On April 2nd, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw shared a short COVID-19 update and new measures being taken with continuing care facilities. 

96 new confirmed cases were announced by Hinshaw bringing the provincial total to 968. 59 cases belong to the Central zone. Two more deaths were also recorded as a result of the virus. 

According to the interactive map on alberta.ca, Central Alberta shows the following case numbers:

  • Lacombe: 3 
  • Ponoka: 1 
  • Wetaskiwin: 8
  • Red Deer County: 8 
  • Red Deer-North: 4 
  • Red Deer-Southwest: 4 
  • Red Deer East: 16 
  • Stettler and County: 1 
  • Sylvan Lake: 0 

Other data about the COVID-19 case counts are as follows: 

  • Approximately 108 cases have now been spread through community transmission
  • 174 cases in total have recovered from the virus (32 more than April 1st) 
  • 4000 tests have been performed in the last 24 hours and approximately 98% of those tests were found to be negative
  • There are nine outbreaks at continuing care facilities across the province and 74 cases of COVID-19 within those facilities

Given the rising numbers in cases and outbreaks in continuing care facilities, Hinshaw announced new protocols to protect the residents and staff at continuing care facilities. 

“Effective today I am issuing new standards that operators and staff of these facilities must follow in the event of a suspected or a confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks. These new standards, enforceable by law, will help ensure that those living and working in congregate settings are kept as physically safe as possible and will mitigate the risk of further spread within and between different facilties,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw continuing. 

“Under the new orders, staff and operators will be required to notify public health as soon as a case is suspected or confirmed. If two or more residents exhibit COVID-like symptoms. Staff who may work at multiple facilities are required when there is a confirmed outbreak to immediately inform their supervisors if they have worked at or are working at a facility where there is a confirmed or suspected case. New directions are also provided on how facilities must operate in the event of an outbreak. These expectations are designed to limit the risk of spread while ensuring residents continue to receive the care they need.”

Additionally, Dr. Hinshaw noted a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Sheriff King Home, a women’s shelter in Calgary. 

“The safety of these facilities is a huge issue and one that is being faced across Canada. I know that residents and their families are concerned and I want to stress that I hear their concerns,” added Hinshaw. 

As always, the doctor reiterated the importance of staying home while feeling ill and maintaining social distancing measures at this time to limit the spread of the virus.