Alberta confirms 67 new COVID-19, the most in a single day so far

An additional two cases were confirmed in the South Health Zone, bringing the total for the region to 12. The patients are from the M.D. of Taber and Medicine Hat.

This means that the distribution of COVID-19 in the region is as follows:

Medicine Hat – five
West Lethbridge – three
South Lethbridge – two
M.D. of Taber – two

“We continue to confirm new cases in every zone and in all age groups. We are all being impacted by this virus.”

Dr. Hinshaw says 27 people have fully recovered from COVID-19, but the increased number is partly due to a new “streamlined process”.

In 34 cases, the transmission is believed to have happened in the community.

21 patients have been hospitalized, 10 of which have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Dr. Hinshaw took a moment in Thursday’s press conference to thank healthcare workers who are tirelessly doing what they can to support patients. However, she also wanted to express her gratitude to the other “heroes.”

“Across Alberta, first responders, community leaders, social services workers, and workers in shelters for vulnerable Albertans to name just a few, as well as custodians and cleaning staff in facilities that care for people in healthcare or other settings. All of these have undertaken tremendous work to support this response.”

Thursday’s full press conference can be viewed below:

Below, the Government of Alberta has provided information on resources available to Albertans.

Mental health supports

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has boosted its service to help Albertans should they need to speak with someone about mental health concerns.

If Albertans call the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 or the Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2323 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week, they will be connected directly to a dedicated team of AHS addiction and mental health staff.

This change will support 811 operators to focus on COVID-19 calls during the day and improve wait times for others needing telephone advice. Calls placed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. will continue to be routed through 811.

Pausing some health construction projects and non-essential service contracts in order to protect patients, families and staff providing key services inside health-care facilities, AHS has informed some contractors and vendors that provide non-essential services at some health facilities that their projects will be temporarily paused.

These include non-essential delivery services and facility maintenance, such as flooring replacement, departmental renovations or lighting retrofit projects.

Alberta Infrastructure is also working with AHS to ensure that construction projects being done inside health facilities do not impact the operations of the facility.

As each project is reviewed and assessed, Infrastructure will provide notice to affected contractors if any projects are deferred.

Emergency isolation supports

Emergency isolation supports are available for Albertans who are self-isolating or who are the sole caregivers for someone in self-isolation, and have no other source of income. Applicants can view eligibility criteria and apply at alberta.ca. To carefully manage the flow of applications, we are periodically closing access to MADI and the Emergency Isolation Support. We will provide daily updates about system availability.

Access to justice

Provincial Court of Alberta’s case management offices are closing and the Court of Queen’s Bench has updated processes.

Effective March 27, the Provincial Court of Alberta will close all of its case management offices. More information: https://albertacourts.ca/pc/resources/announcements/closure-of-case-management-offices-(cmo)

The Court of Queen’s Bench will allow remote commissioning of affidavits in certain situations. More information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/announcements/npp-remote-commissioning-of-affidavits.

The Court of Queen’s Bench has updates regarding modified hearings, processes for criminal, civil and family matters and rescheduled hearings. More information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/announcements/covid-19-amendments-to-master-order-2.

Food supply

Despite higher retail demand, Alberta’s food supply remains secure. The government is in regular contact with other levels of government, producers, distributors, retailers and processors to ensure it stays that way. We are working with food banks and Indigenous communities to understand their needs and ensure everyone has access to the food supplies they need.

Medical evaluation for drivers’ licences

Alberta Transportation has extended the timeline to 90 days for most drivers requiring a medical evaluation to complete their medical form when applying for or renewing their licence. This will reduce the current strain on the health-care system. Medically high-risk drivers will still be required to present their medical evaluation at the time of their application or renewal.

Offers of help

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency Unsolicited Offers Program has been set up in response to growing offers of generosity from individuals and organizations to help with the challenges many Albertans are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those wanting to help can go to alberta.ca/COVID19offersprogram for more information.

by David Opinko