Dr. Deena Hinshaw -- Government of Alberta

By Dori Modney

Increased testing means increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19

Apr 14, 2020 | 4:37 PM

EDMONTON, AB. – The Tuesday, April 14 update from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw outlined a jump in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alberta.

There were 138 new cases, taking the provincial total to 1,870. Hinshaw attributed the increase to a higher number of tests being completed in the past 24-hours.

The Calgary zone continues to have the majority of the provincial cases at 66 per cent of the total.

There were also two additional deaths – one at the Mackenzie Towne Care Centre in Calgary, where there have now been a total of 21 deaths, and the other at the Shepherd’s Care Centre in Edmonton.

There have now been 214 COVID-19 cases registered in continuing care centres in the province, and 30 of the province’s 48 pandemic deaths are associated with care centres.

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Dr. Hinshaw noted the number of recovered cases has increased to 914.

The numbers of COVID-19 cases per regional health zone is as follows:

• Calgary zone – 1,242 cases (33 deaths, one new)
  • 34,157 tests
• Edmonton zone – 402 cases (eight deaths, one new)
  • 26,339 tests
• North zone – 107 cases (six deaths)
  • 6,498 tests
• Central zone – 74 cases (one death)
  • 7,348 tests
• South zone – 36 cases (zero deaths)
  • 3,995 tests

For the South Health Zone, the number of cases increased by three from Monday’s report, However, the interactive map has not yet indicated where they are, aside from one additional case in Brooks. (Numbers will be corrected when available).

• Medicine Hat – 11 cases, (five recovered)
• Lethbridge – nine cases, (seven recovered)
• Cypress County – six cases
• M.D. of Taber – two cases (both recovered)
• County of Forty Mile – two cases (one recovered)
• Brooks – Three active cases
• Lethbridge County – One case

Dr. Hinshaw notes that an increase in testing will provide more context to future numbers.

“While we are seeing a steady rise in recovered cases in the province, we should also expect to see a rise of cases in the coming days as a result of expanded testing,” said the chief medical offer of health.

In the past 24 hours 2,868 Albertans were tested, said Hinshaw.

“While we can start to become numb to these numbers as time goes on, each one of these individuals had a life that mattered and people who love them,” said Hinshaw. “It is in order to prevent further losses that we are focusing measures on these high-risk areas.”

Hinshaw assured Albertans everything possible is being done to keep the residents and staff at all continuing care facilities safe.

She acknowledged that some are experiencing fatigue about COVID-19 and how officials are responding.

“For all of us, I wonder if one of the hardest things to manage is the uncertainty looking forward and the fact that we can’t yet make plans for when life will return to more normalcy. COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic and it has impacted every one of us. We are all grieving in some way,” Hinshaw said, saying anger, bargaining, denial, and depression are normal reactions and responses to the situation and changes being faced.

“We can be there for each other through this, holding each other up when we need it. This will not last forever.”

With the increased testing providing more robust data, Hinshaw said she hopes to be able to provide “more structured timelines soon” for the Emergency Management Coordination Committee of cabinet to consider the next steps going forward.

She cautioned that everyone will be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for a while. Frequent handwashing and a reluctance for large gatherings should continue even after the pandemic has ended.

Hinshaw also advised that consistent adherence to good hygiene, staying home when possible — particularly when feeling ill — and practicing physical distancing when out remain the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy.

“These practices continue to be critical in the coming weeks,” she said.

Before Hinshaw spoke, Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced a $3 million grant to Caregivers Alberta to expand its services. He recognized the families and informal caregivers for their contributions during the pandemic and before.