Foothills maternity staff test positive for COVID-19

Alberta Health Services said Wednesday evening that cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed among the staff of a maternity unit at Foothills hospital in Calgary.

The most recent confirmed case was seven days ago, AHS said in a statement.

AHSrefused to do an interview about the situation and would not confirm how many health-care workers have been infected. It said contact tracing was done, which identified no infections among patients to date.

"There has been a robust response from Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) with enhanced screening/surveillance for all health-care workers, patients and their support person," an AHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

On Thursday afternoon, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, told reporters there were seven staff members on the ward who tested positive.

• What pregnant women need to know about COVID-19

AHS said there is no increased risk to pregnant patients, and said Foothills continues to be a safe location to deliver babies and receive care.

An Alberta Health spokesperson said in an email that COVID-19 cases may continue to be identified in every part of Alberta, including health-care settings.

"Health officials have taken every possible step to support the small number of those impacted and ensure there is no broader risk to any patients, mothers or newborns," the email read.

Pregnant women not at higher risk

According to Health Canada, there is no evidence to suggest pregnant women are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 or that a developing child may be negatively affected.

There is also no evidence of mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 has also not been found in breast milk.

However, Health Canada said pregnant women can be at increased risk of respiratory illnesses in general and suggests taking precautions like following physical distancing guidelines and frequently washing hands.