“Separate cases” of COVID-19 confirmed at Chinook shopping center in Calgary

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In a statement sent to Postmedia, Cadillac Fairview said a reminder was sent to retail customers “confirming separate cases of COVID-19 at various retailers at the facility.”

“We continue to ensure safety at the center with our advanced security measures in accordance with local public health guidelines,” the statement said.

The memo shared on Twitter states that Alberta Health Services said no further action is needed. The cases were not shared publicly on social media or the CF Chinook Center website.

Dr Deena Hinshaw, Alberta Health Director of Health, said it is up to local public health authorities to issue alerts for COVID-19 cases and that cases are publicly reported in the event of an outbreak. An outbreak could be a group of five or more or 10 or more cases, depending on the setting.

“If there is a context in which it is believed that there has been significant exposure where we are unable to contact everyone in that case, local public health may choose to issue a warning,” Hinshaw said.

He said the ability of shopping malls to operate safely depends on public health restrictions – mandatory masks, capacity limits, physical distance of two meters – being respected.

“These are the kinds of things that can help mitigate the risks,” he said.

Hinshaw said the safest thing to do would be to consider going to the retailers after hours or using the curbside pickup options.

“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the mall operators, retail store operators and Albertani who collectively participate in them to keep these places as safe as possible,” he said.