What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta – April 2020 Archive

Beltline urges city to make walking ‘safe and comfortable’ with physical distancing. Beltline residents say walking with physical distancing at peak times is difficult. Helen Pike CBC

CBC News Calgary April 30, 2020

April 2020 Daily history
What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, April 30

New rules for workers and visitors will be implemented at long-term care homes.

Tourism drop devastating for Jasper businesses. Business owners in Jasper National Park say the town is struggling with the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic as tourists stay home and many stores remain closed. Adrienne Lamb CBC

Staff restrictions, lack of PPE endangering Albertans with disabilities, advocates warn

What we know about the first 1,000 COVID-19 deaths in Canada

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Wednesday, April 29

Physical distancing loosened for flood workers, labour calls for meat plant closures.

A grocery store is surrounded by floodwater on Franklin Avenue in Fort McMurray on Monday. Workers trying to stop the floods and remediate damage have been exempt from some physical-distancing measures. Greg Halinda, The Canadian Press

Alberta on track to begin reopening in May, Premier Jason Kenney says

This map shows the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in different areas of Calgary by end of day on April 29, 2020, according to Alberta’s statistics. Evelyne Asselin CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Tuesday, April 28

Fort McMurray declares 2nd state of emergency, as it battles flood and pandemic.

Rising flood waters have forced the mandatory evacuation of thousands of residents from Fort McMurray’s lower townsite. The community declared a second local state of emergency, on top of one already in effect due to COVID-19. Jamie Malbeuf CBC

Albertans diagnosed with COVID-19 are younger and end up in hospital less often. This is likely why

Local heroes: ‘I never thought as a grocery store worker I would be on the front lines’

Calgary continues to lead the province in the number of COVID-19 cases. CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, April 27

Pandemic leads to rise in domestic violence, mental health declines, say surveys.

ATHX owner Derek Lampshire stands beside a squat machine in his gym. Athletes are turning to online workouts to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Min Dhariwal CBC

  • There are now 1,084 cases of COVID-19 linked to the Cargill meat-packing plant near High River, Alta., and 710 workers have tested positive. Those cases represent nearly a quarter of all cases in the province.
  • Filipino workers at the Cargill plant say they feel unfairly blamed for the outbreak, and workers have accused the company of ignoring physical-distancing protocols.
  • An outbreak on the Eden Valley First Nation has grown to 14 cases, and 1 case has been confirmed in Morley.
  • Over the weekend, Tsuut’ina First Nation introduced fines for those who break curfew, in the hope of stopping COVID-19 cases from entering from nearby ‘high-risk’ Calgary.
  • There are 4 cases of COVID-19 among the homeless population, 3 at the Calgary Drop-In Centre and 1 at the Calgary Salvation Army. The province has begun asymptomatic testing of clients and staff at shelters.
  • Alberta confirmed 216 new cases on Monday, up to a total of 4,696. Two more deaths were reported, bringing the total to 75.
  • Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said Albertans deserve credit for keeping the number of hospitalizations in the province well below projections.
  • AISH and Income Support recipients will be able to collect a federal employment subsidy and have a portion of it exempt.
  • MRU expands mandatory unpaid leave for employees as COVID crisis continues.

Calgary continues to lead the province in the number of COVID-19 cases. CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Sunday, April 26

Global deaths from COVID-19 have surpassed 203,000, researchers say.

The Colosseum is seen reflected in the glasses of a person wearing a face mask in Rome on Sunday. Alberto Lingria, Reuters

Huge relief: Small businesses welcome Ottawa’s commercial rent relief program, despite concerns

A chance to witness history: Alberta museum collects pandemic artifacts and stories. Amy Herr is a curator at the Canmore Museum. Even though the museum is closed, she’s accepting stories and artifacts to document what it’s like for locals to live through the coronavirus pandemic. Vincent Bonnay Radio-Canada

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Saturday, April 25

Trudeau and Canada’s premiers agree to work on national guidelines on reopening the economy.

One of many examples of businesses in Calgary keeping a positive attitude as they stay shut during the COVID-19 crisis. Bryan Labby CBC

Canada’s top doctor warns against relying on herd immunity to reopen economy

Why easing COVID-19 restrictions will present challenges between provinces

Should masks be mandatory in public to stop the spread of COVID-19? A person in a mask walks by a mural featuring health care workers on Granville street in Vancouver. WHO does not officially recommend the general public wear masks as a way to reduce spreading the virus, but some experts say it could be beneficial. Ben Nelms CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Friday, April 24

Province will roll out a contact-tracing app and could borrow up to $25B.

Puffed up pita breads come out of the oven at Samir Omar’s northeast bakery. These breads are destined for the Calgary Food Bank. Dan McGarvey CBC

COVID-19 will be here ‘for many months to come,’ Dr. Deena Hinshaw warns Albertans

Alberta health-care workers can now be redeployed to nursing homes to battle COVID-19

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, April 23

Alberta reported its highest single-day number of new cases yesterday.

Front-line workers at Markham Stouffville Hospital in Ontario tend to a Covid-19 patient in the ICU. Alberta has so far avoided a projected a surge in hospitalizations. Markham Stouffville Hospital

Kids and parents across the country are finding new ways to deal with self-isolation.

Doctors in at least 44 rural Alberta communities to reduce services.

Pregnant Alberta nurse loses public health coverage as she waits for work permit renewal. Charity Mackrell, a licensed practical nurse at Olds Hospital, says she lost her access to Alberta health care on Wednesday due to a delay in renewing her work permit. A U.S. citizen, she is still allowed to work for Alberta Health Services while being uninsured. Charity Mackrell. Alberta extends health care to uninsured foreigners with lapsed work permits.

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Wednesday, April 22

Health officials credit Canadians with preventing a larger crisis, but warn against a rush back to normal.

One of the many Calgary businesses that has closed. A return to normal will not be quick, according to health officials. Bryan Labby CBC

Earth Day activities: A parent’s guide to DIY projects for all ages

Families say AHS too slow to test asymptomatic long-term care residents

Go inside the high-security lab where scientists search for a coronavirus vaccine. Scientists inside the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization – International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) in Saskatoon. From left to right: Darryl Falzarano, Swarali Kulkarni, Yurij Popowych, Jocelyne Lew and Yao Lu. Bonnie Allen CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Tuesday, April 21

Health workers continue to raise concerns over new masks.

Nurses in Alberta say they are now using Vanch masks — instead of Pri-med masks — which have caused rashes and headaches for some. They also say the masks don’t form a proper seal to protect the nose and mouth from droplets. Name withheld by request

Bells ring out in Banff, bagpipes play in Calgary as Albertans pay tribute to Nova Scotia shooting victims

Local heroes: ‘I help Canada now,’ says restaurant owner offering free food to struggling Calgarians

Alberta privacy commissioner investigating Babylon by Telus Health. Patients can have one-to-one video consultations with doctors using the Babylon app from Telus Health. The cost of these virtual visits are covered by the government of Alberta. Telus Health photo

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, April 20

Warm weather is testing self-distancing while oil prices crash once more.

A breakdown in distancing could lead to more restrictions. Crowded public pathways made it hard at times to maintain physical distance in Calgary on the weekend as some long-awaited spring weather arrived. Terri Trembath CBC

A total of 2,908 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Alberta as of Monday. CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Sunday, April 19

Alberta health-care workers are raising concerns about new masks

Health-care workers put on protective equipment at a COVID-19 testing facility in Alberta. Alberta Health Services.

Quail eggs and sitar strings: The pandemic has people purchasing some strange stuff

The end of the roll as we know it: Getting to the bottom of a toilet paper shortage. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that turns out to be true of toilet paper as well as love. What wouldn’t you swap for this roll of two-ply in the COVID-19 era? Maggie MacPherson CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Saturday, April 18

Urgent need for protective gear for staff in residences and group homes, say advocates.

‘We feel forgotten’: Disability community overlooked during COVID-19, families say. Government of Alberta says its working with disability community to address their concerns. CBC

Good deed served medium rare to truckers in Wainwright

There are now hundreds of cases at a meat-packing plant south of Calgary.

CFIA boosts funding to combat COVID-19. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is spending $20 million to hire, train and equip additional staff members to limit disruptions resulting from COVID-19. The virus entering processing plants and forcing workers off the job is one of the biggest threats facing Canada’s food supply. There have already been temporary closures at plants in different parts of the country, such as this Cargill plant in High River, Alberta. Mike Sturk, The Western Producer

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Friday, April 17

Ottawa unveils oil and gas aid, High River residents worry about being in a hot spot

Temporary depot helping address food insecurity for northeast families. Boxes of fresh and packaged food items wait to be picked up at the depot in Rundle by families who need extra help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marion Ashton

Will it really take ‘weeks’ to ease physical distancing? Maybe no.

With increasing evidence that Canada has succeeded in flattening the COVID-19 curve, the next challenge is when and how to begin easing Canada’s physical distancing rules. Ingrid Rachael Blakey

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, April 16

Outbreaks are popping up at workplaces across the province while WestJet lays off 1,700 pilots

Three meat-packing plants in Alberta have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Larry MacDougal, Canadian Press

Local heroes: Community donates pottery, didgeridoo as Canmore bingo moves online

Too soon to let our guard down: How Canada has avoided a surge of COVID-19 cases in hospitals.

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Wednesday, April 15
Confirmed cases continue to rise, particularly in Calgary, as testing ramps up.

Immunity passports could be tool to end COVID-19 lockdowns. Some countries are looking at using so-called immunity passports as a way to help end COVID-19 lockdowns 1:53 CBC

Part-time, contract and seasonal workers now qualify for COVID-19 emergency benefits

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Tuesday, April 14

Jen and Zach Lugg pictured in December 2019. Zach, 6, is enrolled in one of the province’s reopened daycare centres. His mother is an essential worker at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. Jen Lugg photo

Alberta allows 190 child-care centres to reopen but only a few offer $25/day rate

Find the COVID-19 benefits and programs relevant you

As of April 14, there are 1,870 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alberta. CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, April 13

Family and friends come out to show support of residents and staff in the McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Centre. Jeff McIntosh, The Canadian Press

Speech pathologists at Calgary schools say they’re heartbroken after surprise layoffs

Quick, portable COVID-19 test kits approved for use. Ottawa-based Spartan Bioscience has developed a coffee cup-sized rapid-testing device for COVID-19. Health Canada has approved an Ottawa company’s new technology that is aimed at expanding COVID-19 test capacity nationwide.

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Sunday, April 12

Alberta will send its extra personal protective equipment to other provinces, Premier Jason Kenney said Saturday. Ted S. Warren, The Associated Press

Speech pathologists at Calgary schools say they’re heartbroken after surprise layoffs

Find the COVID-19 benefits and programs relevant you

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Saturday, April 11

As of Saturday afternoon’s Alberta Health update, there were 1,569 cases in Alberta and a total of 40 people who have died. CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Friday, April 10

As some Albertans mark religious holidays, politicians prepare to debate next steps forward.

As Alberta begins the Easter long weekend, parliamentarians are getting ready to discuss wage subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Susan Walsh, The Associated Press

How to celebrate Easter and Passover during the pandemic. Your COVID-19 questions answered

Local heroes: Health-care workers have safe, clean temporary homes thanks to this company

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, April 9

There are now 1,451 total cases of COVID-19 in the province of Alberta. CBC News

What national COVID-19 modelling can tell us — and what it can’t

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Wednesday, April 8

Okotoks teen 3D prints dozens of face shields. 13-year-old Owen Plumb has been working hard to 3D print protective face shields for health-care workers. Submitted by Nadia Plumb

Doctors, nurses demand government fill ‘unacceptable’ gaps in protective gear on front lines

Here are the latest COVID-19 statistics for Alberta — and what they mean

Why Alberta’s COVID-19 testing numbers have been down lately — and are set to pick back up. COVID-19 tests completed per day in Alberta. Numbers reflect lab tests completed in the previous 24 hours, as of the press briefing wach afternoon. On March 23, the province would stop testing travellers returning with mild symptoms and limit tests to people at high risk from the coronavirus (including people hospitalized with respiratory illness and residents of long-term care homes). Health-care workers with respiratory symptoms would also be tested. April 8, 2020. Robson Fletcher CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Tuesday, April 7

Testing will be expanded again to include those working in long-term care homes and shelters, as well as first-responders and correctional staff. Alberta Health Services/Twitter

Has Alberta reacted well to COVID-19, and is what we’re doing working?

Your guide to COVID-19 and its impact on life in Canada

COVID-19 cases in Alberta by status. Each colour in a column represents the number of recovered, not-yet-recovered, hospitalized and deceased patients. Together, each “stack” adds up to the total number of cases as of that date. April 7, 2020 CBC

New COVID-19 cases reported daily in Alberta, by health zone. Data limited to the past three weeks to make the chart more readable. April 7, 2020 CBC

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. April 7, 2020 CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Monday, April 6

Rural Albertans are frustrated with poor internet connections, and animals are taking over the streets in Banff, but there’s some good news. Applications open today for the federal emergency income supports for Canadians.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Alberta rose to 1,348 on Monday. CBC

Calgary firefighters plan ‘Drive-By Birthdays’ to brighten mood during pandemic

  • Another 98 cases of COVID-19 were announced Monday, bringing the total in the province to 1,348. A total of 24 people have died and 361 have recovered.
  • Up to 204 cases may be due to community transmission, an increase of 52 from Sunday, said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.
  • Alberta is second only to Australia in its testing rate, Hinshaw said.
  • Asymptomatic spread is happening more frequently than was initially thought, Hinshaw said. Even wearing a non-medical face mask can be helpful to protect others, she said.
  • On Tuesday, testing access will be expanded to include those over 65 who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Premier Jason Kenney says the legislature will reconvene Tuesday morning to discuss amendments to the Emergency Measures Act, and Tuesday night he will deliver a televised address to Albertans. At that time, the province will provide details of AHS modelling, which shows when the province might hit its peak number of cases.
  • Banff has been hit hard by the pandemic shutdown, as animals take over the main streets.
  • Some rural Albertans are frustrated with poor internet connections as everything moves online.
  • Another resident of the McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Home, hit hard by the virus has died, bringing the total deaths at that nursing home to 11.

Banff seniors treated to delivery of high-end meals as shuttered restaurant gives back to community

One month in: Looking back at how Alberta has handled COVID-19. Graph for first month of Covid-19 in Alberta. Erin Callihoo, Timeline. April 6, 2020 CBC. Click image for larger view

New COVID-19 cases reported daily in Alberta, by health zone. Data limited to the past three weeks to make the chart more readable. April 6, 2020 CBC

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. April 6, 2020 CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Sunday, April 5

Pikssii Crowshoe, 11, models a mask sewn by the women of the Pincher Creek Hutterite Colony. A group of volunteers at the colony is sewing masks to distribute to Indigenous communities and health-care workers in southern Alberta. Local Facebook group Mask Makers YYC coordinates volunteer sewers and quilters who want to help. Submitted by Dr. Janet Tapper

Two more people have died in Calgary, both at the McKenzie Towne care home

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. As of Sunday, there were 48 people in hospital, including 13 who have been admitted to intensive care units. April 5, 2020 CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Saturday, April 4

Alberta has surpassed the 1,000-case mark, health officials announced Friday.

Total COVID-19 cases confirmed in Alberta as of April 4. Numbers reflect known cases based on testing. Testing protocol changed to focus on high-risk patients and health-care staff as of March 23. There was a backlog of tests March 29-30 that later cleared. CBC

There are nine outbreaks in continuing care facilities in the province.

Interest rates are plunging — so why aren’t mortgage rates?

New COVID-19 cases reported daily in Alberta, by health zone. Data limited to the past three weeks to make the chart more readable. April 4, 2020 CBC

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. April 4 2020 CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Friday, April 3

Alberta surpasses 1,000-case mark, provincial death toll from COVID-19 reaches 18. CBC

There are nine outbreaks in continuing care facilities in the province.

New COVID-19 cases reported daily in Alberta, by health zone. Data limited to the past three weeks to make the chart more readable. April 3, 2020 CBC

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. April 3, 2020 CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, April 2

Alberta is preparing for the worst-case scenario and is stocking supplies.

Model predicts 250 Alberta patients will need intensive care at peak. Canada’s hospitals are counting their ventilators used to assist breathing in critically ill patients. Craig Chivers CBC

  • Two more people in Alberta died from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, while testing revealed 97 new cases of the illness, bringing the total in the province to 968.
  • Public health officials believe 108 of those cases were transmitted in the community.
  • There are now 65 confirmed cases at the McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Home in Calgary.
  • There are now nine outbreaks of COVID-19 at continuing-care facilities across the province, including the Cedars Villa Extendicare, AgeCare Seton and Carewest Sarcee facilities in Calgary.
  • Starting April 3, parking at all Alberta Health Services facilities will be free on a temporary basis.
  • Alberta Health Services modelling predicts COVID-19 in Alberta could peak in May with about 250 in intensive care.
  • Edmonton has opened an assessment centre inside a University of Alberta recreational facility in order to reduce demand on emergency rooms.
  • A sharp rise in “questionable” prescriptions draws rebuke from professional bodies and chief medical officer of health.
  • The Southwood Care Centre in Calgary, which provides continuing and hospice care, has confirmed a case of COVID-19.
  • New funding rules for Alberta doctors are now in effect, despite pleas from physicians to hold off.
  • Alberta has suspended a number of environmental reporting rules, citing the pandemic.

City officials scrambling to add showers and laundry facilities at COVID-19 drop-in centre

New COVID-19 cases reported daily in Alberta, by health zone. Data limited to the past three weeks to make the chart more readable. April 2, 2020 CBC

All the latest COVID-19 statistics are here

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. The data in the chart above is compiled from daily press briefings by Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, ​​and supplemented with numbers CBC News has requested directly from Alberta Health on days that she doesn’t give a briefing. April 2, 2020 CBC

 

What you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Wednesday, April 1

The total COVID-19 cases in Alberta rose to 871, as a backlog of tests were completed. CBC

All the latest COVID-19 statistics are here.

Number of COVID-19 patients in Alberta hospitals, by day. The reported number of patients in hospital and ICU each day. Figures are NOT cumulative. April 1, 2020 CBC

 

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