COVID-19 Update – March 30, 2020
In order to practice social distancing, the Board had its first video-conference meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2020. The next Board meeting will be on Thursday, April 16, 2020, also using video-conferencing. Please see these links for Board meeting minutes, meeting packages and preliminary agendas.
It has been two weeks since BMS has instituted measures to combat the spread of COVID19. In that time, BMS has instituted the following measures:
- Our Satellite (reception) and Administration offices are closed to the public. Measures have been taken to allow as many staff as possible to work from home. Only essential employees are assigned work at BMS worksites. Managers are to work remotely unless specifically assigned to work by the General Manager.
- All visitors, contractors and non-staff traffic to our site, whether or not they are bringing in waste, will be required to sign in at the Scale House. With respect to vendors making deliveries to the site, we may limit access during operating times, based on staff levels. It is wise to check ahead with the BMS staff managing the order or project.
- Staff have been trained on preventative steps that include washing of hands and disinfecting frequently used items and surfaces, such as two-way radios and doorknobs.
- An intercom has been installed at the scale house so you can interact with the attendant while still maintaining social distancing. The scale attendant can operate the intercom when you arrive. You only need to push the button (use your elbow to limit spread of germs) if the attendant has not noticed your arrival.
- We have provided disinfected PPE (personal protective equipment) in a tote at the scale for our customers’ use. When finished with these items, place the PPE in the “used” tote. All PPE will be disinfected after every use.
o Social distancing will be practiced by our staff as per Alberta Health Services’ recommendation. We ask that you please respect our staff by giving them the required 2 metre space.
- Government of Alberta public health orders are strictly required at all BMS worksites, and apply to employees, customers and vendor representatives permitted to enter BMS worksites.
- Employees who present symptoms, have traveled internationally, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive to COVID19 or have themselves tested positive to COVID19 are to legally required to self-isolate.
- Out of province travel for Beaver Municipal Solutions operations and training has been cancelled.
- Visitors to BMS worksites including customers and vendor representatives who do not conform to COVID19 transmission prevention measures at BMS worksites may be banned from BMS worksites and reported to enforcement authorities.
Isolation rules: (from link: https://www.alberta.ca/self-isolation.aspx#toc-0 )
Travellers and close contacts of confirmed cases
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 (provides care, lives with or has close physical contact, or comes into direct contact with infectious body fluids)
If you become sick during this time, you must self-isolate for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.
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. You must follow these requirements regardless of whether you have been tested for COVID-19.
Self-isolation period is for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer.
Albertans who test positive for COVID-19
You are legally required to self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
Self-isolation period is for 10 days from the start of symptoms, or until symptoms resolve, whichever takes longer.
Social Distancing
All Albertans are asked to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce your risk of getting sick, and help prevent spreading the virus to others.
This is not the same as self-isolation. You do not need to remain indoors, but you do need to avoid being in close contact with people.
To protect yourself and others:
- Keep at least 6 feet (the length of a bicycle) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs
- Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands
- Try to shop at less busy times
- Order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
- Go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while maintaining distance from others
- Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
- Follow Alberta’s recommendations on mass gatherings
- Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces
Throughout this time, BMS operations have maintained regular opening hours and service levels to all our customers and stakeholders.
We will continue to practice these measures to combat the spread of COVID19 among our employees, customer contacts and in our communities for as long as authorities determine. We are an essential service to residents of the Beaver region and for Alberta, and we will do our utmost to provide our needed services to those who rely on them.
We remain available. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding BMS operations:
Please call our main line at 780.663.2038 and leave a message with your name and number. Although we are not physically in our administration offices, we will regularly be retrieving and returning calls. Alternatively, contact can be made to info@beavermunicipal.com.
Please regularly check our website and Facebook pages for regular updates.
