By Canadian Press

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Head of Saskatchewan medical group says he got COVID-19 at doctors’ bonspiel in Edmonton

Mar 19, 2020 | 4:08 PM

REGINA — An investigation is underway in at least two provinces after a Saskatchewan doctor who attended a curling bonspiel in Edmonton tested positive for COVID-19.

Dr. Allan Woo, president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, said in a letter to members that he tested positive for the virus on Wednesday night.

“I attended a curling bonspiel held March 11-14 in Edmonton,” he said in the letter Thursday. “This bonspiel is an annual event that usually attracts 50-60 physicians from Western Canada.

“I believe I contracted the COVID-19 virus at this bonspiel.”

Woo is one of four new presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing the total in the province to 20.

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The Ministry of Health said three of the new infections are related to travel, with the other being a close contact of a previously reported case.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said he’s spoken to Dr. Woo and got his permission to confirm the positive test.

“Beyond that, I would not like to discuss any particular details of any case in terms of exposures,” he told reporters in Regina on Thursday. “Having said that, if we know that there is more than one case related to an event, we will be disclosing that.”

Shahab said he has confirmed there was an event in Edmonton that a number of doctors and others attended.

“This investigation involves two provinces at least,” he said. “All of the information is being collected and communicated to all the provinces from where people may have come to that event.

“Details are sought about where each of the participants were, did certain people sit together as a group and mix more than others, and based on that a determination will be made shortly — in a day or two — does this involve all people who attended?”

Shahab said all of the participants have been alerted about the positive tests, meaning they will be required to be in self-isolation until further details are known.

“It does not mean everyone will be identified as a close contact,” he said.

Doctors Manitoba said in an emailed statement that the organization is aware of three doctors from Manitoba who participated in the bonspiel.

“All three are self-isolating,” said the statement. “Public health officials would assess those present and provide advice about testing and self-isolation.”

Woo said in his letter that his diagnosis is a reminder that physicians are not invincible.

“The risks of this pandemic are far too real,” he wrote. “I hope my personal situation serves as a signal for all health-care workers, and others, to be vigilant about their health.

“Everyone needs to take precautions and self-monitor for any symptoms.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2020

— With files from Colette Derworiz in Edmonton and Kelly Geraldine Malone in Winnipeg

Stephanie Taylor, The Canadian Press