Nobody operates in isolation. That was part of the message given during Aug. 24th's COVID-19 provincial update. Staying vigilant and protecting the elderly from infection, back to school season and rural Alberta were some of the topics discussed by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.

In terms of back to school season, Hinshaw spoke of family groups and exposing older people to young children who are going back to school.

“While children are less likely to have severe outcomes with this virus, they can pass it on to older family members who are more susceptible to severe outcomes. Albertans have a civic responsibility to protect our elders, which unfortunately means considering moving to virutal visits with grandma and grandpa as school starts up.” she said.

In terms of younger adults, Hinshaw spoke of an invincible mindset of some people.

“It is easy to feel invincible and believe that COVID-19 is only a concern for older Albertans it is easy to forget the virus’ potential to cause harm if you don’t know someone who has suffered from it,” said Hinshaw.

“Because of the way the virus is spreading in your age group, you are now more likely to pass on this virus unknowingly and to do so rapidly. We are seeing this in Edmonton right now,” she said.

Keeping a small circle of friends for young adults is important to, to stop the spread of the virus.

“Be wise, wear a mask, maintain distance,” she said telling people to keep groups small to reduce the risk of exposure.

Hinshaw explained that the virus can also be found in rural Alberta.

“It can be easy to think of COVID-19 as a city problem,” she said.

“There are 185 active cases right now outside of Edmonton and Calgary,” said Hinshaw. “There are a number of rural communities with high case rates in comparison to their population,” she said.

“COVID-19 is not limited to any one region in the province,” she said. She asked people to stay home and away from others when they are sick.

She encouraged all Albertans to be respectful of smaller communities. Hinshaw said, “we all still have a responsibility to protect one another.”