SnowbirdAlert 1. Embrace the weather With closed spaces continuing to pose a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission, it’s time to cozy up to outdoor winter activities which allow you to keep a safe distance from others. Can’t stand the cold? As the Scandinavian saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” So, layer up and try a fun winter sport such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice skating. Just be sure to scout out an uncrowded location. 2. Think about the risks As provinces and territories adjust public health measures, think about the risks associated with popular cold-weather activities, such as going to the mall or movie theatre. You can minimize your risk by avoiding the three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places withmany people nearby; and close faces, such as close-range conversations. Before going out, consider the risks andmake informed choices. If a planned activity puts you and your family at a higher risk of getting COVID-19, consider avoiding it. 3. Use all tools available Following public health advice and using all of the tools which we have to prevent outbreaks is essential for everyone to have a safe winter. An additional tool is the COVID Alert app. It uses Bluetooth to exchange random codes with nearby phones. Every day, it checks a list of random codes frompeople who tell the app that they tested positive. If you’ve been near one of those people, you’ll get a notification. If you are notified of a possible exposure, you will be linked to your local public health unit’s advice so that you can limit the spread of COVID-19. The new normal in air travel Air travel is gradually returning to many parts of the world, but it’s not returning to normal. Plenty of measures have been put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, meaning that the process of boarding your next flight will look a bit different than your last one… if you haven’t travelled in a while. And that’s not a bad thing. One big change is temperature screening. If you’re flying out of one of Canada’s 15 busiest airports, you’ll have your temperature checked when you arrive at the screening checkpoint. You will not be permitted to proceed through screening if your temperature, after two separate tests, is at or above 38°C. You’ll also notice that lining up looks a little different. While in the queue and at the screening checkpoint, you must keep a distance of two metres between yourself and other passengers. And you will be asked to hold on to your own electronic or printed boarding pass or other documents of entitlement while they are scanned, to reduce touchpoints. Most importantly, you need to bring a face covering with you. Many airports won’t even let you into the building without a mask on, but you’ll definitely have to wear one as you go through security screening. Face coverings need to cover the nose and mouth, be made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric such as cotton or linen, and be properly secured to the head. Note that if you exhibit symptoms of illness such as a cough or difficulty breathing, you will be required to leave the checkpoint. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has instituted these and other measures to ensure that your security screening experience is as safe and secure as possible. For more information, go to their website at catsa-acsta.gc.ca. 3 surprising ways to keep your family safe this winter Dark days, freezing temperatures and snowstorms – Canadian winters always bring some challenges. This year, the pandemic brings additional challenges as we follow the latest public health guidance to limit the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, there are ways to stay safe while making the most of wintertime. Find more information at canada.ca/coronavirus www.newscanada.com 6 | www.snowbirds.org
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