Specific outbreaks responsible for SE Alberta uptick in COVID-19 cases

By GILLIAN SLADE on November 14, 2020.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade

Alberta Health says one of the reasons for a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in this region is due partly to four specific outbreaks.

A private day home has had nine cases linked to it, said a spokesperson for Alberta Health. Two of those cases are still active while seven have already recovered.

The Redcliff Legion is also linked to six cases. The organization had been closed for a while and cancelled its Remembrance Day ceremony. It has plans to reopen Saturday.

Alberta Health’s reporting of COVID-19 numbers includes Redcliff as part of Cypress County.

Crestwood School in Medicine Hat is listed on the school outbreak list in the “two to four cases” category, the spokesperson said.

This week there have also been two positive cases reported at Medicine Hat High School.

There has been some concern, reported to the News this week, that not all close contacts of those testing positive for COVID-19 are being told to get a test in addition to being in quarantine for 14 days.

“The recommendations for close contacts have not changed. Any individual who is identified as a close contact of a case of COVID-19 is legally required to quarantine for 14 days, and is directed to get tested,” said the spokesperson. “That being said, testing is not ‘required’ but is strongly recommended. Please, if you are a close contact, get tested so we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

It should be noted that if there is a positive case that was infectious while attending a sporting event, Alberta Health Services will contact the event organizer/coach/manager and direct them to notify all attendees of quarantine requirements and testing recommendations, said the spokesperson.

AHS continues to work with schools to ensure communication regarding quarantine and testing is sent out to all school close contacts.