Alberta won’t be following in the footsteps of neighbouring British Columbia when it comes to adjusting coronavirus physical distancing guidelines at schools and workplaces just yet, but Dr. Deena Hinshaw did say on Friday that it’s being discussed.
B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced Thursday that physical distancing requirements would be reduced to one metre from two at workplaces and schools.
She said there are situations where people are regularly in contact with the same people.
In her Friday update, Hinshaw said Alberta officials are looking at the evidence around physical distancing and it will be discussed at a special advisory committee meeting, which includes medical officers of health from across the country.
“What we know is that one metre does offer protection over no distancing and that increasing the distance adds layers of protection,” Hinshaw said.
“We also know that depending on the circumstances, depending on the length of time someone is in the same space, depending on air flow, depending on how sick a person is — if they’re coughing and sneezing — even two metres in some instances may not be sufficient.”
Hinshaw said for now, Albertans are encouraged to maintain the two metres of distance from others and to wear masks if that isn’t possible.
COVID-19 testing milestone
Alberta labs surpassed 1,000,000 completed COVID-19 tests on Friday, a milestone Hinshaw said was a testament to the work being done by the province’s public health system.
“The milestone that we’ve hit is a testament to the innovation of our public health lab, to the tireless efforts of our staff and partners, such as pharmacists who are taking the samples, the lab processing them,” she said.
“And again, I just want to express my gratitude for the work that’s gone into each and every one of those samples as well as the follow-up of positive cases.”
Hinshaw also addressed delays in people getting their test results — some being upwards of five days.
“Unfortunately, we have had a bit of a backlog in the last couple of weeks, and so it is taking longer than would be ideal,” she said. “We are working very hard to get that turnaround time shortened as quickly as possible, and we recognize the challenges it poses as people are waiting for a test.”
Hinshaw said with people expected to spend more time indoors as we move towards fall, and with flu season around the corner, it’s expected more people will be coming into contact with and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Heath officials are working closely with the province’s labs to make sure the capacity is there to accommodate an increase in those who have symptoms looking for tests, and ensuring those tests get through the system faster.
Long weekend safety reminders
Hinshaw also reminded Albertans to keep COVID-19 safety guidelines top of mind as they enjoy the final long weekend of summer.
“The number of cases being reported today is a clear reminder that we cannot afford to be reckless,” she said.
“COVID-19 does not take holidays and we have seen weekend barbecues and other gatherings spark outbreaks in the past.”
Hinshaw said to keep gatherings, like barbecues, to as small a number of people as possible, and reminded people to bring their own snacks and food.
“Please don’t pass around snacks, drinks, smokes, tokes or vapes,” she said. “This isn’t being rude, it’s being considerate of others. Now is not the time for sharing anything that has been in your mouth.”
Hinshaw said people should also stay outside as much as possible to minimize the risk of transmission, and if they’re feeling unwell, to stay home this weekend.
“It has been a long pandemic, and I know how energizing it can be to go camping, check out a restaurant, have a barbecue and spend time with loved ones. Just be wise, be safe and let’s all look out for each other.”
As of Friday, the province had 1,433 active cases of the virus, with 164 cases reported in the last 24 hours. Forty-seven Albertans are being treated in hospital with the illness, with nine of them in the ICU. No new deaths were reported on Friday.
Labs in the province completed 10,709 coronavirus tests since Thursday, bringing the total number of tests to 1,005,001 on 792,965 people.
Confirmed case reported in Edmonton school
Edmonton had its first positive case of COVID-19 in a school earlier this week, with someone testing positive at Ecole Sainte Jeanne D’Arc.
The case was reported to the school board on Wednesday. The board wouldn’t say whether the case was a student or staff member, citing privacy reasons.
The positive case puts the school on “Alert” status.
“The public health teams at Alberta Health Services have been working extremely hard to make sure that schools know who they can connect with,” Hinshaw said when asked about the case.
“If they get the first report, and that public health reaches out to the school whenever they’re aware of a case so that immediate action can be taken to trace close contacts, make sure that they’re aware that they need to stay home, and making sure that all of that follow up is done to limit the possibility that there could be further spread in school.”