By Chris Brown

Stay home

Feds, province clear on what self-isolation means

Mar 26, 2020 | 5:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With mandatory self-isolation rules put in place by both the provincial and federal governments, many are asking, “Can I legally go outside?”

The provincial government website makes it quite clear – stay home – do not leave your home or attend work, school, social events or any other public gatherings.

Avoid close contact with other people, including household members but especially seniors and people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems and watch for symptoms in yourself or a family member.

Use delivery or pick-up services for errands like grocery shopping, Ask friends or family to drop off food, medicine and other supplies and if you need to leave your home for urgent errands wear a surgical mask.

According to alberta.ca you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days if you returned from travel outside of Canada after March 12, or are a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19. This includes someone who provides care, lives with or has close physical contact, or has come into direct contact with infectious body fluids.

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Anyone who becomes sick during this time must self-isolate for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.

As for Albertans with symptoms, you are legally required to self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition.

The self-isolation period is for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer.

The federal government also says that to self-isolate means to stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild, for 14 days

Penalties for ignoring the orders are punishable by fines or imprisonment. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.