What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, April 27
CBC News | Posted: April 27, 2020 4:37 PM | Last Updated: April 27, 2020
Pandemic leads to rise in domestic violence, mental health declines, say surveys
The latest:
- There are now 1,084 cases of COVID-19 linked to the Cargill meat-packing plant near High River, Alta., and 710 workers have tested positive. Those cases represent nearly a quarter of all cases in the province.
- Filipino workers at the Cargill plant say they feel unfairly blamed for the outbreak, and workers have accused the company of ignoring physical-distancing protocols.
- An outbreak on the Eden Valley First Nation has grown to 14 cases, and 1 case has been confirmed in Morley.
- Over the weekend, Tsuut'ina First Nation introduced fines for those who break curfew, in the hope of stopping COVID-19 cases from entering from nearby 'high-risk' Calgary.
- There are 4 cases of COVID-19 among the homeless population, 3 at the Calgary Drop-In Centre and 1 at the Calgary Salvation Army. The province has begun asymptomatic testing of clients and staff at shelters.
- Alberta confirmed 216 new cases on Monday, up to a total of 4,696. Two more deaths were reported, bringing the total to 75.
- Alberta's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said Albertans deserve credit for keeping the number of hospitalizations in the province well below projections.
- AISH and Income Support recipients will be able to collect a federal employment subsidy and have a portion of it be exempt.
What you need to know in Alberta today:
Lawyers and advocates are raising the alarm over how jury trials may be affected by COVID-19 physical-distancing restrictions. Court officials have suggested there may be ways to run trials as judge-alone in the spirit of efficiency.
Defence lawyers, however, say an accused's right to a jury of peers should be more important.
Half of independent restaurants might not reopen after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, according to a new survey by industry group Restaurants Canada.
A veteran Calgary restaurateur said that to open his businesses, he's looking at $60,000 for each one just on reopening costs.
People on AISH and Income Support who qualify for the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) will be able to collect the federal employment subsidy and have a portion of it be exempt from what's counted for their provincial benefits. Many people receiving AISH or Income Support earn a wage from employment, as well.
WATCH: What happens after Canadians flatten the curve:
The province will exempt a portion of the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) for people on AISH and Income Support who qualify for the federal program.
Student athletes in Alberta are trying to stay fit despite the physical distancing restrictions. They're using online videos to work out together.
Alberta reported 216 new cases on Monday afternoon, bringing the total to 4,696. Two new deaths were reported.
Here is the case breakdown by zone as of Monday afternoon:
- Calgary zone: 3,257.
- Edmonton zone: 484.
- Central zone: 84.
- South zone: 643.
- North zone: 196.
- Unknown: 32.
What you need to know today in Canada:
The worldwide COVID-19 case count has reached nearly 3 million, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tallying the data.
Federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef is warning that the COVID-19 pandemic and physical-distancing restrictions are empowering those who commit domestic violence.
Federal consultations show a 20 to 30 per cent increase in violence rates in certain regions, a new report says.
If you need help, Alberta offers a 24-hour family violence information line at 310-1818 to get anonymous help in more than 170 languages. Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-403-8000, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Half of Canadians also say their mental health has worsened since the pandemic began, according to a new poll.
WATCH: How to physically distance in tricky situations:
The province also operates a confidential mental health support line at 1-877-303-2642 and addiction help line at 1-866-332-2322, available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Multiple agencies offer free virtual counselling, as well.
Canadian scientists continue to work toward a vaccine for COVID-19 in conjunction with the World Health Organization's pandemic vaccine network. Estimates still suggest it'll be a year before a vaccine is ready.
Some provinces with low COVID-19 cases are preparing plans to reduce physical-distancing measures. In Alberta, restrictions are continuing. In Calgary, all city-permitted events have been cancelled until Aug. 31 in anticipation of the pandemic's continuation.
Self-assessment and supports:
Alberta Health Services has an online self-assessment tool that you can use to determine if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
The province says Albertans who have returned to Canada from other countries must self-isolate. 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.
The province also operates a confidential mental health support line at 1-877-303-2642 and addiction help line at 1-866-332-2322, available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
Online resources are available for advice on handling stressful situations and ways to talk with children.
There is a 24-hour family violence information line at 310-1818 to get anonymous help in more than 170 languages, and Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-403-8000, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.