As Calgarians adapt to what has become our new reality during the COVID-19 pandemic, the TGCA would like to offer as much support in the way of reliable information and facilitating neighbours helping one another at this time.  If you need immediate help and aren’t sure where to turn, or if you’d like to help, please email Kevin at kkromm@tgcacalgary.com.

Please note that this is not a simple flu, is not similar to the flu, and every one of us is at risk of becoming extremely ill, with children being the least likely to suffer serious outcomes. 

That being said, it is important to keep top of mind that our children are carriers as well. Chief of Calgary Emergency Management Agency Tom Sampson announced at a press conference this morning that the city would be closing all playgrounds in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As such, all city-operated playgrounds in Calgary, including the TGCA inclusive playground, are closed to the public.

The COVID-19 virus has a long incubation period of up to 11 days, and many who’ve become infected will not exhibit symptoms at all, these carriers are asymptomatic. This means that many will transmit the virus to those around them without ever having known they had it, or well before they exhibited any symptoms.  

The most vulnerable to the virus have been shown to be those in the senior age category, those with pre-existing conditions, and the immunocompromised.  

To be clear, if you are not observing the social distancing and self-isolating recommendations made by our various levels of government, you are putting the most vulnerable among us at risk.  

This is the reason that our various levels of government have restricted gatherings and asked those who can be at home to stay home, while getting out for your home essentials and exercise.  

When visiting parks and public spaces, please observe a one-meter distance between yourself and those around you. It may be helpful to think of this distance as about the length of an adult bicycle. This is known as safe social distancing.  

If you think that you may have COVID-19, or even just a cold or flu, make arrangements to self-isolate for 14 days and separate yourself from any other people in your dwelling. If you are having trouble breathing, call 911. There is an online self-assessment tool, see the link on this page. 

The current advice from all government agencies is that social distancing and hand washing are the most effective means to slow the progress of this virus. Soap and water are the most effective way of eliminating the virus for the average person, so coating your hands completely in soap and washing for 20 seconds is the best way to keep you and those you care for safe.  

The TGCA would like to encourage all members, community residents, and Calgarians to be kind and thoughtful at this unprecedented time.  

Consider your neighbours as well as the staff at the grocery stores and buy what you’ll need for a couple weeks, our supply chains are very much intact.  

Call those you care about, see if you can lend a hand, and keep in contact. Isolation can be harmful for many, and phone calls are a great way to exercise your social side while observing the new measures in place to keep us all safe.  

Stay informed. The developments regarding COVID-19 are being relayed daily, often hourly, and up-to-date information can be a lifeline for those grappling with the uncertain circumstances that we all find ourselves in. The TGCA has created this page for your reference should you find yourself unable to find the resources that you need, struggling to find reliable information, or just curious about what’s available to Calgarians.  

The ramifications of this crisis are far reaching, whether it be employees, businesses, parents, children, students, seniors and so many more. Please remember to lead by example, and understand that although we may not all perceive this pandemic with quite the same lens, we are in this together by staying apart.