Risk of coronoavirus low in Alberta

By Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean Times Contributor

As of Jan. 31, 18 people in Alberta have been tested for a novel (new) coronavirus, but none have been positive.
On Feb. 3, officials stated the risk to Albertans contracting the virus is low.
“The risk to Albertans remains low, but we have taken the necessary steps to ensure Alberta’s health system is prepared,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health. “Public health measures are in place to quickly identify potential cases and prevent the infection from spreading.”
The virus, first discovered in a resident from Wuhan, China, has spread to at least 25 countries as of Feb. 2. Canada has had four positive cases of the virus with three in Ontario and one in British Columbia.
Coronaviruses are part of a larger family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to acute respiratory problems. The novel coronavirus is a new strain within the same family.
Researchers know the virus originated from animals but have yet to discover which ones. Hinshaw said the novelty of this virus is prone to cause more fear than things we have a better understanding of, like common colds.
Experts do know the novel coronavirus is spread by human contact and is best prevented by frequent handwashing and covering one’s mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing. Alberta Health Services (AHS) also recommends staying home when ill to avoid spreading germs.
Meanwhile, AHS reported on Jan. 30 that 20 people in Alberta have died from influenza (influenza A and influenza B) so far this season. In the Calgary zone, which covers Strathmore and Wheatland County, AHS reported 1,949 cases of influenza confirmed by lab tests. Just over 300 people have been hospitalized in the region and two deaths were reported.
Over 583,000 people in the Calgary zone opted to receive their flu vaccines as of Jan. 30, 2020.