(Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

Additional COVID restrictions possible

Hinshaw concerned as more Albertans going out while symptomatic with COVID

Nov 5, 2020 | 5:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Due to errors with a recent system update on Alberta Health Services’ part, detailed COVID-19 numbers will likely not be available today, but the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health spoke Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says approximately 800 new cases were confirmed across the province, although the exact number is not known at this time.

A concerning trend she has noticed in recent weeks and months is that more people who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 are still going out to work or social gatherings.

Among people with symptoms in Edmonton in recent weeks, she claims:

• 9% went to work
• 8% went to retail or service businesses
• 8% attended a social gathering

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The stats are reportedly similar in Calgary.

“With more than 2,500 active cases in each city as of yesterday, we’re talking about at least 500 people who did not stay home while symptomatic. This is significant.”

“I am calling on Albertans to please stop all activities if you have any symptoms,” says Dr. Hinshaw.

In the last couple of weeks, the province has seen anywhere from 400 to over 600 people test positive for the virus each day.

“Unless our numbers decline dramatically in the next few days, we will have to consider additional measures to bring COVID numbers down in order to protect our health system. We also need to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes.”

Dr. Hinshaw is urging Albertans to take the pandemic seriously and follow public health guidelines such as wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible, practicing proper hygiene, and staying home when you are sick.