EDMONTON – Now that the province has closed its mass immunization clinics, Albertans are being asked to take precautions to help prevent the spread of infection.
After consulting with Alberta Health Services (AHS), the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton has also decided to take a few precautionary measures, which will remain in place at least until the end of January.
“We’ve asked that communion be received in the hand, and that’s what most people do, but some prefer to receive on the tongue…and so we’ve asked for this short time if they would receive in the hand.” said Lorraine Turchansky, a spokesperson with the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Those attending mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Sunday also walked in to an empty holy water font.
“There is a possibility of spreading the germs and so that’s why it’s been emptied for this short period,” Turchansky said.
The church is asking people to stay home if they feel ill. Turchansky says those who have to stay home have the option of watching a televised or online mass.
“What we don’t want to see is having to close the mass off to people because of rampant infection spreading through the community.”
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Champ City CrossFit in Edmonton is one of many businesses keeping a close eye on hygiene after AHS announced Friday all immunization clinics would be closing and will not be reopening this season.
“We try to be very conscious of the spread of germs and bacteria,” said Ryan Ferry, owner of Champ City CrossFit.
“We get a lot of people working very hard, very closely. There’s a lot of body fluids moving around,” Ferry said. “So we try and encourage everybody to wipe down every single surface that they touch with anti-viral wipes and anti-bacterial stuff.”
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As a facility that sees several people sharing equipment, Ferry says it’s extremely important to be as conscientious as possible.
“That flu can rip through a gym and a population pretty quickly if we don’t stay on top of it.”
Staying home if you’re sick is also the advice given by local physicians. In order to stay healthy, Dr. Louis Francescutti suggests hand washing, covering your sneezes or coughs, and keeping fit.
“The best way to stay healthy is to make sure you’re a healthy individual. So, no smoking, make sure you exercise everyday… and watch your diet.”
With files from Cheryl Oates, Global News.
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