Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health gOV'T OF aLBERTA

By Dori Modney

First ‘presumptive’ case of COVID-19 for Alberta

Mar 5, 2020 | 6:13 PM

EDMONTON, AB — The province’s chief medical officer of health has confirmed the province’s first presumptive case of novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.

The case is determined to be “presumptive”, until a test has been completed at the National Lab.

The woman in her fifties, lives in the Calgary zone and she is recovering in isolation at home with support from public health officials.

She had reportedly arrived back home in later February, after a trip on the Grand Princess Cruise Ship off of California, and her case was detected on March 5.

Health officials are currently identifying close contacts of this individual. They will also be asked to self-isolate at home, away from the public, and will be closely monitored by public health officials. If they do develop symptoms, health officials will coordinate getting them into care immediately while ensuring that the public and health-care workers are not exposed.

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Health officials ask anyone who has returned from a Grand Princess Cruise to Alberta in the last two weeks to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since their visit.

Alberta Health Services officials say public health measures are being put in place “to contain the virus and protect Albertans.”

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, held a news conference to address the situation.

“We take this extremely seriously, and are doing all we can to minimize risk and to keep Albertans safe. While some may be concerned, I remind Albertans that the risk is still low in our province. We are already taking the necessary precautions to prevent the infection from spreading.”

Provincial Health Minister, Tyler Shandro, says Alberta’s health-care system is ready and already taking swift action.

“Measures to protect both the public and front-line health-care workers have been in place for weeks. I have full confidence that our front-line health-care workers are ready and able to handle this challenge.”

Health officials have so far confirmed cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, with several new cases announced today.

The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise good hygiene.

–This includes cleaning your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately, and staying home and away from others if you are sick.

–Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Health Link 811 to see if followup testing is required.

–For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.

Related information can be found at COVID-19 info for Albertans