Alberta just confirmed its second presumptive case of COVID-19

The Province of Alberta has confirmed the second presumptive case of COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, in Alberta.

According to a provincial release, a man in his 40s who lives in Edmonton tested positive for the virus in tests done at a provincial lab.

The case will not be officially confirmed until tests are completed at a national lab, athough officials have already begun identifying those who have been in close contact with the man and asking them to self-isolate at home, during which time they will be closely monitored by public health officials.

• See also:
  • Alberta’s first presumptive case of coronavirus has been detected
  • 8 new presumptive cases of coronavirus confirmed in BC
  • Here’s what Alberta is doing to prepare for the risk of coronavirus

This marks the first presumptive case in Edmonton and the second in Alberta, as a woman in her 50s tested positive at a provincial lab on March 5. She is in self-isolation in Calgary.

“While I know some Albertans may be concerned by a second case, this is not unexpected,” said Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, in the release.

“The risk to Albertans is still considered low. We have already isolated this individual and are taking swift action to implement immediate precautions to prevent the infection from spreading.”

The man had recently travelled to Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio before returning to Alberta on February 28.

The release also noted Alberta is expanding testing protocols, with all travellers returning from outside Canada being asked to monitor themselves for symptoms.

Anyone who does experience flu-like symptoms should self-isolate and call 811 to arrange testing.

“The risk of exposure is still considered low in Alberta,” the release states, “however this may change over the coming weeks, and if it does, we will communicate this to Albertans.”