Special Lodge Bulletin
April 11, 2022
Unfortunately, one or more of our lodge residents have Covid-19. Three residents
currently have symptoms and have been tested with rapid tests, two of which were
positive. The symptoms have been reported to be cold-like. AHS is investigating, and we
are waiting to receive guidance from them.
I urge every lodge resident to take this seriously, protect themselves, and do their part to
keep the virus from spreading further. Since Alberta has lifted almost all public health
measures, everyone can expect to be exposed at some point, so let’s do what we can to
prevent wider outbreaks in the lodge and care for each other.
I strongly recommend you take or continue to take the following measures now:
Please wear a medical-grade mask when not in your suite (except when eating and
drinking). We will share medical-grade masks with you. If you do not wear a mask,
you do so at your own risk, which may put others at risk.
Please reduce your contact with others – it is the best way to reduce your risk.
Please have only essential visitors in and only make crucial trips out of the lodge.
Remember to keep your distance from others when possible and don’t share the
elevator with anyone.
Please take your meals in your suite if you have not received a booster dose of the
vaccine. Tell the front desk what you decide to do about this, and feel free to ask for
help booking a vaccine or booster dose in town.
If you want to take your meals in your suite regardless of your vaccination status,
tell the front desk, and we will make the necessary arrangements.
You are still legally required to screen yourself for symptoms every day. This is
critical; surveys show that many people living in lodges hide mild symptoms. There is
no shame in getting Covid-19; it’s now more common than influenza. Please see the
list of symptoms below.
If you have even the slightest new or worsening symptom, please remain in your
suite except for medical-related trips out and tell us via phone or emergency call
system immediately (403-678-5922).
Remember that visitors to the lodge should be reduced, and they must be fully
vaccinated and remain properly masked the entire time they are in the building.
AHS may impose more severe restrictions, such as limited visitation, fewer people at
dining tables, and daily resident wellness checks. We will let you know of any changes
immediately.
Meanwhile, BVRH has re-instated our outbreak protocols. We have canceled activities
and bus trips, suspended salon services, continued enhanced disinfection of common
areas, and are reviewing protocols with our staff.
CBC posted an article today highlighting that most Albertans have been exposed to
Omicron and that those who haven’t yet been will be. The transmissibility of the variant
and its ability to evade natural and vaccinated immunity and the elimination of public
health measures make it inevitable. The best protection against serious illness is
vaccination (third and fourth doses reportedly make a huge difference), and the
steps outlined earlier in this bulletin. Please feel free to book your next booster at any
local participating pharmacies. If AHS decides to hold another vaccine clinic at the lodge,
you will be invited, but there hasn’t been any word from them so far.
Thank you, this too shall pass, but with your help, it will do so with fewer serious
consequences.
Ian
WATCH FOR AND REPORT NEW OR WORSENING SYMPTOMS:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Nasal congestion
• Feeling unwell/fatigued
• Nausea / vomiting / diarrhea
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Muscle/joint aches
• Headache
• Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye)