CP file photo

By Alex McCuaig

Visitor was awaiting test results

Multiple Medicine Hat teenagers in quarantine after weekend Halloween party

Nov 4, 2020 | 11:57 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Multiple city teens are in quarantine after attending at least one Halloween party on Saturday that included an individual who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, according to multiple parents who have spoken to CHAT News about the event.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is not confirming the situation but issued a letter to 25 school boards across southern Alberta warning about the dangers of large social gatherings.

AHS says it can’t confirm whether or not there was an event in Medicine Hat that may have seen teens exposed to COVID-19 as it does not provide information which could identify a patient.

Parents of affected teens tell CHAT News the individual who tested positive was awaiting the results of that test at the time they visited the city on Saturday. The individual was in close contact with local teens at that time. Parents added they were informed of the situation on Sunday when the positive result of that test was revealed to them.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

21h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

AHS says in cases of large social gatherings in which individuals may have been exposed, the organizer of the event or health officials will notify those affected, how to get tested and stop the spread of the virus.

The city’s director of emergency manager is reminding the Medicine Hat public to remember to follow health protocols – wash your hands, stay home when sick and socially distance – to help stem the spread of the virus.

“This thing spreads and spreads fast,” said Merrick Brown. “I’m by no means a health expert but the numbers show it and the fact that once you get more cases, they exponentially increase.”

In the letter from AHS issued Tuesday and posted on local school boards’ websites, the health board is reminding the public of the requirements for social gatherings, “with restrictions of all indoor social events to no more than 50 persons and outdoor events with no seating to 100 persons.”

It also stated that such events should include illness screening, hand-hygiene and physical-distancing with masks being used if the latter requirement can not be adhered to.