There are now seven confirmed cases of the virus in Alberta. These individuals are all recovering in isolation at home with support from public health officials.
“These cases were detected thanks to the aggressive public health measures and expanded testing that we have put in place. By acting quickly to isolate close contacts of COVID-19 cases, we help prevent the virus’s spread and protect Albertans. While additional cases will likely be detected in the coming days, Albertans can trust that we are doing everything we can to protect their health.”
“Alberta and the rest of Canada are working extremely hard to detect and isolate COVID-19 to limit the spread in our communities. I have every faith in our dedicated health-care providers and remind all Albertans that medical experts still consider the risk level to be low in our province.”
Case 5 is a woman in her seventies who lives in the Edmonton zone. She is a close contact of an Edmonton zone man with COVID-19, who was announced on March 8. She was also on-board a Grand Princess Cruise before returning home on Feb. 21. Her symptoms started after returning to Alberta.
Case 6 is a man in his thirties from the Calgary zone. He is a close contact of the Calgary zone woman announced as a case of COVID-19 on March 8. He had travelled to Ukraine, Netherlands and Turkey and returned to Alberta on March 2. His symptoms started after his return.
Case 7 is a woman in her fifties from the Calgary zone. She was on-board the MS Braemar cruise ship from Feb. 11 to March 4. She developed symptoms after her return home and was tested at an assessment centre on March 8.
Public health investigations into these new cases are underway. Close contacts have been identified and are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days. These individuals will be monitored for symptoms during this time.
All cases of COVID-19 announced in Alberta are now confirmed. Positive samples tested by Alberta laboratories no longer require further confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory.
Alberta continues to ask all returning travellers from outside Canada to monitor their health and, if they experience symptoms of fever or cough, to immediately self-isolate and call Health Link 811.
Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home and not visit hospitals, long-term care facilities or supportive living accommodations. People in these locations are at the highest risk of complications from COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Albertans are strongly encouraged to visit alberta.ca/COVID19 for advice on preparing for COVID-19, testing and other useful information.
Quick facts
- The current risk of being exposed to COVID-19 in Alberta is low.
- The most important measure that Albertans can take to prevent COVID-19 is to practise good hygiene.
- This includes cleaning your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately, and especially staying home and away from others if you are sick.
- Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 linked to recent travel should contact Health Link 811 to see if followup testing is required.