In accordance with guidelines from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, HIV Community Link is taking a measured and pro-active response to the COVID-19 situation in Alberta to ensure clients, volunteers and staff have continued support. Our goal is to protect our employees, clients and the public at large to the best of our ability and reduce the risk through thoughtful and evidence-based responses.
As a result, HIV Community Link has decided to postpone in-person trainings, peer group meetings, advisory committee meetings, and volunteer activities. All group activities scheduled in the client spaces will be cancelled for the time being. The Friday Lunch events and Sweatlodge Ceremonies are also suspended until further notice. If there are further disruptions to services, we will communicate these through our newsletter and on social media. At this time, we encourage all clients to contact a staff member prior to coming in for services at (403) 508-2500 in Calgary, or at (403) 527-5882 in Medicine Hat.
As of Thursday afternoon, Alberta has banned all public gatherings of more than 250 people: sports competitions, concerts and community events. If the event is to have fewer than 250 people but is expected to have international participants or high-risk populations, it should also be cancelled. The safety of clients, staff, volunteers and the community at large is our priority. Currently, we are working with all parties involved to understand the implications for our Splash of Red fundraiser in May. HIV Community Link will send out an update soon about the event.
At this time, the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health continues to identify the current risk of exposure in Alberta to be low. COVID-19 is an evolving public health concern, and we continue to monitor the situation. We are prepared to modify our response as the risk level will be adjusted in the coming weeks.
If you have questions about HIV Community Link’s response regarding COVID-19 please reach out by calling our main line (403) 508-2500, or through info@hivcl.org. If you are a client, we encourage you to address any concerns you may have with your case manager or one of our SafeLink team members over the phone. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please call the Distress Centre at 403-266-HELP (4357) where you can access 24-hour crisis support in Calgary and southern Alberta.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Thank you for your support!