CALGARY -- Alberta health authorities say a COVID-19 outbreak at a condo building in Calgary's East Village has become much worse since it was first discovered.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced the news in her daily update Thursday, saying the number of cases at the building has more than doubled since last week.
She confirmed that 32 cases have been discovered in the building and 27 of those are considered "active."
Three of the patients have been admitted to hospital for treatment.
Hinshaw added it is important not to "stigmatize" the individuals living at the building for becoming infected with COVID-19 and the situation is an example of how easily the illness spreads.
"This kind of negative attention discourages others from being tested, or working with public health. That would only make things worse," she said. "This outbreak is a reminder that indoor areas pose unique risks of transmitting and this virus can spread easily from one person to many if given the opportunity."
She says there has been enhanced cleaning among other measures put into place at Verve since the outbreak was identified.
"I do believe again that every measure that needs to be taken to prevent spread is being undertaken and as I mentioned, when I previously mentioned this particular outbreak, at the moment it does seem that possibly high touch surfaces are a mechanism that's still being explored."
Hinshaw added the management group is also being extremely cooperative with Alberta Health Services as they conduct their work.
The outbreak at Verve was first mentioned by Hinshaw on June 19 and this week, a letter was sent to residents of the building outlining the health precautions that are being put in place.
FirstService Residential, the company that oversees the building, told residents Friday to wear a non-medical mask whenever they were in common areas outside their suites.
It also said that deliveries and visitors should be limited to essential services only, elevator usage should be limited to one household unit only and fingers and hands should not be used to push buttons.
"Please do not linger and chat if you need to go to the concierge desk, mailroom, or garbage/recycling room. Please limit your time out on the common property and please socially distance."
The Verve's sky lounge, located on the building's 25th floor, is also closed at this time.
