Premier Jason Kenney. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province confirms two more COVID-19 deaths in Brooks

Apr 28, 2020 | 4:09 PM

BROOKS, AB – The Government of Alberta has released its latest update on COVID-19 infections in the province.

Premier Jason Kenney confirmed an additional 154 infections Tuesday, bringing the provincial total to 4,850.

138,681 tests have been completed.

82 Albertans have been hospitalized as a result of the virus, 21 of which are in intensive care units. 1,800 patients have fully recovered.

Five new deaths were announced, meaning the virus has now claimed the lives of 80 Albertans.

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“These include two new deaths in continuing care facilities – one in Calgary zone and one in South zone,” says Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. “I want to offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone mourning the loss of these individuals. Again, these are reminders that COVID-19 can be deadly and none of us are immune.”

She once again stated that continuing care facilities and meatpacking plants are among her biggest concerns when it comes to COVID-19.

“As of today, there have been 759 cases confirmed among workers at the Cargill meatpacking plant [in High River]. There have also been 249 cases confirmed among employees and contractors at the JBS plant in Brooks. These outbreaks show the remarkable ability of the virus to spread quickly.”

Alberta Health Services has implemented rapid response teams in Brooks and High River to ensure that people who might have contracted the virus are identified and supported.

LNN reported Tuesday that the City of Brooks is hosting “asymptomatic testing” events this week to ensure that everyone, whether they are showing symptoms, can get tested if they wish.

Temporary isolation housing and supports are being offered at any meatpacking plants in Alberta where even a single case has been confirmed.

The breakdown by regional health zone is as follows:

• Calgary zone – 3,366 cases, 50 deaths (two new)
  • 59,003 tests
• South zone – 685 cases, four deaths (two new)
  • 7,749 tests
• Edmonton zone – 486 cases – 11 deaths (one new)
  • 40,373 tests
• North zone – 202 cases, 14 deaths
  • 10,476 tests
• Central zone – 84 cases, one death
  • 11,431 tests

The breakdown for the South Health Zone by community is as follows:

• Brooks – 623 cases (42 new), 16 recovered, four deaths (two new)
• Medicine Hat – 27 cases, 11 recovered
• Lethbridge – 13 cases, eight recovered
  • West Lethbridge – seven cases, five recovered
  • South Lethbridge – six cases, three recovered
• Cypress County – eight cases, five recovered
• County of Newell – five cases
• M.D. of Taber – two cases, two recovered
• County of Forty Mile – two cases, two recovered
• Lethbridge County – one case, one recovered