On Friday, March 27, Alberta Health Services identified at least one positive case of COVID-19 is confirmed in Banff, which is part of the Calgary Health Zone.
As with other areas, Alberta Health Services has isolated the case and is contacting any people who may have been in contact with the individual.
Individuals are being directed to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
“The Town of Banff is aware of the situation, and credits the excellent work of Alberta Health Services for identifying the case and taking necessary steps to control the spread of the virus and ensure the individual receives the care they require,” said Silvio Adamo, Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Banff and its Emergency Coordination Centre. “The identity of the individual, their location or the nature of their presence in Banff is being kept confidential. We would publicise this personal information only if Alberta Health Services requires assistance with contact tracing.”
The Government of Alberta provides geospatial data on all cases in the province at https://covid19stats.alberta.ca/.
“We are thinking of the individual, their family and their colleagues during this difficult time,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “We want to assure people in Banff that the health authority is ensuring the individual receives care, and is implementing all necessary control measures to stop the spread.”
Alberta Health has reported other cases through the Bow Valley for more than a week. With a resident population that frequently travels, and as a tourist town with visitors from around the world before international travel restrictions, Banff was identified as a community where positive cases would likely emerge.
“We have been saying for weeks that everyone in Banff should assume that we have cases in town and should act accordingly,” said Sorensen. “That means staying home, washing hands, ensuring physical distancing and keeping vigilant about stopping the spread of the virus to our most vulnerable members of our community.”
Everyone in Banff is required to avoid gatherings of greater than 15 people, follow health protocols and behave if they are personally infected and need to stop the spread to others.
All individuals and businesses in Banff are required to sign up for emergency alerts from the Town of Banff, in the event broad-based communications is required.