded by the government in its decision-making.
The Government has imposed a mandatory masking directive for all indoor workplaces in the Edmonton zone and the Calgary zone. These AHS health zones include municipalities surrounding the two big cities.
There are several other new mandatory restrictions put in place, including changes related to schooling and socializing. The full list is available on the Alberta government website.
Clinics operating in AHS zones under enhanced status must comply with all restrictions identified for that region. This interactive map will help to determine what AHS health zone you are in.
Some municipalities have passed, and others may pass, local bylaws that have restrictions over and above the provincial mandates and the ACAC COVID-19 Pandemic Practice Directive. As a health professional, it is your obligation to be informed of, and to uphold, all restrictions, bylaws, or other decisions that impact your clinic and the health and well-being of staff, patients and visitors.
Not following mandatory restrictions could result in fines of $1,000 per ticketed offence and up to $100,000 through the courts. In addition to provincial or civic enforcement, members who do not comply with the orders may be referred to discipline with the College.
It is essential that all chiropractors stay vigilant as COVID surges. This protects both public health and public trust.
The coronavirus information for clinics page on the ACAC website is being updated with this new information.
If you have questions, please contact the ACAC office.
Sincerely, Sheila J. Steger ACAC CEO Dr. Todd Halowski ACAC Registrar |