Western Canada Lottery Corporation extends prize claiming period for winning tickets

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation is extending the period for claiming prizes on winning tickets.

The agency says it recognizes that social distancing to try to slow the spread of COVID-19 may make it difficulty for lottery players to step forward.

Prizes on tickets that would have expired between March 17 and Sept. 17 will be valid for another six months past the original expiry date.

The extension applies to all games the corporation oversees, including Lotto Max, Lotto 6-49, Western Max, Poker Lotto, Sport Select, Proline, Keno and Zing scratch tickets.

Lottery tickets are still available to buy at retail outlets, although some business have suspended sales during the pandemic.

Lottery players can also subscribe online.

The organization says the change is being made to align itself with other lottery regions in Canada.

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation operates lottery and gaming-related activities as an agent for its Members, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and Nunavut participate as associate members.

2:28 Coronavirus outbreak: Tam advises masks not for all ages due to possible suffocation risk

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.