Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping tests positive for COVID-19

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping confirmed on Monday afternoon that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Copping wrote on Twitter that, after displaying mild symptoms of the virus last week, he took a rapid test, which came back positive.

The health minister says that he is now isolating at home. He urged Albertans to stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms and to take a rapid test if they can.

After displaying mild symptoms last week, I have taken a rapid test and tested positive. I am now isolating at home.

Please stay home if you have symptoms, and take a rapid test if you can. /1

— Jason Copping (@JasonCoppingAB) January 17, 2022

In a second tweet, Copping added, “I urge any Albertan who hasn’t gotten immunized or still needs a booster to consider doing so.”

“Reports suggest fully vaccinated individuals are 19 times less likely to end up in the hospital with Omicron than unvaccinated individuals,” continued Copping.

I urge any Albertan who hasn’t gotten immunized or still needs a booster to consider doing so.

Reports suggest fully vaccinated individuals are 19 times less likely to end up in the hospital with Omicron than unvaccinated individuals. /2

— Jason Copping (@JasonCoppingAB) January 17, 2022

Copping has been the Alberta Health Minister since September 21, 2021, when he took over the role from the current minister of labour and immigration, Tyler Shandro.

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On Monday, Alberta reported 15,886 new cases of COVID-19 found in the province since Friday. There are currently 1,007 individuals in hospital with the virus, including 94 in intensive care.