The Alberta Health Services website is a boon of information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and AHS is updating it as new information is available.
The good news is that there are no confirmed cases in Alberta at this time. However, the number of cases in Canada rose from 16 to 24 between Feb. 28 to March 1 and the cases have all been identified in Ontario and Vancouver.
“(It is) very accurate to say that the situation is being monitored regarding international trips,” said Aspen View Public Schools communications officer Ross Hunter. “We are gathering information from our tour operators.”
Hunter did not say if there was a final date for the trip to be cancelled however.
About COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause respiratory illness in people, ranging from mild common colds to severe illnesses. Others cause illness in animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and more rarely, these can then spread from person to person through close contact. Novel coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans.
COVID-19 is believed to be spread mainly by coughing, sneezing or direct contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or with surfaces they have recently touched.
The current risk for people in Alberta is still considered low, but higher risk applies to people who develop a fever and/or cough or shortness of breath and meet any of the following criteria outlined by AHS:
In the 14 days before illness onset, they travelled to the following areas: mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Iran, South Korea, Japan, or Italy; or had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19; or had close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who was in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Iran, South Korea, Japan or Italy within 14 days prior to illness onset.
It includes anyone who had laboratory exposure to biological material – primary clinical specimens or virus culture isolates – known to contain COVID-19 virus.
According to AHS a close contact is defined as “a person who provided care for the individual, including healthcare workers, family members or other caregivers, or who had other similar close physical contact with the person without consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.”
It includes “someone who lived with or otherwise had close prolonged contact (within 2 metres) with the person while they were infectious or had direct contact with infectious bodily fluids of the person (was coughed or sneezed on) while not wearing the recommended personal protective equipment.”
Athabasca County reeve Larry Armfelt feels everyone should exercise caution.
“Mobility of the county, town, schools and summer villages and normal tourism results in a large exchange of people,” he said. “It seems the more confined areas result in a higher possibility of contracting the virus.”
With no defining information about the spread of the virus it’s important for residents to take care of themselves he added.
“The biggest concern that we have is simply we really have no confirmation how it is spread,” Armfelt stated. “Until we receive more information and direction from the medical and health authorities, we want all of our people to be careful and concerned. The recommended information I have for all is – wash your hands well and often.”
Town of Athabasca mayor Colleen Powell echoed Armfelt’s concerns, noting that all levels of government have to rely on information from the scientists fighting the virus.
“We would have to rely on the healthcare system in town, the hospital and health unit, and the doctors in town and government to give us direction,” she said.
Athabasca Value Drug Mart proprietor and pharmacist Neil Cameron also cautioned that people have to be diligent with handwashing and staying informed.
Cameron said the outbreak is concerning overall but he is looking at the larger picture like the disruption in the supply chain that may affect the import of medicines manufactured in China.
“If you’ve travelled, be self-diligent,” he said, noting people should watch for fever and cough, but not to presume it’s COVID-19. “Don’t rush to judgement (if you get sick).”
He suggested people need to take proper precautions and check out the Government of Canada website and Centers of Disease Control and Preventions website CDC.gov to keep up on the latest information.
“We aren’t hearing a great number in people that are infected (in Canada) and that’s reassuring,” Cameron stated. “In everyday day-to-day activities, I’m not worried.”
Cameron noted there is a lot of fear because it’s an unknown; no one knows how it started, how long the virus can live outside the body, or how long it takes to actually get sick, adding the two-week quarantine is simply a person not showing symptoms for two weeks.
He did say that people with underlying health issues are more susceptible to any virus adding 2,500 people died in Canada in 2019 from influenza.
“I have faith in the system – if we start seeing an exponential increase, I’d start to get worried,” he added.
Cameron reiterated that people must properly use antibiotics when prescribed, following directions and using up the entire prescription.
Contact with a Suspected or Confirmed Case of COVID-19
Anyone who was in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days, regardless of which country they were in, is asked to limit contact with others for 14 days after contact and call the 811 Health Link to receive additional advice.
Prevention
To help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should:
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Wash your hands often and well
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Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
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Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
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When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
Symptoms
Symptoms for COVID-19 are similar to those for influenza or other respiratory illnesses. They can range from mild to severe and include:
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fever
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cough
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difficulty breathing
The majority of cases have reported mild symptoms. Older adults and people with medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease are more likely to become seriously ill.
You can follow the worldwide outbreak statistics in real time at https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @HLSox
