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Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health - Gov't of Alberta

Alberta Health Service reports new cases of COVID-19 in the province

Mar 11, 2020 | 4:15 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — There are five new cases of COVID-19 in the province, taking the number to 19, and all the cases are related to travel.

The newly confirmed cases had returned from visiting a range of countries, including Iran, Egypt, Spain, Mexico and the United States.

One of the confirmed cases involves an Edmonton man in his thirties who recently returned from international travel and started experiencing symptoms a number of days after returning. He received previously scheduled, unrelated treatment at Misericordia Hospital on March 6 and 7, before testing positive for COVID-19 on March 9. He is now self-isolating.

The other confirmed cases involve a man in his twenties and two women in their thirties from the Calgary zone. A female in her thirties from Central zone has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Beginning Friday, returning passengers at all Canadian airports will have to go through a screening process

As well, travellers who have visited Italy in the last 14 days are being asked to self-isolate until two weeks have passed since that visit. These individuals should stay home and away from others, even if they are feeling well. Similar precautions are already in place for travellers returning from Iran and Hubei province, China.

All travellers returning from outside Canada should monitor their health for 14 days after coming home. If they develop symptoms, they should self-isolate immediately and call Health Link 811.

People aged 65 or older or those with weakened immune systems should not travel abroad for the time being.

While the risk of catching COVID-19 within the province remains low at this time, this may change in the future.

All Albertans are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.