By Alex McCuaig

Hinshaw Update

Medicine Hat reports first COVID-19 case, new restrictions for care facilities, dental conference attendees to immediately self-isolate

Mar 18, 2020 | 5:28 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta is conducting the most COVID-19 testing of any jurisdiction, per capital, in North America, Deena Hinshaw said during the province’s chief medical officers daily update on Wednesday.

Medicine Hat is also reporting its first case of COVID-19, according to the Alberta government.

Hinshaw is also stressing anyone in the province who attended the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver earlier this month immediately self-isolate until March 22 as there has been seven cases identified from the meeting.

She said she understands she is making decisions which pit, “lives against livelihoods,” and does not take those decisions lightly. But, Hinshaw added, it’s important for Albertans show kindness to each other during trying times.

To Albertans who are self isolating, Hinshaw stated, “thank you. Your actions are life saving for others.”

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She also announced stricter restrictions for visitors to hospitals and care facilities, stating there should be only one visitor at a time and children are being prohibited unless under exceptional circumstances.

Since yesterday’s update, 22 new cases of suspected COVID-19 cases have been identified brining the provincial total to 119 with six believed to be community transmitted.

Of that provincial total, two cases are now being reported in Alberta Health Services’ South Zone – one in Medicine Hat and one in south Lethbridge.

Six individuals are currently hospitalized with three of those being in intensive care units.

All non-urgent scheduled and elective surgeries as well as all non-emergency dental treatment are suspended.

More information regarding a range of topics relating to COVID-19 in Alberta can be found here.