In the same press conference, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer, advised Alberts to take precautions if they do not want to risk the infection. Positive PCR test and sewage data show increased transmission of the new coronavirus to Alberta last week. Officials had previously informed Alberts that an increase in infections was expected following the lifting of almost all public health measures last month. On Thursday, Hinshaw urged people to return to those measures if they were concerned about the report. “We need to make decisions that best suit our risk factors, risk tolerance and comfort level,” Hinshaw said.
Masks, distance and outdoor visits
He encouraged Alberts, especially those at higher risk of serious consequences, to get whatever vaccination dose is eligible, to stay home when they are sick, to wear masks when in crowded public places, and to opt for outdoor social visits. Hinshaw also suggested that you get free quick test kits from pharmacies in case anyone in a household develops Symptoms of covid19. Using rapid tests three times a week to test for COVID-19 can detect the infection early, preventing it from spreading further in the community, he said. “These small actions can have a big impact on community transmission and our individual risks. Living with COVID means finding the right balance as we navigate this transition together.” The seven-day PCR test rate has risen to 26.36 percent since April 1, according to provincial data. The daily test rate on April 4 was 32.05 percent. Provincial wastewater monitoring data show increased transmission in the Edmonton and Calgary health areas, as well as in some other areas. Copping said the peaks were not the same as those observed in late December when the Omicron wave struck. “It’s a concern and we’re watching it closely, but it remains to be seen how much more growth we will see, and in particular, how this will translate into serious illness and hospital admissions,” Copping said. He said the Alberta government is not seeking to make adjustments to public health measures at this time because it does not envisage an increase in COVID-related hospitalizations that will be borne by the healthcare system. Copping added that the provincial government is monitoring the situation in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom.
990 Alberts in the hospital
There were 5,549 new cases reported between March 29 and April 4. The number of cases includes only those who tested positive for PCR, which most Alverna residents do not have access to. There are 990 Alberts in hospital with COVID-19, including 44 in ICU. Thirty new COVID-19 deaths were recorded between March 29 and April 4, including a 20-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, according to Alberta Health. A total of 4,104 Albertans have died of the disease since the pandemic began. “These [new] “Deaths and top indicators remind us that COVID-19 is still a long way off,” Hinshaw said. “Going into an endemic situation does not mean that the virus is gone, but rather that we have tools to protect ourselves, that allow us to adapt to living with it. “Part of life with this virus continues to adapt to emerging data. Research Reveals More About COVID-19 Every Day.” Thursday marked Hinshaw’s first press conference since March 23. It took her some time to be with her family. Also earlier this week, he filed a lawsuit in court to defend the public measures he took to try to control the spread of COVID-19, as a team of plaintiffs seeks to deem Alberta’s pandemic-related restrictions unconstitutional. The legal dispute taking place at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Calgary is ongoing.
