Health Minister Jason Copping. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Chris Brown

More signs Alberta is passing latest COVID wave, says health minister

May 18, 2022 | 2:05 PM

EDMONTON, AB – According to Alberta’s health minister, there are more signs that the province is moving past the BA.2 wave.

Jason Copping said the average PCR test positivity rate over the past six days is about 20%, down from 23% last week and 25.9% the week before. He said that means there is less viral transmission in the province.

Wastewater data is showing the same thing, he said, noting the levels in most centres are declining or fluctuating at levels well below the BA.1 levels.

“I’m also pleased to report that the total number of admitted patients in our hospitals with COVID dropped slightly again over the past week, and the number in ICU was flat as it has been for several weeks,” Copping said.

Copping said getting past the BA.2 wave is good news for all Albertans, particularly those who work in hospitals. He said it means fewer admissions, fewer blocked beds and fewer staff off sick.

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But the healthcare system remains under strain, he added, and it’s clear the province needs to add capacity to the entire system. Some hospitals in larger centres are still over 100 per cent capacity and emergency departments are under strain in particular.

“In the meantime, the pressure on the system is a reminder that we need to keep looking for ways to protect people and keep serious cases of COVID-19 out of our hospitals,” Copping said.

Copping said Paxlovid, which the province recently expanded eligibility for, is effective at keeping at-risk Albertans with COVID-19 from developing more serious illnesses. He also stressed vaccination and booster doses as the best and easiest way to avoid severe illness and outcomes.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said there was an average of nine deaths per day in the past week, and that while leading indicators like PCR test results and wastewater data are the first to fall, the number of deaths is usually last.

“This is why the high number of deaths we have seen in the past weeks, as well as this week, is not unexpected. Although it is a tragic reminder of the severe impacts of this virus,” said Hinshaw.

Dr. Hinshaw said a decrease in the number of deaths should be seen soon.

READ MORE: Paxlovid to be available in more Alberta pharmacies