What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, May 11
CBC News | Posted: May 11, 2020 3:28 PM | Last Updated: May 11, 2020
Alberta reported its highest number of new cases since last week as May 14 reopening nears
The latest:
- A third death has been linked to an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Cargill slaughterhouse near High River, Alta.
- The province is opening up testing for one week to asymptomatic residents of Calgary who work outside the home.
- Alberta has released an online tool to help businesses prepare for the first stage of reopening.
- The province confirmed 47 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, for a total of 6,300 confirmed cases.
- Calgary could allow more patios on sidewalks and streets this summer to help businesses recover.
- WestJet has extended flight cancellations into July.
- Calgary council approves more than $22M in relief for non-profits, partners.
- Defence lawyer concerned after second COVID-19 case at Calgary Remand Centre.
- Edmonton councillor wants body rub centres to remain closed after health orders lifted.
- Alberta reported 96 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday and 1 additional death.
What you need to know today in Alberta:
There are now 1,524 active cases in the province and 73 people in hospital.
That comes as some businesses prepare to reopen on Thursday.
Watch: COVID-19: How cities might change to allow for physical distancing.
In Calgary, restaurants and bars could be helped with new rules being considered by city council to allow more pop-up patios on sidewalks and streets in order to provide more space for customers.
Calgary-based WestJet, on the other hand, has extended flight cancellations into July.
A regional breakdown of cases as of Monday shows the impact of COVID-19 in different parts of the province:
- Calgary zone: 4,278.
- South zone: 1,159.
- Edmonton zone: 511.
- North zone: 228.
- Central zone: 99.
- Unknown: 25.
What you need to know today in Canada:
Food inspectors who refuse to be reassigned to work at COVID-19-infected meat plants could face disciplinary action, according to the union that represents them.
Some meat-processing plants have been hard hit by the virus, including the Cargill plant near High River that saw what was at one point the largest single outbreak in North America.
Watch: Will there be a second lockdown?
In other sectors, there will also be challenges for those who don't feel comfortable returning to work, including teachers in Quebec who are back on the job this week.
Canada has a total of 68,848 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, with 32,109 of those listed as resolved by the provinces and territories. A CBC News tally of coronavirus deaths based on provincial information, regional data and CBC's reporting lists 4,970 deaths in Canada.
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.
Watch: The problems in long-term care that COVID-19 could change.
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.