By Alex McCuaig

COVID-19 fatality

Alberta records first COVID-19 fatality, Medicine Hat West Jet passengers at risk of exposure

Mar 19, 2020 | 3:45 PM

EDMONTON – The province is reporting its first COVID-19 death and 27 new confirmed cases while a Calgary to Medicine Hat flight has now been added to the list of those with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Individuals on flight WS3015 on March 12, specifically rows 32 to 38, should self isolate and monitor themselves for symptoms.

“This is a dangerous virus,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw during her daily update on Thursday, adding while some may see only mild symptoms, “it can make others very sick.”

The first COVID-19 fatality was a man in his 60s from the Edmonton region with underlining medical conditions and is suspected to have acquired the virus through community transmission. Hinshaw extended her condolences to the family.

Asked how many fatalities can be expected in Alberta, Hinshaw replied, “that depends on us,” and the ability to maintain hand washing and social distancing.

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“It’s up to us to keep that low.”

Regarding reports of individuals who meet the requirements to self-isolate for two weeks but aren’t following recommendations, Hinshaw stressed for people not to call 911 or 811. She stated there is work being done through Alberta Justice on this issue.

For now, she said individuals should, “encourage these individuals to do the right thing.”

Alberta’s South Health Zone is now reporting an additional case bring the total to three including at least one in Medicine Hat.

Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 6, the virus has exponentially spread over the last 13 days with Thursday’s total reaching146.

The majority of cases have been in Calgary which has reported 101 infected with COVID-19 in the city and surrounding region.

Edmonton reported it’s first case on March 8 but the spread has been slower and more dispersed around the health zone which includes the rural counties surrounding the city and is recording 29 infections.

Four cases are being reported in AHS’s Central Zone with the North Zone now reporting 10 cases.