Alberta has its first presumptive case of Covid 19 or the Coronavirus.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health says the patient is a woman from the Calgary zone.

"The individual is a woman in her 50's who appears to have contracted the virus while aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship in California," she says. "The individual who lives in the Calgary Zone returned on February 21. She has been isolated at home since February 28. The individual is recovering at home and is expected to make a full recovery"

Dr. Hinshaw says it's known what the woman did or where she may have gone during the week between returning home and receiving the diagnosis. AHS officials are still working to determine that.

There were other Albertans on the ship and AHS is working with the federal government to get a passenger list.

"Public health officials are reaching out to all individuals who may have been in contact with this person, assessing their health and instructing them to stay at home for 14 days after their last contact with this person. Anyone who had close contact who has symptoms will be tested," she says.

Dr. Hinshaw says it's still very important to wash your hands and make sure not to touch your face to keep from passing on any illness.

"Again at present the most important recommendation I would have is, as I've been saying for weeks, an Albertan who a fever and cough should stay home, because whether it's influenza or anything else we don't want to spread that."

She says the risk for Albertans is still considered low.

From the Government of Alberta:

The individual is a woman in her fifties who lives in the Calgary zone. The case is travel-related and she is recovering in isolation at home with support from public health officials.

“We take this extremely seriously, and are doing all we can to minimize risk and to keep Albertans safe. While some may be concerned, I remind Albertans that the risk is still low in our province. We are already taking the necessary precautions to prevent the infection from spreading.” Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“Alberta’s health-care system is ready and already taking swift action. Measures to protect both the public and front-line health-care workers have been in place for weeks. I have full confidence that our front-line health-care workers are ready and able to handle this challenge.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health.

The affected individual had recently returned from travel on board a Grand Princess cruise ship in California. Officials detected the case on March 5.

Health officials are currently identifying close contacts of this individual. They will also be asked to self-isolate at home, away from the public, and will be closely monitored by public health officials. If they do develop symptoms, health officials will coordinate getting them into care immediately while ensuring that the public and health-care workers are not exposed.

Health officials are asking anyone who has returned from a Grand Princess Cruise to Alberta in the last two weeks to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since their visit.

Since January, Alberta’s public health officials have been working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada and other partners to monitor COVID-19 and assess public health risks.

Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services will continue to closely monitor the situation, conduct surveillance and appropriate laboratory testing, and provide public health and infection control guidance.

The risk is still considered low in Alberta.

Quick facts

  • The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including 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 staying home and away from others if you are sick.
  • Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Health Link 811 to see if followup testing is required.
  • For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.

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