“Our top priority is the health of Albertans. There continue to be no probable or confirmed cases in Alberta. The risk to Albertans of catching the novel coronavirus is very low.

“We are committed to working with all of our health partners to ensure proven processes and well-trained teams are in place to both protect the public and respond if COVID-19 should arrive in our province.

“I understand that there has been concern expressed by some physicians that they are not receiving enough information about the role of primary care in the response. This is a concern, and we will work to ensure that our communications and coordinated planning efforts reach all health-care providers who will be impacted by COVID-19.

“Since January, Alberta Health has been working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), among others, to provide information and guidance to physicians on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. Department staff are meeting weekly with all key health professional colleges to ensure they are aware of the planning underway and to get their assistance in sharing important information with their members.

“As a physician, I know that health professionals must be properly informed. Information is being shared on a regular – sometimes even daily ­– basis, including a new FAQ for primary care providers that was shared today. We continue working closely with AHS, the Alberta Medical Association, the CPSA and the Alberta College of Family Physicians to provide regular information to physicians.

“We are committed to working with all other health-care providers to ensure a collaborative response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak. We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure Alberta’s health system is prepared.”