PH Consul General to Calgary Calls on Fil-Com in Alberta, Saskatchewan to Follow Public Health Measures 

The national survey conducted by Angus Reid Institute shows that there are three groups of people with regard to COVID-19 compliance. (Angus Reid Institute photo)

CALGARY 02 September 2020 – Concerned by the continued rise in COVD-19 active cases in Alberta’s major cities as well as in Saskatchewan, Philippine Consul General to Calgary Zaldy Patron has called on the members of the Filipino community in these two provinces in Canada to be vigilant in observing public health measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 on 21 August 2020.

“To be effective, public health measures must be religiously observed. This is our contribution to the local and global collective efforts to put an end to the pandemic,” said Consul General Patron.

He cited an article^[1] published by the Calgary Herald on 17 August 2020 which reported that Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are home to the highest percentages of “cynical spreaders” of COVID-19, with three in 10 residents in each province falling into this segment. This is based on a national survey by Angus Reid Institute which showed that there are three groups of people with regard to COVID-19 compliance, namely: the “infection fighters” who follow public health measures (47%); the “inconsistent” who take a more half-in, half-out approach (36%), and; the “cynical spreaders” who have expanded their social circles, do not physically distance, and are ambivalent towards handwashing and mask wearing (18%). 

The Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) COVID-19 statistics show that Edmonton, where about 64,000 Filipinos are based, leads the other cities in the number of active COVID-19 cases, followed by Calgary, where about 75,000 Filipinos reside. These population figures are based on the 2016 Canada Census.

As part of its contribution to the efforts of the Governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan in the fight against COVID-19, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary continues to observe physical distancing at the Consulate premises and encourages frequent handwashing and the use of facemasks by its personnel and clients. The Consulate also strictly implements its “No Appointment, No Entry” and “No Walk-in” policies to avoid crowding at the Consulate and support these public health measures. 

“I appeal for the public’s understanding and cooperation in adhering to these policies and in observing public health measures,” Consul General Patron remarked. “These ‘new normal’ operations or procedures are part of our commitment to the Alberta Government when the PCG reopened for in-person services. This is for the interest of public safety and public health,” he added. 

While Alberta is still under Stage 2 of its Relaunch Strategy, the Consulate accepts in-person filing of passport applications only. Non-passport applications, such as notarization/legalization of documents, civil registration (birth, marriage, death of Filipino nationals), dual citizenship applications under Republic Act 9225, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Form verification, and visa applications are accepted by mail. 

Clients requiring consular services are advised to refer to the Consulate’s website: www.philcongencalgary.org and its Facebook page: @PhinCalgary for information on consular services. END

For more information, visit https://www.calgarypcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinCalgary/.

[1] https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/higher-percentage-of-cynical-spreaders-of-novel-coronavirus-in-alberta-survey-shows