Alberta Health has announced two more presumptive cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Alberta bringing the total to four in the province.

The announcement was made in a news conference Sunday morning held by Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw who says both cases are travel related.

Case 3 is a male in his 60's who lives in the Edmonton zone and was on the Grand Princess cruise ship in California arriving home on February 21st.

Case 4 is a woman in her 30's from the Calgary zone who reportedly had close contact with someone that had recently returned from travel to the Ukraine, Turkey and the Netherlands. This individual also lives in Alberta and health officials are waiting for results from testing on that person.

Hinshaw says public health investigations into these new cases have already begun and any persons with possible close contact with the individuals are being identified and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

A release from Alberta Health states health officials will actively monitor these individuals for symptoms during this time. Both cases are recovering in isolation at home with support from public health officials.

Hinshaw points out the proactive work from healthcare professionals is working to reduce the spread of the disease in our province.

"I want Albertans to understand that our public health measures are doing precisely what they were intended to do: detect new cases and take immediate action. These individuals have been isolated and actions are being taken to prevent the infection from spreading. Given the global spread of COVID-19, it is likely that new cases will continue to be detected in the days ahead. While the current risk of exposure to the virus remains low in Alberta, this may change in the coming weeks." said Hinshaw.

She advises any Albertans' returning from travel anywhere outside the country to monitor their health for fever or cough and if any symptoms appear people are asked to self-isolate and then call 811 health-link for assessment and follow up.

Dr. Hinshaw says the first presumptive case found in Alberta last Thursday has now been confirmed as positive for the disease.

Minister of Health, Tyler Shandro says this is a very fast-moving, constantly changing situation, but Alberta is working closely with the rest of Canada to protect the public health.

"The health system is taking every available measure to respond to COVID-19. I want to express my deep appreciation for the many health-care providers who are mobilizing to address the risks of COVID-19," stated Shandro.

While the risk of catching COVID-19 within the province remains low at this time, Alberta continues widespread testing and aggressive public health measures.

Further information and guidance around prevention can be found at alberta.ca/COVID19.

 

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