Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Wednesday that out of more than 7,000 tests in the last 24 hours, 48 new cases of COVID-19 were identified.
No new COVID-19 related deaths were recorded. That means Alberta’s death toll stands at 151.
“These individuals ranged in age from 27 to 105 and while the majority had two or more underlying conditions, a small number had none,” Alberta’s chief medical officer of health said.
“They will all be missed. My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones during this time.”
READ MORE: Alberta reports 35 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, no new virus-related deaths
Hinshaw said there were 38 people in hospital with the illness, seven of whom were in intensive care units.
Summer Travel
When asked about summer travel, Hinshaw said Alberta is not recommending anyone travel outside the province.
“There are a variety of different situations across the country. Some provinces have lower active cases right now than Alberta, and some have higher.
“While I know that Albertans are perhaps starting to consider travelling, and again, while it is my recommendation, there’s no legal requirement right now with respect to travelling interprovincially. So if Albertans are choosing to travel, it’s important that they consider where they’re going to, and follow the same public health guidance wherever they go and when they get back as well.”
She said some provinces have rules in place that require any non-resident to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Other provinces are not allowing non-residents to enter at all.
Hinshaw said she’s not sure when the non-essential travel restriction would end.
Increase in active Edmonton cases
Alberta’s top doctor also addressed the increase in active Edmonton cases. As of Wednesday, there were 201 in Edmonton and 224 in Calgary.
“What we’ve seen in Edmonton is several gatherings… there has been spread outwards from a group of people who gathered and then there’s been secondary and tertiary transmissions.
Get weekly health news
“We are working very closely to contain that spread with the variety of groups,” Hinshaw said.
“It’s important that we not shame those who have tested positive,” she added.
Hinshaw stressed that Alberta’s stable numbers and the launch of Stage 2 do not mean that public health orders are no longer needed.
“We have seen an increase, as you say, with more people out and about, engaging in different activities. I think what we need to see is Albertans reminding each other that we need to collectively take responsibly for protecting each other.”
She said Albertans can support those public health measures in their workplaces, social circles – both individual and organizations. Keeping those health protocols in place will help prevent transmission.
“If your friends are hosting a backyard party, ensure households practice distancing and bring their own refreshments,” Hinshaw said.
“It could certainly happen in other places around the province if people are not following public health guidance,” she explained. “If you have even one person who’s infectious at a large gathering.”
Requirements for business
Under current Chief Medical Officer of Health Orders, businesses and entities are required to:
· implement practices to minimize the risk of transmission of infection among attendees;
· provide procedures for rapid response if an attendee develops symptoms of illness;
· ensure that attendees maintain high levels of sanitation and personal hygiene;
· comply, to the extent possible, with the COVID-19 General Relaunch Guidance, this
guidance, and any other applicable Alberta Health guidance found at Alberta.ca/BizConnect
“The guidelines set out what is necessary to create safe environments,” Hinshaw said.
“Operators are required by the order that moved us into Stage 2 to have measures in place that protect staff and patrons from infection. They’re also required to make sure that there’s high levels of sanitation and they’re required to ensure they have plans if there is someone in that place who develops symptoms. So they’re able to be isolated and then moved to a location where they can be appropriately isolated. They are required to follow the guidance to the best of their ability.”
What about businesses that aren’t following the guidelines?
“Those organizations are incurring upon themselves liability, they’re incurring upon themselves the chance for a large outbreak to happen. I would encourage them to really consider carefully whether or not they would wish to take that on themselves, and especially where there are large groups gathered and masking is not happening and distancing is not happening, that that really does put us all at risk. It puts the community at risk,” Hinshaw said.
“So again, it’s something that they would be required to go back and look at the order to determine if they are meeting those four requirements that they are legally required to meet.”
Experiencing anxiety
Hinshaw acknowledged that while many Albertans are excited about Stage 2, others are worried.
“Anxiety and fear can be triggered by change and uncertainty… We’ve had a great deal of both.”
She explained anxiety is a natural response and those experiencing it are not alone. Hinshaw stressed the importance of focusing on your physical, mental and emotional health. She suggested meditation, exercise and connecting safely with loved ones.
Hinshaw also said supports, like the Mental Health Line, are available to anyone feeling overwhelmed.
READ MORE: State of public health emergency ends in Alberta as 20 new COVID-19 cases confirmed
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Depression Hurts and Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 all offer ways of getting help if you, or someone you know, may be suffering from mental health issues.
Comments