(submitted photo/Alberta Health Services)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Health line experiencing high volumes as province reports seven more COVID-19 cases

Mar 10, 2020 | 3:37 PM

MEDICINE HAT , AB.- Just as the province is reporting seven new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, callers trying to dial 8-1-1 are reportedly having difficulties getting through.

In a statement to CHAT News Today, an AHS spokesperson says it’s due to higher than normal call volumes.

“We understand that this is frustrating for Albertans. We are experiencing extremely high call volumes, and our staff are doing their best to answer calls as quickly as possible.”

“Health Link has brought on more staff to answer 811 calls, and will continue to add staff as they are trained,” an AHS spokesperson said.

The province-wide service notes that alternatives are available for those seeking information.

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“We are aware of instances when all of our Health Link lines are in use. When that happens, a recording redirects people to information on the website. Again, we encourage people who cannot get through immediately to try again,” an AHS spokesperson said, adding that call volumes fluctuates by the hour.

The issue comes as the province is reporting seven new cases of the COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total to 14 – all of which are travel related.

Of the new cases, four are in the Calgary region with three being in Edmonton.

The individuals had traveled to various countries including France, the Netherlands, Egypt, Iran, Taiwan, Germany, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, the Philippines and the United States. A case identified on Monday was also on a Caribbean cruise traveling on the MS Braemar.