No confirmed cases of coronavirus in Alberta as testing continues
Testing for potential cases of COVID-19 is continuing across the province as health professionals continue to monitor the risk to Albertans.
Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw says there remain to be no confirmed or probable cases in the province.
“There are still no confirmed or probable cases in our province,” said Hinshaw in a press conference on Monday.
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“The risk of Albertans catching COVID-19 in our province remains low at this time. However, with increasing spread around the world, it is even more likely that we will eventually see cases in Alberta.”
The province has completed 173 tests as of February 28, all of which were negative.
The Government of Canada has also issued a travel advisory for Iran, due to the swift spread of the disease.
Hinshaw, says anyone who has visited Iran in the last two weeks should voluntarily isolate themselves for 14 days “even if they are feeling well.”
“Anyone in Alberta who has returned from Iran in the last 14 days should call Health Link at 811 to get information about self-isolation and our recommendations,” says Hinshaw.
Travellers also from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Italy are also being asked to monitor their symptoms for 14 days after returning.
“I continue to urge Albertans to practice good hygiene habits like staying home when sick and covering coughs and sneezes to protect others. It may seem odd that regularly washing hands and avoiding touching your face can protect you from a serious illness, but it works,” says Hinshaw.
Hinshaw recommends Albertans take precautions to stay home and not to visit hospitals or long-term care facilities when feeling sick, because outbreaks take time to unfold.
“New cases will continue to be confirmed around the world, and additional evidence will continue to emerge in the weeks ahead. If additional steps are needed in the future, we will take them.”
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