Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
While coronavirus is spreading around the world, with 30 confirmed or probable cases in Canada and nine deaths in the US, Alberta鈥檚 risk level is still 鈥榣ow鈥�.
According to the Government of Alberta, 173 people have been tested in the province for the virus but none have been positive.
The province is 鈥渁cting out of an excess of caution鈥� and testing people even if the likelihood of exposure is small or improbable.
Alberta鈥檚 Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said March 3: 鈥淥ver the last few days, there have been significant developments occurring around the world. We are actively monitoring these developments and continually assessing the health risks to Albertans.鈥�
Hinshaw said the most important testing is for travellers returning from areas of high risk, which have been done for many weeks with no positive results.聽
Hinshaw said: 鈥淭o enhance this, we are looking at expanded community testing as an added precaution.
鈥淭he 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.鈥�
On Monday, the government recommended that anyone who has visited Iran in the last 14 days should voluntarily isolate themselves until two weeks have passed since their visit, even if they are feeling well.
Returning travellers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Italy are also asked to monitor their symptoms for 14 days after returning. If they begin to feel ill, they should immediately self-isolate at that time and call Health Link by dialling 811.
Hinshaw said: 鈥淚 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.鈥�
