An employee at a central Alberta care home has been charged under the Federal Quarantine Act after the RCMP alleged they did not properly self-isolate following a visit to the U.S.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Canada currently requires everyone entering the country — with some exceptions — to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days.
The alleged infraction occurred in October, according to a news release issued by the Red Deer RCMP on Thursday.
“On Oct. 19, 2020, the Red Deer RCMP were contacted by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC),” police said. “In an effort to ensure the safety of the residents in their care, Extendicare Michener Hill Long Term Care Home had informed PHAC that an employee failed to isolate after returning from the United States.
“The matter was also reported to Alberta Health Services, who then contacted the Red Deer RCMP on Oct. 22, 2020.”
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Police did not provide details about the person being charged, other than to describe them as a health-care aide.
In an email sent to Global News on Thursday night, Extendicare Michener Hill said the “staff member’s employment was terminated following an internal investigation.”
The care home said the probe was prompted by allegations that “clear COVID-19 safety restrictions regarding travel were not followed.”
“Extendicare Michener Hill has cooperated fully with the RCMP in its investigation,” the email reads. “The safety of our residents and staff is paramount and we take our responsibility to them, and their families, incredibly seriously.
“Any disregard for the rules in place to protect the people we care for will be met with a swift and severe response.”
“A comprehensive investigation was conducted, which included witness evidence and judicial authorizations to obtain records,” the RCMP said.
READ MORE: Man charged with not self-quarantining after arriving to N.S. from California
The care home employee has been served with a summons to appear in court on Jan. 26.
READ MORE: New coronavirus testing rules for travellers landing in Canada to start Jan. 7
Beginning on Jan. 7, air travellers five years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to an airline before boarding international flights bound for Canada.
Watch below: Some Global News videos about self-isolating.
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