World News
Alberta activates Level 2 protocols as precaution over coronavirus emergency
Alberta’s alert level has been increased as a precaution, as concerns about the new coronavirus mount around the globe. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, says there are no probable or confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Alberta. (Peter Evans/CBC)Alberta’s alert level has been increased as a precaution, as concerns about…
Alberta's alert level has been increased as a precaution, as concerns about the new coronavirus mount around the globe.
Alberta's alert level has been increased as a precaution, as concerns about the new coronavirus mount around the globe.
There are three confirmed cases in Canada and over 9,000 worldwide. More than 200 people in China have died.
The World Health Organization's decision to declare a public health emergency prompted Alberta to activate its own emergency response protocols.
The provincial operations centre is now at Level 2 of four levels. Level 2 is used when there is a potential significant disruption to a community.
“The risk remains low, but we are prepared,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health.
She said there are no probable or confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Alberta, and while this step is precautionary, it will make communication easier and help health officials respond if cases do show up.
“Today we are still focusing on containment, and the level of alert that's been raised is simply to flag that we need to concentrate our efforts, work closely internationally and to consider being ready if the situation were to change,” Hinshaw said.
People should call Health Link (811) or their doctor if they're feeling sick and have recently travelled where the coronavirus is known to be circulating.
The United States announced its first case of person-to person transmission on Thursday — the first non-travel related case in North America.
The province isn't saying how many Albertans have been tested so far.
When the new coronavirus is suspected, people are kept in isolation — either in hospital or at home — while the provincial lab conducts tests.
The University of Calgary is temporarily suspending all university-related travel to China.
And the Canadian government is advising against nonessential travel to China.
The Calgary Board of Education said it's taking direction from Alberta Health Services regarding precautions.
There are no student trips to China in the works, and one staff member who was planning a trip has been advised to postpone it, the CBE said.
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