EDMONTON -- A doctor who has become the face of Alberta's medical response to the novel coronavirus outbreak is in self-isolation after experiencing symptoms consistent with the common cold, but not COVID-19, the government says.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical health officer, is experiencing symptoms of a cold and is waiting for results of her test for the virus, Alberta Health confirmed to CTV News Edmonton. 

A statement from the department added the symptoms are "likely due to the long hours that she has been working in recent weeks."

"Her symptoms do not appear to be consistent with COVID-19," Alberta Health reiterated. 

"In line with the advice being provided to all Albertans, Dr. Hinshaw is self-isolating and working from home until her test results are confirmed. This is an important reminder to all of us to stay home while sick."

Hinshaw has been delivering daily updates on COVID-19 cases and precautionary measures since the first case was reported in Alberta on March 5.

She has been praised for her straightforward demeanour and for relaying as much information as possible, while urging Albertans to remain calm and practise basic hygiene such as hand-washing.

Alberta Health said Hinshaw is still performing all of her duties from self isolation, and would provide the COVID-19 update to Albertans at 4:30 p.m. on Monday as per usual. 

Alberta currently has 56 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and is undertaking broad isolation measures to halt the spread.