A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Jasper hospital.
The outbreak was declared on Friday, Nov. 27, after four individuals associated with the facility tested positive for COVID-19.
Contact tracing for anyone potentially exposed to these individuals is ongoing and the situation is under review by the medical officer of health, Infection Prevention and Control specialists, site leadership and Alberta Health Services Workplace Health and Safety.
Any patient with symptoms, or who has tested positive for COVID-19, is isolated and treated in designated rooms.
"Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre remains a safe place to receive care 鈥� there is no increased risk to patients in the hospital," Shelly Willsey, AHS communications director in an email.
She said all AHS facilities, including the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre, follow rigorous Infection Prevention and Control standards.
All healthcare workers are asked to self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure risk using a screening tool before reporting to a site for their shift, and frontline teams practice continuous masking while at work.
Patients within the hospital will continue to receive the treatment, care and support they need.
But to keep everyone safe, only designated family or support persons will be allowed to visit in end-of-life or other extenuating circumstances.
Visitors entering the hospital are instructed to follow all appropriate measures.
"These restrictions are in place, minimizing any risk of transmission from outside of the hospital," Willsey said.
For visitation information and restrictions at AHS healthcare facilities, go online to
Cases in Jasper
There are currently 31 active cases of COVID-19 in Jasper, according Alberta Health's latest numbers, released Nov. 29.
One case is connected to Jasper Elementary School, confirmed Nov. 24 in a letter to parents, guardians and staff from principal Jodi Campbell.
Another is linked to Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge. This case was confirmed Nov. 29 by Kristin Chambers, CAO of the Evergreens Foundation, in a letter to residents, staff and family members.
Chambers said the single case put the lodge on 'Outbreak Status'.
The resident who tested positive for the virus has been in isolation since Nov. 24 and the Evergreens Foundation is contacting anyone who may be deemed a close contact with the person.
Chambers said no other resident or staff were showing COVID-19 symptoms, but all Alberta Health Services and Evergreens staff, and anyone deemed a close contact, have been tested for the virus and in a 14-day isolation.
"We realize that being upgraded to a Confirmed Outbreak is extremely worrisome and will be a source of anxiety for all our residents, their families, and our staff," Chambers said.
"With strict isolation guidelines in place, limited movement of staff, strict visitor restrictions, and proper use of personal protection equipment, we will get through this outbreak together."
For confidentiality reasons, no further information about individual cases is released by Alberta Health. This includes whether cases are from a known source or community transmission
Alberta Health is struggling to keep up with contact tracing due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the province. Priority is given to cases that may have impacted healthcare workers, schools, or large gatherings.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and need help with symptoms or contact tracing, call the Cottage Medical Clinic at 780-852-4885 for a virtual appointment.
An update will be provided at 3:30 p.m. today (Nov. 30) on , along with , chief medical officer of health.
