In a briefing Thursday afternoon, Health Secretary Jason Koping told reporters that the latest figures are worrying, but he does not expect any restrictions. “We do not expect to see an increase in the number of hospitalizations that will put serious pressure on the system,” Kopping said. On Wednesday, Alberta reported the weekly COVID-19 data and extended the suitability for fourth doses and Paxlovid. Hospital admissions increased by 36 from last Wednesday to 990, while ICU admissions fell by three to 44. “We can expect some increase in admissions in the coming weeks, but we are in a good position to manage it,” Copping said. The county also reported 30 deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total death toll to 4,104. Alberta also added 5,549 new cases of PCR testing in the last seven days, but the actual number of recent cases is unclear due to testing limitations. The seven-day positive rate rose from 24.5 percent to 26.3 percent. The province has given more than 8.6 million doses of vaccine. From April 12, Albertans aged 70 and over, First Nations, Métis and Inuit aged 65 and over, as well as all seniors in centralized care can receive a fourth dose, the county said. Alberta is also expanding its suitability for Paxlovid, the antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19. From Wednesday, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people aged 45 and over who have not been vaccinated or have only one dose and people in long-term care and defined supportive living environments can receive treatment.
