The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) is asking all residents returning back to the region to go directly and immediately home without making any stops along the way.

“The biggest risk to the region is the return of residents who have been out of Canada,” said Dan Lemieux, Acting Director of Emergency Management for GPREP. “It is critical that they return to their homes immediately and not make any stops. Do not stop to visit family, do not stop to pick up any pets, don’t even stop for groceries. And once you are home, please stay there in isolation for two weeks.”

Alberta Health Services (AHS) recently updated their travel recommendations to align with the Government of Canada’s mandatory requirement that anyone returning home from outside of Canada self-isolate for 14 days.

“Coming home, we realize you’ll need groceries and other household items,” said Lemieux. “We encourage returning residents to use online shopping tools if available or by calling upon family, friends or neighbours to bring items to you. It is critical that you avoid contact with others for the full 14 days and do not go out into the community for any reason. For the rest of the community, if you know of a snowbird returning home, reach out to them to see if you can help them gather supplies they’ll need and deliver them to their door without making contact.”

Once at home, residents should monitor their health and watch for symptoms, such as cough, fever, fatigue or difficulties breathing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should complete the AHS online self-assessment tool to determine next steps, such as undergoing testing.

Residents should use the Government of Alberta website as their primary source of information on the government’s response and health measures is alberta.ca/covid19.