Coronavirus info for Albertans

As a precautionary measure, people returning from mainland China should follow these steps.

Returning from Hubei Province

If you have returned from Hubei province, we recommend that you isolate yourself until 14 days have passed since that visit. We recommend this even if you are feeling well. This is a precautionary move only.

You can isolate yourself by following these self-isolation guidelines:

• avoid close contact with other people, especially those with chronic conditions, a compromised immune system, or seniors
• do not attend work, school, social events or any other public gatherings
• watch for symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing in yourself or a family member
• call Health Link 811 if any symptoms begin

Returning from other parts of mainland China

If you returned from mainland China outside of Hubei province, we are not recommending self-isolation. However, you should:

• monitor yourself for symptoms like fever or cough daily for 14 days after you have left mainland China
• contact Health Link 811 for medical advice if you or a family member:
  • feel ill after returning
  • were in contact with someone diagnosed with novel coronavirus
  • were in a health-care facility in mainland China

Departing travellers

If you are travelling to China or another affected country, consult the:

• Travel Health Notice for China before leaving the country
• World Health Organization's bulletins for updated travel advice

Alberta public health officials are recommending the following actions as a precaution:

• If a student has visited China’s Hubei province in the last 14 days, it is recommended that they self-isolate until two weeks have passed since that visit. This is recommended even if they are feeling well.
• If a student has travelled to mainland China outside of Hubei province in the last 14 days and they are feeling well, self-isolation is not recommended at this time. However, if the student has symptoms such as cough or fever, their parents are advised to keep the child home and call Health Link 811.
• If a student has travelled to mainland China outside of Hubei province in the last 14 days, and was in contact with someone who was suspected or confirmed to have the novel coronavirus or if they were in a health-care facility while travelling, their parents are advised to call Health Link 811, even if the student is feeling well, to discuss additional precautions.

If a student does not meet the exposure criteria above, they do not need to stay away from school and they will likely not be tested for COVID-19 as they do not meet the testing criteria. Therefore, requesting that the student provide a physician’s note is not appropriate. For health-related questions or concerns, please call Health Link at 811.

• Albert Health memo to school superintendents (PDF, 71 KB)

Alberta public health officials are recommending the following actions as a precaution:

• If employees have visited China’s Hubei province in the last 14 days, it is recommended they isolate themselves until two weeks have passed since that visit. This is recommended even if they are feeling well.
• If employees have travelled to mainland China in the last 14 days and they are feeling well, self-isolation is not recommended at this time, however they are advised to call Health Link 811 if they have symptoms such as cough or fever.
• If employees have travelled to mainland China and were in contact with someone who was suspected or confirmed to have the novel coronavirus or if they were in a health-care facility, they are advised to call Health Link 811, even if they are feeling well, to discuss additional precautions.

If an employee does not meet the exposure criteria above, they do not need to stay away from work, and do not need any testing or a physician’s note to attend work.

Resource:

• Respiratory viruses and the workplace: OHS information for employers, supervisors and workers

Although travel-related cases may be identified, the risk for Albertans is still considered low. Public health measures are in place to quickly identify potential cases and prevent the infection from spreading.

Influenza and other common viruses remain the most likely cause of a respiratory infection. To protect yourself and others:

• use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing
• cover coughs and sneezes
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
• contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health

Wearing medical masks

• Masks can be very important in certain situations. When sick, wearing a mask helps prevent us from passing illnesses on to other people. This is why we ask people who have a cough or respiratory symptoms to wear a mask and wash their hands when visiting an emergency department or clinic. The WHO recommends medical masks in these settings, if used properly.
• If you are healthy, medical masks are not recommended as they don't provide full protection and can create a false sense of security.
• See appropriate infection prevention and control precautions for health-care settings.

Symptoms for the novel coronavirus are similar to those for influenza or other respiratory illnesses. They can range from mild to severe and include:

• fever
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• pneumonia and kidney failure

Most cases have reported mild symptoms. However, there is a risk of death in severe cases.

For now, there is no specific vaccine for this strain of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Supportive care has been used in treatment of patients with COVID-19 and some medications are being tested to see if they can help patients with severe disease.

Consult Health Link 811 or your health care provider if you're:

• concerned about your health, or
• feeling ill and recently travelled to China or another affected area