What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, April 2
CBC News | Posted: April 2, 2020 3:28 PM | Last Updated: April 2, 2020
Alberta is preparing for the worst-case scenario and is stocking supplies
The latest:
- Two more people in Alberta died from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, while testing revealed 97 new cases of the illness, bringing the total in the province to 968.
- Public health officials believe 108 of those cases were transmitted in the community.
- There are now 65 confirmed cases at the McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Home in Calgary.
- There are now nine outbreaks of COVID-19 at continuing-care facilities across the province, including the Cedars Villa Extendicare, AgeCare Seton and Carewest Sarcee facilities in Calgary.
- Starting April 3, parking at all Alberta Health Services facilities will be free on a temporary basis.
- Alberta Health Services' modelling predicts COVID-19 in Alberta could peak in May with about 250 in intensive care.
- Edmonton has opened an assessment centre inside a University of Alberta recreational facility in order to reduce demand on emergency rooms.
- A sharp rise in "questionable" prescriptions draws rebuke from professional bodies and chief medical officer of health.
- The Southwood Care Centre in Calgary, which provides continuing and hospice care, has confirmed a case of COVID-19.
- New funding rules for Alberta doctors are now in effect, despite pleas from physicians to hold off.
- Alberta has suspended a number of environmental reporting rules, citing the pandemic.
What you need to know today in Alberta:
Alberta is preparing for the worst when it comes to the pandemic and is stocking supplies. Modelling from AHS predicts COVID-19 will peak in early May with 250 people in intensive care. But AHS is also preparing for the worst-case scenario requiring 1,200 intensive care beds, 925 ventilators and backup facilities.
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The doctor in charge of the pandemic response for emergency departments in the Calgary zone says patients with COVID-19 have been showing up in increasing numbers at Alberta hospitals, which are preparing for an increase that will test their capacity.
Of the 968 cases in Alberta, the majority are still located in the Calgary zone. The total number of cases by region:
- Calgary zone: 589.
- Edmonton zone: 247.
- Central zone: 59.
- North zone: 55.
- South zone: 14.
- Unknown: 4.
What you need to know today in Canada:
Much like Alberta, health agencies across the country are preparing for a possible influx of cases, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said staying at home to fight the spread of the virus is a "duty" for all Canadians.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says COVID-19 presents a "serious" health risk in Canada, noting that though risk varies in different communities, the risk to Canadians is "high."
The federal public health agency, which has been monitoring the situation and evolving research around the novel coronavirus, said in its public page on risk: "If we do not flatten the epidemic curve now, the increase of COVID-19 cases could impact health-care resources available to Canadians."
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As of 6:30 p.m. ET Thursday, provinces and territories had reported 11,283 confirmed and presumptive cases, with 165 deaths. The number of deaths went down after Ontario health officials concluded that eight deceased patients who tested positive for COVID-19 did not actually die of the illness but from other health issues.
The provinces and territories that provide data on the cases considered resolved listed 1,979 cases as recovered.
Public health officials have cautioned that the numbers likely don't capture the full scope of the outbreak because they don't include people who haven't been tested and potential cases still under investigation. Get a deeper look at what's happening in your area through the CBC case tracker.
Self-assessment:
Alberta Health Services has an online self-assessment tool that you can use to determine if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Testing is focused on individuals who are most at risk from the virus, or those most at risk of passing it on to others.
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The province says Albertans who have returned to Canada after March 12 must self-isolate for 14 days. Unless your situation is critical and requires a call to 911, Albertans are advised to call Health Link at 811 before visiting a physician, hospital or other health-care facility.
If you have symptoms, even mild, you are to self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.