Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw issued a statement today (February 24) for Albertans about the coronavirus. 

"There are still no cases of the novel coronavirus in Alberta. There have been 10 cases to date in Canada, and I know that many of you may have questions. I want to assure you that the risk of exposure remains low in Alberta.

“As we head into the third month since the novel coronavirus emerged, it's important to remember that global health challenges like this can take a while to resolve. We continue to monitor events across Canada and around the world. We continue to prepare in case the situation changes, and I can assure you that our health system is ready to respond if needed.

She provides a few actions concerned Albertans can take. 

“First, I encourage you to stick to reliable sources for information about the coronavirus. Both Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services update their pages daily with information on the virus, as well as useful advice for returning travellers, schools, employers and healthcare workers.

“Second, although the current risk in Alberta is low, this could be an opportunity for businesses and employers to look at business continuity plans, using information from resources like the Respiratory Viruses and the Workplace bulletin linked on the Alberta Health coronavirus webpage under “employers”. Whether or not COVID-19 arrives in Alberta, using chances like this to review plans helps to prepare for any kind of disruption to usual business.

“Third, I encourage you to intentionally build good hygiene habits, which can help protect yourself and others around you against novel coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses, like influenza, which is currently in our communities. Wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face with unwashed hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.

“Finally, I would ask that you don’t make assumptions about a person’s risk based on their ethnicity or country of origin, and by reminding others of this as well. We are stronger together.

"We continue to closely monitor the situation and will take all necessary steps to support your health.”