Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, has tested negative for COVID-19.
Hinshaw delivered an update on the novel coronavirus on March 16 via video conference after reporting mild symptoms of a cold. She learned about the negative test result a day later, and returned back to work in-person this morning.
Another personal update. The results of my test have come back negative for COVID-19. This morning, I returned to work in person after self-isolating.
— Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) March 17, 2020
I would like to thank all those who reached out and sent me your well wishes. #COVID19AB (1/3)
Hinshaw underlined that no one is exempt from staying home when sick, even with mild symptoms.
"If you're not feeling well, stay home. Self-isolate. Do not risk exposing Albertans if you are sick," she wrote.
"Self-isolating is the right choice and the compassionate choice. We must do what we can to help one another."
RELATED: Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, self-isolating
Hinshaw will be delivering an update in person on COVID-19 at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Alberta Health said Hinshaw experienced symptoms of a cold "likely due to the long working hours that she has been working in recent weeks."
Hinshaw has been consistently advising Albertans on how to protect themselves against the virus and prevent spread, including practising basic hygiene such as hand washing, and staying home when sick. As of Monday, there are 52 cases of COVID-19 in the Calgary zone, 18 cases in the Edmonton zone, two cases in Central zone, one case in the South zone, and one case in the North zone.
