Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw addressed the province via a tele-conference on March 16th, from her home where she continues to self-isolate as she awaits testing for the COVID-19 virus. 

Dr. Hinshaw said that even though her symptoms are mild, and did not include fever or other symptoms directly related to COVID-19, she said it is important for people to take their self-isolation seriously. 

"This is another part of our new normal. Even without a lab test, these [self-isolation] steps are important to take pro-actively," she said. 

As of Monday, March 16th, the total number of cases in Alberta has risen to 74. Dr. Hinshaw stated that confirmed cases have now been found in every health zone of Alberta. 

To watch the full conference, click here. 

Enacting measures to expedite COVID-19 support

Government will introduce motions to expedite the passing of budget legislation necessary for front-line spending to combat the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Today, Government House Leader Jason Nixon laid out government’s plans to address the immediate health needs of Albertans.

“We are living in unprecedented times. The situation around the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating and ever-changing. We need to ensure funding is available for the front-line health-care workers whose presence will be critical in treating Albertans who become seriously ill as we also call on all Albertans to reduce transmission and help flatten the curve of the virus’s progression, to spread those cases and the burden on the health system over a longer time. In addition, we need to be certain that other essential government services are fully funded going forward in order to ensure these services are available to Albertans during this challenging time.” - Jason Nixon, Government House Leader

Today, government will give notice of several motions that will expedite the passing of Budget 2020 Bills 5 and 6 and allow for evening sittings to occur to speed up the progress of these important pieces of legislation. There is a very real chance that the legislative assembly will be forced to adjourn with little notice, given the pandemic. The motion will provide critical funding to keep front-line services operating while also allowing for flexibility in terms of adjourning and recalling the legislature, as needed.