Alberta reports first case of virus variant; announces air travel changes

EDMONTON

Alberta is reporting its first case of a COVID-19 variant, first seen in the U.K., that cannot be directly traced to international travel.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro says while it is one case, it has the potential to spread faster than the original novel coronavirus and could quickly overwhelm hospitals if not checked.

“There’s no question that this kind of exponential growth would push our health-care system to the brink,” Shandro said.

“It would significantly impact the health care and the services available to all Albertans.”

Alberta has 20 known cases of the U.K. variant and five of another strain first reported in South Africa. Alberta is not alone. In Ontario Monday, public health units announced plans to enhance infection control measures given evidence the U.K. variant had emerged.

Shandro noted the case of U.K. variant outbreak at a Barrie, Ont., long-term care home is a sobering example of its deadly swiftness.

“This outbreak has seen more than 200 residents and staff infected within a few weeks and more than 30 people have lost their lives,” he said.

Shandro announced changes to travel rules as a result of the variant.

International passengers returning to Alberta via Calgary’s airport or at the border crossing at Coutts will have to remain in isolation between their first and second COVID-19 tests.

Up until now, they could go about their business after receiving a negative test result and before getting a second test six or seven days later.

Shandro said travellers will now have to selfisolate for two weeks if either test is positive.

Alberta continues to reduce the cases of COVID-19 but Shandro said the numbers, and the threat of the variant, prevent current lockdown measures from being lifted.

Those measures include a sharp reduction in the number of customers in stores at any one time, and closure of all amusement and entertainment venues like casinos and movie theatres.

There is a ban on indoor gatherings and outdoor gatherings of no more than 10 are allowed.