Health and Safety

Alberta Opera Musical Theatre for Young People has put into place occupational health and safety procedures in alignment with the recommendations from the World Health Organization. All company members have been educated and are taking personal protective measures.
Below is a document made available by SHAPE (Safety & Health in Arts Production & Entertainment) in British Columbia.
You will also find further information by following these links: Public Health Agency of Canada: www.publichealth.gc.ca World Health Organization: www.who.int

SWINE FLU UPDATE

Updated: Thursday April 30, 2009
You will have been hearing about human swine influenza (sometimes called swine flu). Concerns have been raised that we may be on the verge of a pandemic. Pandemic influenza is defined as a new influenza virus that spreads easily between humans and affects a wide geographic area. The World Health Organization, as part of the Global Influenza Preparedness Plan determines the level of response alert when faced with potential international health issues. At the time of writing this update, the current WHO phase of pandemic alert is 5 on a scale of 6.
Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.
To protect yourself, practice general preventative measures:
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer.
  • Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth – germs spread that way.
  • Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if you are sick.
  • Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
  • Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell or have a cough or fever.
  • Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms.
If you are sick:
  • Stay at home to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
  • If you experience severe flu-like symptoms, talk to a health professional. Contact your Doctor before travelling to see them.
  • Inform your Doctor if you have travelled to Mexico, California or Texas and you become sick with flu-like symptoms - especially respiratory symptoms such as, fever and cough or difficulty breathing.
  • If it is not possible to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of having swine influenza immediately upon arrival at the healthcare facility.
  • Take care to cover your nose and mouth during travel.
If you are planning to travel to Mexico: The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued the following travel advisory: As of April 27 2009, travellers from Canada are recommended to postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice.
Public Health Agency of Canada: www.publichealth.gc.ca World Health Organization: www.who.int