Doctors in Alberta say the answer to increasing vaccine rates is not more incentives, but a vaccine passport or mandate that will restrict those without a first or second dose from visiting certain public places. Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-vaccine-lottery-1.6166369 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
City Council recently created a bylaw to make it mandatory to pass bikes by either a metre on roads with a speed limit of 60 kph or 1.5 metres on roads over 60 kph. This requirement is effective September 30, 2021. While bicycles are considered slow moving vehicles and legally allowed on Edmonton streets, there is always the potential for a close pass, which can make riding scary. Generally, cyclists should ride a metre away from the curb. If there are cars parked along the curb, then cyclists s...
A study funded by Alberta School Councils’ Association found that parents and teachers have greater understanding toward each other when it comes to student’s education and that meeting virtually as the need arises, rather than twice a year, can lead to better education outcomes for the children. Source: https://www.albertaschoolcouncils.ca/public/download/files/169642 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
Updates on options for primary and secondary schools: In-person learning, online, or a combination offered in Edmonton. Link: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/online-learning-edmonton-schools Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
Updates for the University of Alberta: As of September 1st, university students, faculty and staff are required to confidentially self-declare their vaccination status before participating in on campus activities. Those who are aren't fully vaccinated and those who don't wish to disclose their status will need regular rapid screening at a university rapid testing station, and will need to receive a negative result before resuming activities. Requests to declare your status will be made to your @...
E-bikes are becoming very popular and can be an excellent entry to commuting or an augmentation to your riding generally. They’re particularly helpful if you’re hauling kiddos or doggos or other types of cargo as they can assist you with the extra weight you’re hauling about. They are also quite useful if acoustic bikes make your knees sore. And, although it seems as easy as attaching a two-stroke motor to your regular bike, that’s a poor idea, for a whole host of reasons, starting with safety a...
An update on COVID Protocols for Edmonton area school districts. Article link: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-area-school-boards-plan-for-back-to-school-during-covid-19-pandemic Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
On August 17th the University of Alberta announced new plans and measures for the upcoming university semester. Three universities have come together (including the University of Lethbridge and University of Calgary) to establish new protocols. One of the first changes starting September 1st: all three universities will require all those who are unvaccinated and coming to campus to undergo regular rapid testing. Students, faculty and staff who aren't fully vaccinated will need a negative result ...
Big changes are afoot ahem, for cycling in Edmonton! As of August 30 you can ride the LRT with your bicycle at any time, on any day and in any direction! This is an important changes for multi-modal transportation and will help you get where you want to go. There are a few other resources for getting where you want to go. One of them are bike mechanic classes. If you’re looking to ride, but worried about how to keep your bike wheels turning smoothly check around for classes, such as the ones Bik...
The government of Canada is making an investment in mental health programs for Black LGBTQI+ Canadians. The funding will be used to research information on the experiences and barriers faced by LGBTQI+ individuals as they navigate services for mental health, substance use, addictions, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and criminal justice involvement. Source: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-mental-health-programs-for-black-lgbtqi-canadians-81061...
New guidelines have been released for the return to school this fall in Alberta. Link to guidelines document: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/0721a26b-c4ce-4345-971f-4ff9da32052c/resource/328bf258-bb1a-459b-b705-16b525390240/download/health-guidance-respiratory-illness-prevention-and-management-in-schools.pdf Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
On August 6th the university put out an article with some of the latest updates on a couple of important safety measures that will be present going ahead with the upcoming academic year. This article outlines a Covid-19 survey that they are asking students, faculty and staff to answer the 3 question survey by Monday, August 16th. Also mentioned is a newly required course that goes over Covid-19 safety and what to do to protect yourself and others around you. All students and staff are expected t...
An update on tips for multi-modal active transportation in Edmonton this summer. Produced by Karly Coleman.
A new study “has shown the entangled, systemic issues that result in poor health among people in vulnerable circumstances in ethnocultural communities, and the exacerbating impact of COVID-19, which also increased barriers to mitigation. Cultural brokering and community social capital were key supports for people in this crisis and our findings can support policy and interventions that may reduce harm and support community resiliency.” Source: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/31/E1203 Produced by...
This fall, diplomas and PATs to return to Alberta schools. Resources: Government of Alberta 'Preparing for a new school year': https://www.alberta.ca/k-12-learning-during-covid-19.aspx CBC article on concerned parents: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-parents-question-safety-of-sending-children-to-school-with-no-covid-19-pandemic-restrictions-1.6123396 Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
As of August 9th, there will be approximately 27 days until the 2021 fall semester will commence at the University of Alberta. It will be the first time that many students will be physically back on campus since 2020. At least eighty percent of the university's classes will be delivered in person this fall, and that means that we can expect up to 30,000 students to be back at it. Produced by Jarret Kamm.
We’re seeing increasingly stormy weather which should not hinder our active transportation, we just need to be clever about it. So, direct from the weather whiz kids.com. When you’re out and about keep one eye on the sky or on your favourite weather app, and you’ll be fine, particularly if you follow these guidelines: Remember: All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people e...
Individual differences such as personality could contribute to people’s behaviours during a pandemic. The study examines how personality traits of neuroticism and extroversion (using the Five-Factor Model as our framework) are related to the mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0251097 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
An update on COVID-19 cases in Alberta as of the last week of July. Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
If this year has made your creative itch ... itchier, a resource rich place that is accessible for yourself or friends is the Makerspaces that are offered by Edmonton Public Libraries. The Stanley Milner branch is offering Heat Presses, Recording Studios, Vinyl Cutting, A digital conversion station for your old home movies and photographs, not to mention 3D printing and a variety of computer software. Whatever the project, there are Makerspace assistants always on hand. Since the service wasn't ...
There have been recent changes to provincial health restrictions taking effect in August. Some of these changes include reducing requirements for isolation, removing mask requirements for public transportation, and ending contact tracing. The World Health Organization recommends lowering your risks by knowing your risk and normalizing mask wearing They also recommend three actions to keep you safe when you’re in an area of widespread covid-19 transmission: 1. Location – open air spaces are safer...
The University of Alberta-led Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC) that supports mental health for military, veterans and first responders received $362,000 as part of the Alberta government's COVID-19 Mental Health and Addiction Action Plan for two programs that build resilience or rehabilitate those suffering from PTSD or moral injury. HiMARC aims to enhance resilience, address trauma and mental health challenges when they arise, and facilitate successful return to work an...
Active transportation does not require much in the line of clothing or gear. If you are inclined, you can walk in the clothes you might wear to your destination, which makes it perfect for getting where you want to go. Some things to consider if you’re branching out to other modes: - First if you’re travelling at twilight, when the time changes or at night, consider reflective clothing and lights so you can both see and be seen. - Second, if you prefer to work up a sweat by say, race-walking, ru...
A new program for kindergarten to Grade 3 students will help measure how classroom disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting student learning. Source: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=7770987312573-A3D6-9C8C-1537318FF44D4BCF Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo is back, with some newer guidelines, including a daily attendance limit of 200 tickets per half hour time slot. Pets, balloons and bubbles are some of the new things not currently allowed to attend the zoo per the Covid-19 restrictions. One of the other additions is that the zoo currently operates on a one way route through the entire park. While food and beverages are still sold, all of the indoor animal exhibits may be closed or have one way access, but the elephant hou...
It’s hot in the city lately and extreme heat can be dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water even before feeling thirsty and stay in a cool place. It is important to watch for symptoms of heat illness. These include: - dizziness/fainting - nausea/vomiting - rapid breathing and heartbeat - extreme thirst - decreased urination with unusually dark urine - lack of sweat - confusion - fainting - unconsciousness So if you’ve been thirsting for an active transportation adventure but worried about al...
Alberta Health Services has launched a new online wellness series that is free for Albertans. Five workshops are offered, each workshop covering a different topic. Participants are free to attend any or all of the classes. First set of classes are offered starting July 20th. Source: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page16026.aspx Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
Updates for youth, including options for summer camps in 2021. Link to faculty of science at-home courses for kids: https://www.ualberta.ca/camps/science/index.html Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
In April of this year, The Government of Canada announced $400 million for Canada's first active transportation fund, and the development of Canada's first National Active Transportation Strategy. This money will be used to build infrastructure across Canada the will help you become an active traveller wherever you are. The strategy includes raising awareness about the benefits of active transportation, promoting its use, coordinating the planning design, standards and regulations around active ...
The University of Alberta School of Public Health's Dr. Nykiforuk and her team are studying the effects and causes of financial strain linked to mental and physical health issues. Study to provide actionable items for governments to implement. Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/public-health/news/2021/february/financial-strain-top-source-of-worry-in-covid-19-mental-health-crisis-public-health-researcher.html Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
