New COVID-19 public health order intended to ensure no Albertan has to die alone

As it battles major outbreaks at continuing care centres, the province is easing some visitation restrictions so that no one in Alberta has to die alone.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw issued new public health orders on Wednesday to allow residents in continuing care centres to have limited outdoor visits and to ensure that family members can visit those dying from COVID-19.

The changes were outlined at a news conference by the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health, who also announced seven more deaths from the illness, all at continuing care centres in Calgary, including six at Clifton Manor. 

Hinshaw said she will ease some rules that had been applied in a more restrictive ways than were intended, particularly for palliative and end-of-life visitation.

"We expect that individuals who are dying should have the opportunity to have their loved ones at their side, while following the guidance in place to ensure everyone's safety," she said.

"That is why the orders that I am announcing today also clarify visitation for circumstances where an Albertan is at the end of their life. The definition of end of life is in the two weeks prior to death, acknowledging that these estimates will always be imprecise.

"It is important, though, that it be clear that end of life is being measured in weeks, rather than in days or in hours. 

Up to two visitors at a time will be allowed to visit a patient who is dying, as long as physical distancing can be maintained between the visitors, she said.

Standalone hospice facilities are not affected by these orders and no visitor restrictions are applicable to hospice settings, Hinshaw said.

Latest numbers

Alberta reported 315 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The latest update brings the total number of deaths to 87, and the total number of cases to 5,165.

Nursing homes and continuing care centres have been ravaged by the illness for weeks now, with a total of 503 cases — about 10 per cent of the total — in such facilities.

"Outbreaks in [continuing care] facilities remain a concern for many, including public health officials, families, operators, staff and of course the residents of those facilities," Hinshaw said. "At the same time, I have heard that the preventive measures that have been put in place to prevent outbreaks have had negative impacts on the quality of life for many residents.

"Both of these — outbreak prevention and qualify of life — are really important, and as we learn to live with COVID we need to continue to make adjustments."

The toll that COVID-19 is taking on elderly populations prompted Hinshaw to issue another order intended to further combat the spread of coronavirus in continuing care centres.

Under that new order, anyone in a continuing care facility with even the mildest symptoms, such as a hoarse voice or muscle aches, must be immediately tested, and isolated until the results come back. As well, as soon as a case is identified, all residents in the same unit are now tested, even if they are feeling fine and show no symptoms.

"This has been a recommendation for several weeks and it is now incorporated into the order to underline the importance of early diagnosis in close contacts in this population."

Outdoor visits

A third new public health order is intended to improve quality of life for elderly people, Hinshaw said.

"Maintaining connections with family and friends is paramount during the pandemic, especially for residents in continuing care and licensed supportive-living settings," she said.

The order issued on Wednesday will allow residents in these facilities who are not in isolation to have outdoor visits with a designated essential visitor and one other person.

"These are important to the mental health of residents and families," Hinshaw said. "Of course, even while outside, all appropriate precautions must be taken to prevent exposure to COVID-19. This includes physical distancing and requiring all visitors to wear a mask or face-covering."

Restricting visitors from going inside the facilities continues to be necessary to protect the health of staff and residents, she said.

Kearl Lake outbreak

The regional breakdown of the cases as of Wednesday was:

• Calgary zone: 3,520
• South zone: 833
• Edmonton zone: 489
• North zone: 205
• Central zone: 84
• Unknown: 34  

As of Wednesday, 136,511 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Alberta.

Another outbreak at the Kearl Lake oilsands facility now involves 83 cases in total, including 65 people who are in Alberta and 33 who are self-isolating at the work site, Hinshaw reported.

The largest single-site outbreak of COVID-19 in Canada is linked to the Cargill meat-packing plant in High River, south of Calgary.

The facility has been linked more than 1,100 cases, most involving workers. One employee in her 60s died, and her husband was hospitalized with the illness.

"I know outbreaks continue to be a concern for many Albertans," Hinshaw said. "They are for me as well. I want to assure you that we have a comprehensive strategy in place and aggressive outbreak measures are being implemented across the province, from prevention to outbreak response.

"This will be a cornerstone of our ability to live with COVID for the foreseeable future — our ability to work together to prevent rapid spread in all settings, but particularly in those that are at the highest risk."