OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS)

Currently, we are continuing to adhere to the recommended protocols for medical facilities. As a primary medical and integrated health facility, many of our clients have chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems. Rest assured that the safety and wellbeing of our clients and staff remain our top priority. 

Please find the current operational updates below: 

  • Face Coverings – Following the direction of Alberta Health Services, INLIV clients and staff will still be required to wear a mask or face covering while onsite at INLIV. This decision aligns with other primary medical facilities. Even if you have been fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask while at INLIV to help keep everyone in our facility safe.
  • INLIV Change Rooms, Lockers, and Showers – Medical and fitness change rooms are now open! Clients again have access to the lockers, showers, and towels. Shampoo and conditioner will be available however there will be no other personal care items. Access will be limited to two people at a time to support physical distancing.  
  • Screening – all individuals entering the facility will need to complete the screening questions along with a temperature check. 
  • Fitness – Individual in-person and virtual training sessions continue to be available. For the time being, sessions will remain 50 minutes to allow 10 minutes for safe client transition, charting, and increased cleaning protocols.

For the most recent FAQ’s, please find Dr. Wendy Smeltzer, Medical Director at INLIV, share her personal responses to these questions below:

INLIV COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ’s – Answered by Dr. Wendy Smeltzer, Medical Director at INLIV

Why isn’t the BodPod available yet for clients?
The biggest challenge with the BodPod is that it is a small, enclosed space with no ventilation using air displacement technology. The dominant mode of transmission of the virus is through airborne transmission – and the variants are thought to be even more transmissible than the regular COVID-19 virus. Restrictions were lifted more quickly on outside spaces as there is more air flow and ventilation to dilute and disperse the viral particles. Using an analogy, this would be like aerosol transmission of the virus to second-hand smoke that can linger in air. If someone was in the BodPod smoking- and then the next person went into the BodPod, they would smell and breathe in this second-hand smoke. Viral particles linger in the air just like second-hand smoke when there is not good ventilation to clear it.
What are INLIV’s protocols if a client is double vaccinated?
Our existing protocols (masking and screening) are continuing for all clients and staff entering our space, whether vaccinated or not. Although the vaccines are very effective, they are not 100% protective in contracting the COVID-19 infection. Vaccines are extremely protective though for avoiding severe disease and hospitalization. Even when fully vaccinated, a person can still contract the virus if they were exposed to COVID-19, have minimal or no symptoms, and then could still transmit the virus to others. As a medical facility, we want to ensure our space is safe for all to get care and that includes vulnerable persons who may not be vaccinated or are at higher risk of infection or severe disease.
Why does INLIV as a medical facility have more restrictions than other businesses?
As a medical facility, we want to ensure that all our clients are safe to get the medical care they require. We are continuing to adhere to the recommended protocols for medical facilities. We have clients who have medical conditions that may make them more vulnerable to infections and serious outcomes, as well as clients who are unable to get vaccinations and the protection that affords. We recognize that other facilities offering some of our similar services may choose not to follow these restrictions, but as a medical facility first and foremost, we continue to uphold these to a medical standard.
When do you expect all measures and protocols to be lifted at INLIV?
It is too soon to predict when all measures and protocols will be lifted. We continue to monitor the data from Alberta Health Services as well as the guidance from our medical bodies. We are all anxious to see the end of these restrictions and protocols but will not do so until we know it will not compromise the health and safety of both our clients and staff.

ABOUT THE VIRUS

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold.

COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and more rarely, these can then spread from person to person through close contact.

There have been 2 other specific coronaviruses that have spread from animals to humans and which have caused severe illness in humans. These are the:

  1. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV)
  2. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV)
Why has COVID-19 been declared a pandemic?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a pandemic. A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations. Declaring a pandemic has nothing to do with changes to the characteristics of a disease, but is instead associated with concerns over its geographic spread. The WHO has stressed that using the word “pandemic” does not signal a change in its advice and is still urging countries to “detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and mobilize their people”.
How does COVID-19 spread?

Human coronaviruses like COVID-19 cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

  • Respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
  • Close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

What do COVID-19 symptoms look like?

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

  • Common symptoms: cough, fever (over 38°C), shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
  • Other symptoms can include: stuffy nose, painful swallowing, headache, chills, muscle or joint aches, feeling unwell in general, new fatigue or severe exhaustion, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite), loss of sense of smell or taste, conjunctivitis (pink eye).
  • Symptom of serious illness: difficulty breathing or pneumonia.

Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.

Get tested and isolate if you have symptoms.

  • Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool, or call Health Link 811 for assistance
  • You MUST stay home and self-isolate for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms or until your symptoms have resolved (whichever is longer) – this is a mandatory legal requirement
  • Under no circumstance should you leave your property during self-isolation
  • DO NOT visit a hospital, physician’s office, lab or healthcare facility – call 911 if you need immediate medical attention and inform them you may have COVID-19
COVID-19 vs. Influenza (the flu)

In some ways, COVID-19 is similar to influenza (also known as the flu), but there are also key differences.

Similarities

  • Both cause respiratory disease
  • Both are spread by respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth
  • Both are not spread through the air over long distances and times, unlike the measles

Differences

  • There is no specific vaccine or treatment for COVID-19
  • COVID-19 does not appear to transmit as efficiently as influenza:
    • Only people with symptoms seem to be spreading the disease, however, symptoms may be very mild, so transmission is possible even if the person if feeling well
    • Controlling its spread is possible when people with symptoms are isolated
  • COVID-19 causes severe illness and mortality in more cases than the flu. On average:
    • COVID-19 has resulted in 1 to 2 deaths per 100 cases
    • Flu results in 1 death per 1,000 cases

    Because COVID-19 can cause serious illness, it is critical to keep it from spreading by having people with symptoms stay home and self-isolate away from others.

What can I do to protect myself and those around me from exposure to the virus?

Although they sound basic, good hygiene and practicing social distancing can help you reduce your risk by minimizing contact with others in the community.

To protect yourself and others:

  • Practice physical distancing and wear a mask in public
  • Practice good hygiene: wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching face
  • Monitor for symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat
  • Self-isolate for the legally-required 10 days if you have any symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or medical condition
  • Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to access testing
Do I need to wear a mask when I leave the house?

Effective August 1, Calgarians are now required to wear a mask or face covering in all indoor public areas and in public vehicles (public transit and public vehicles for hire). Shopping malls, entertainment facilities, taxis and ride sharing providers are included in this new bylaw. For more information about the new bylaw requirements, visit the City of Calgary webpage.

At INLIV, mandatory masking procedures have been in place since April 13. As a reminder, our building is considered a public space so please ensure you are wearing a mask or face covering upon entry.

When you wear a non-medical mask, it is important to use it properly:

  • Ensure the mask fits properly and does not gape at the sides
  • It is important to wash hands immediately before putting on the mask and immediately after taking it off
  • Once masks become damp from breathing, it is important to change the mask as a damp mask may trap virus particles and put the mask wearer at greater risk
  • Consider all masks contaminated with virus once they are on – so avoid moving it or adjusting it once in place – and if you do so, immediately wash your hands
  • It is important to carefully handle and dispose of used masks – if a disposable mask, then place in a garbage bag upon removal and if a cloth mask, then place in a separate plastic bag until it can be washed

Proper hand hygiene and not touching your face remain very important in all circumstances as the virus can be transmitted through handling contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19?

If you are an INLIV Total Health Management (THM) client, contact your INLIV medical team for COVID-19 screening protocol, including a review of your symptoms, travel history and close contacts.

Get tested and isolate if you have symptoms.

  • Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool, or call Health Link 811 for assistance
  • You MUST stay home and self-isolate for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms or until your symptoms have resolved (whichever is longer) – this is a mandatory legal requirement
  • Under no circumstance should you leave your property during self-isolation
  • DO NOT visit a hospital, physician’s office, lab or healthcare facility – call 911 if you need immediate medical attention and inform them you may have COVID-19
What are the COVID-19 testing practices in Alberta?

Any person who wants to be tested can now be tested, even if they don’t have symptoms.

The following groups will continue to receive priority for testing:

  • Any person exhibiting any symptom of COVID-19
  • All close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases
  • All workers and/or residents at specific outbreak sites
  • All workers and residents at long-term care and level 4 supportive living facilities
  • All patients admitted to continuing care or transferred between continuing care and hospital settings

Book a testing appointment online with the AHS assessment tool, or call Health Link 811 for assistance.

What is the risk to Canadians?

COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk will vary between and within communities, but given the increasing number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high.

This does not mean that all Canadians will get the disease. It means that there is already a significant impact on our health care system. If we do not flatten the epidemic curve now, the increase of COVID-19 cases could impact health care resources available to Canadians.

The risk for COVID-19 may be increased for certain settings such as:

  • cruise ships
  • crowded areas (such as public transit and shopping centres)
  • gatherings (spiritual and cultural settings, theatres, sports arenas, festivals and conferences)
How do I self-isolate?

Government of Alberta guidelines for self-isolation can be found here.

Where can I find reliable, up to date information about COVID-19?

As cases continue to climb, the circulation of false and speculative information is also on the rise.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) suggests Alberta residents visit the Alberta Health Services main COVID-19 web page for the latest provincial information. The Government of Canada website is also providing timely national updates.

INLIV SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

What protocols are being implemented at INLIV in response to COVID-19?

At INLIV, the safety and well-being of our clients, staff and extended community is our number one priority. We are following all Alberta Health Services and World Health Organization recommendations and protocols, and have implemented additional cautionary measures to ensure our facility remains a safe space. We are continuing to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and are meeting regularly to continue to respond accordingly.

How will INLIV service offerings be affected by COVID-19?

Effective December 13, 2020, the INLIV Gym will temporarily close as a result of the provincial government’s stronger public health measures. The mandatory restrictions will be in place for at least four weeks.

The following services will remain closed until further notice:

  • In-person Fitness & Movement Medicine personal training sessions
  • In-person Fitness & Movement Medicine group classes (Saturday Circuit)

To our Fitness clients that have in-person sessions booked, these sessions will be offered as Virtual Training starting December 14th. Our team will contact you directly to confirm your next session.

What is the current policy on cancellations or rescheduling appointments during this time?

We are asking clients to call and reschedule if they are experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms. We will be happy to rebook you without a cancellation fee. To reschedule an appointment, phone 403-538-8881, ext.0.

What precautions are being taking to handle the virus and protect clients and staff at INLIV facilities?

The following additional cautionary measures are currently in effect:

  • For in-person appointments, all clients are required to use hand sanitizer at the front entry.
  • Effective August 1, Calgarians are required to wear a mask or face covering in all indoor public space. Our building is considered a public space; clients must wear a mask or face covering upon entry. A disposable mask will be provided if a client is not wearing their own.
  • We’ve temporarily suspended online bookings through our patient portal to ensure proper screening before clients come into our facility.
  • Reusable glassware and spoons have been removed from both Oases, replaced with disposable cups and stir sticks, and all snacks have been removed.
  • Our facility is always cleaned to medical-grade standards every night. Our full-time cleaning staff have been asked to use disposable cleaning cloths and pay extra attention to higher traffic areas and contact points, including door handles, seating areas and washrooms.
  • We had our entire facility sanitized with a botanical, plant based disinfectant that kills 99.99% of all viruses and bacteria (including COVID-19).
  • INLIV staff are required to stay home if they exhibit any symptoms of illness and follow protocol as directed by the COVID-19 self-assessment for Albertans or the COVID-19 self-assessment for healthcare and shelter workers, enforcement personnel and first responders.
  • INLIV staff are now completing daily Fit for Work forms used by AHS to ensure that everyone working in our facility is healthy before they come into the clinic.
  • Any INLIV staff in direct contact with patients or colleagues must wear surgical masks at all times and in all areas of the workplace if they cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres or more from others. Our protocols include requirements for the proper changing of masks, mask-related hand hygiene and mask disposal.
  • INLIV staff who do not have direct contact with patients are working from home whenever possible and practicing proper physical distancing when they are working behind the scenes at the clinic. Masks are required for all INLIV staff who enter our facility.
What precautions are being taken to prevent exposure to the virus at INLIV fitness facilities?

Effective December 13, 2020, certain in-person services will temporarily close as a result of the provincial government’s stronger public health measures. The mandatory restrictions will be in place for at least four weeks.

The following services will remain closed until further notice:

  • In-person Fitness & Movement Medicine training sessions and group classes (Saturday Circuit)
  • Medical Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine appointments

Virtual personal training sessions will continue to be available.

How do I make an appointment now that the patient portal has been suspended?

Pre-appointment screening has been implemented to protect the health and safety of our clients and staff. To book an appointment with the medical team, clients are required to contact their Medical Care Coordinator. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms is transferred to our LPN for screening to align with AHS guidelines.

Clients deemed at risk for COVID-19 are asked to self-isolate and call Health Link at 811. COVID-19 testing is arranged outside of the clinic.

Is INLIV concerned about shortages of any medical supplies or medications?

While it is important that we remain good stewards of our available resources, we are not concerned about shortages at this time.

I am an INLIV client or staff member. Where can I find the latest information that pertains to me?

We have launched this webpage to support frequent and up-to-date communications with all staff and clients. We are committed to updating this page as new information becomes available. Please check back regularly. We will continue to send email updates with significant developments to our valued clientele.