Minister of Health provides update on coronavirus in Alberta

There have been seven confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Canada so far — with two more confirmed cases in BC as of this afternoon — but Alberta is currently free of the virus.

Alberta’s Minister of Health Tyler Shandro provided an update for Albertans on Twitter on Thursday morning, stating that, while the risk is low, precautions are still being taken.

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“Health officials are recommending that anyone who has been in Hubei province, China, in the last 14 days should self-isolate themselves until two weeks have passed from their visit. This means staying at home and avoiding work or social gatherings,” Shandro wrote in a series of tweets.

There are still no cases of the novel coronavirus in Alberta. The risk to Albertans is still low, but we’re taking the necessary steps to protect your health and ensure our health system is prepared. For the latest updates and info, visit https://t.co/Co6TbU4Peq

— Tyler Shandro (@shandro) February 6, 2020

“This is the approach being taken across Canada. We are acting out of an abundance of caution, which has been Alberta’s approach all along.”

He believes that this precautionary self-isolation will impact only a very small group, given the number of travel restrictions already put into place in China.

“Travellers to other parts of mainland China do not have to stay home, but can call Healthlink if they feel ill,” he tweeted.

According to Alberta Health Services, a total of 18 people have been tested for novel coronavirus in Alberta, with all tests coming back negative.

More information on how novel coronavirus is transmitted, prevented, and treated is available at the AHS website.