It's up to all Albertans to protect those who are most vulnerable, says Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw – even those with a mild illness who spread it to others could cause "a chain of transmission" that could lead to the death of someone else.
Hinshaw's words came as the province confirmed a man in his 60s who had underlying health conditions has died from COVID-19 – the first virus-related death reported in the province.
The man was admitted to intensive care in the Edmonton zone on March 12, after contracting the virus in the community (as opposed to while travelling). He passed away late yesterday, March 18.
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"This is extremely sad news, and all of us involved in Alberta's COVID-19 response feel this very deeply," Hinshaw said, noting the man's family is receiving support from Alberta Health Services.
"As heartbreaking as this is, it was expected. This is a dangerous virus."
New resources about how to practice social distancing have been posted online. Tips include shopping during off-peak hours, wiping down baskets and shopping carts before and after using them, and sanitizing your hands when you get off public transit.
The province confirmed 27 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 146 confirmed cases. Seven people became sick with the virus through community transmission, one is still being confirmed.
Five people are currently receiving treatment in hospital, two are in intensive care.
While most people only experience mild symptoms with COVID-19, it can be fatal for seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
"I know this news is frightening, and will add to people's anxiety. We are doing all we can to fight the spread of this virus," Hinshaw said.
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"This is why we have taken the extreme measures we have. We will get through this."
Hinshaw urged Albertans to take the measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 seriously, which include restrictions on mass gatherings, recreation facilities, and limitations on restaurant capacity.
"Do your best to limit your social interactions, and practice social distancing," she said.
"These measures are hard on all of us. I urge you to take them seriously. We must continue to stand strong together, even from a distance."
The president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association who tested positive for COVID-19 is thought to have contracted the virus from the Western Canadian Doctors Curling Bonspiel from March 12 to 14 at the Granite Curling Club in Edmonton.
There were about 72 curlers at the event, with 45 attendees at the banquet. Hinshaw said Alberta Health Services is reaching out to all participants and asking them to self-isolate. It is believed the virus was introduced by someone who had returned from Las Vegas and then went to the bonspiel.
At the time of the bonspiel, there were no specific restrictions in place other than social distancing, Hinshaw said.
Premier Jason Kenney said the province expects the COVID-19 outbreak to reach a peak by mid-April, and measures taken to limit the spread of the virus may be in place until the end of May.
As of March 19, more than 17,000 tests have been completed for COVID-19 in the province.
Hinshaw reminded residents to not call 911 with reports of others not following public health guidelines.
"I have been hearing reports of this happening, and we must leave this line open for true emergencies."
On March 17, the government declared a state of public health emergency, empowering authorities under the Public Health Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cases have been identified in all zones across the province. There are 101 cases in the Calgary zone, 29 cases in the Edmonton zone, 10 cases in the North zone, three cases in the Central zone, and three cases in the South zone.
Alberta is the fourth province to record a death from COVID-19, following British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.
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