On August 1, a City of Calgary bylaw will come into effect requiring Calgarians to wear face coverings in public places.

Although this bylaw does not apply to residential properties including those operated by Calgary Housing Company, CHC is strongly recommending that all tenants wear face coverings in common areas including elevators, building lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms and other areas where multiple people may interact.

Face coverings have been shown to assist with a reduction in the transmission of the coronavirus and can help us to keep the curve flat in our community.

Please be aware that CHC employees are also required to wear face coverings in any situation where physical distancing is not possible.

We’re all in this together – we appreciate the efforts tenants are making to help keep our community safe.

For more information:

Face Coverings – information from Alberta Health Services

The City of Calgary Temporary Face Covering Bylaw

The post CHC Strongly Recommends Face Coverings in Properties appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Calgary Housing Company will be receiving masks from the Government of Alberta to distribute to CHC tenants as part of the COVID-19 response.

Calgary Housing Company supports the health, safety and well-being of our tenants and will be distributing face masks at our more highly populated locations throughout the city. Tenants who will be able to pick up face masks through CHC will receive information directly. We expect it to take up to two weeks to repackage and distribute masks.

All Calgarians are able to access free non-medical face coverings through other services:

Other ways to get your free masks

Drive-thru locations – As of June 8 you can get 4 free non-medical masks per person at any Alberta A&W, McDonald’s Canada and Tim Hortons drive-thru locations.

*While supplies last with no purchase necessary. (Masks will not be distributed inside restaurants or at locations without drive-thrus.)

Alternate Municipal Community Providers – Albertans who cannot access an A&W, McDonald’s Canada, or Tim Hortons drive-thru location may be able to get their allotment of four masks from an alternate providers. [View PDF]

Alberta 211 – Call 211 if you cannot access a drive-thru partner and are not able to access masks through alternate municipal or community providers.

Fast Facts for Non-Medical Face Masks

Refer to the complete information from the Government of Alberta [alberta.ca/masks]

Why use a mask

Albertans are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times.

• It hasn’t been proven that masks protect the person wearing it, but it can help protect people from being exposed to your germs.
• Masks should complement – not replace – other prevention measures.
• Continue physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick.
• See other prevention measures for more.

When to use a mask

When it’s difficult to maintain 2 metres distance from people for a prolonged period of time:

• public transit and airplanes
• grocery stores and pharmacies
• hair salons and barbershops
• some retail stores

When not to use a mask

• If it’s dirty or damaged in any way
• If it gaps or doesn’t fit well
• If it’s been used by another person
• Children under 2 years of age
• Anyone that has trouble breathing
• When you are only with people from your own household

How to use a non-medical face mask

Refer to the complete information from the Government of Alberta [alberta.ca/masks]

How to Wear a Non-Medical Face Mask Handout [PDF]

How to use a mask

• Masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched with hands.
• It’s important that masks are used and disposed of properly.
• If worn incorrectly, you can accidently spread infection instead of preventing it.
• Guidance for wearing non-medical masks

What to do

• Wash or sanitize your hands before putting a mask on, before taking it off and after taking it off.
• Tighten with ties or ear loops to reduce gaps.
• Keep nose, mouth and chin covered at all times.
• Remove if wet, torn or dirty and dispose in a lined garbage bin.
• Store cloth masks in a sealed bag until it can be washed in hot, soapy water

What not to do

• Don’t touch your face under the mask
• Don’t touch the front of the mask – remove or adjust using the ties or ear loops
• Don’t wear it under your nose or your chin
• Don’t wear a wet, torn or dirty mask
• Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time – change when it becomes damp
• Don’t share with another person

The post Information for tenants about face mask distribution appeared first on Calgary Housing.

In April, Calgary Housing Company implemented the Essential Visitor’s Policy to support our community’s efforts to “flatten the curve” and protect our friends and neighbors from exposure to COVID-19. On June 9, 2020, the Government of Alberta advised that they will be initiating Alberta Relaunch Stage 2 on June 12, 2020. This is very exciting news as it demonstrates that all Albertans have been working together to keep our community healthy! The Provincially led relaxation of restrictions supports Calgary Housing Company’s cancellation of the essential visitor’s policy as of June 12, 2020 in alignment with Alberta’s Relaunch Stage 2. Thank you for your support and in doing your part to help us prevent the spread. Click here to view the formal notice of this cancellation.

Although the essential visitor’s policy is being cancelled, COVID-19 is still a significant health concern and all Albertan’s are expected to follow the guidelines outlined by the Province of Alberta.  You can do your part to continue to “Prevent the Spread” by:

1. Social (Physical) Distancing

Please continue to keep two meters distance between yourself and other people.  If you are unable to social distance, please use a face covering or non-medical mask.  Non-medical masks are being provided free of charge, by the Provincial Government, at A&W, McDonalds Canada and Tim Hortons drive-thru locations.  Please refer to the Alberta Government website for more information.

2. Practicing Good Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.  For more information, please refer to Alberta Health Services website on recommended hygiene practices.

3. Monitoring for Symptoms & Obtaining Testing

If you have symptoms, self-isolate and contact Alberta Heath Services by dialing 8-1-1 for information and instructions.

Calgary Housing Company is here to support you! CHC staff are available by phone and with content on this website to support our tenants through the provision of wellness checks, support referrals and rent payment plans.  Please contact Customer Service at (587) 390-1200 or your Property Manager if you require assistance.

Thank you for your efforts and support over the past few weeks. We appreciate your continued commitment to partnering with us to keep our community safe.

We are all in this together!

Greg Wilkes
Housing Service Manager

The post Essential Visitor Policy Cancelled appeared first on Calgary Housing.

The theme of this year’s mental health week is ‘social connection’ and its importance for mental health. This year we are being called to #GetReal about how we really feel.

People in Canada commonly ask one another how we are, but just as common is to respond with a less than truthful answer. Many of us say ‘we’re good’, even when we’re not. But by simply saying we are ‘Fine’ we miss a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way. When we share our real selves we develop real social connections with others.

Getting real about how we feel and building social connections can actually improve mental health by reminding us we are not alone. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, each year 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness or mental health issue, but 5 in 5 Canadians have mental health. It is a system in our bodies that we all share, and it is driven by social connection.

The importance of social connection

Even before COVID-19, loneliness and social isolation were already of major concern in our society. Research shows that people with weak or few social connections are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, anti-social behaviour and suicidal behaviours.

Social inclusion and social integration have been identified by the WHO and the UN as important protective factors for good mental health. Social networks have an influence on self-esteem, coping effectiveness, depression, distress and sense of well-being by providing emotional support, companionship and opportunities for meaningful social engagement.

Social networks and social ties have a beneficial effect on mental health outcomes and studies show that having social connections and being civically engaged are associated with positive mental and physical health and well-being. Research has shown that even having one good friend can save children from being lonely.

Social connection in a time of social distancing

Everyone needs emotional support, but it’s even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Some experts have argued that social distancing should actually be called physical distancing, because we still need each other socially.

Phone calls, video calls and other digital technologies offer excellent opportunities for connecting face-to-face, even when we can’t be in the same room and this pandemic can bring us together in unexpected ways. Social connection can help us recover as a community and we know in Calgary that socially connected communities simply respond better to crisis and disaster, and rebound better afterwards.

Adapted from materials provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association in support of Mental Health Week.

About Mental Health Week 

Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association Website for more information about Mental Health Week.

Mental Health Resources

Free counselling and mental health supports from carya – call 403.269.9888.

Text4Hope – Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 for daily messages.

211 Alberta – dial 2-1-1 for live social service support in 150 + languages.

The Distress Centre – 24-Hour Crisis Line 403.266.HELP (4357)

kidshelphone.ca – 1-800-668-6868, or text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868, or live chat online.

YWCA Counselling –Call 403-536-2844 to book an appointment.

Alberta Mental Health Helpline
1-877-303-2642.

Alberta Addiction Helpline
1-866-332-2322.

Ways to Stay Connected

A handful of articles with some tips, tools and ideas for staying connected with friends and family while we stay physically apart.

• We should be physically distancing, but remain as social as ever
• Free Tech Tools Have Kept Communities Connected During Coronavirus
• Coronavirus: Ways to stay social online while in self-isolation
• Social distancing can make you lonely. Here’s how to stay connected when you’re in lockdown
• 10 classic board games you can play online with friends

The post 2020 Mental Health Week is May 4 – 10 appeared first on Calgary Housing.