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

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.

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

• Alberta to take first steps to open economy on Monday, with emphasis on outdoor activities.
• Alberta reported three more deaths and 190 new cases of COVID-19.
• The City of Calgary is facing a budget shortfall of at least $235 million if pandemic carries on until December.
• The UCP has now been in power for one year and faces three crises heading into its second.
• Caregivers at long-term care homes will have more say in where they work, once restricted to just one location, but there’s still no date for when rule changes come into effect.
• An Alberta judge rules COVID-19 not an excuse to unilaterally suspend child-custody access.
• The province reported seven more deaths and 315 new cases on Wednesday afternoon.

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.

• Cargill meat plant with COVID-19 outbreak will reopen May 4. Labour has called for meat-processing plant closures to stem outbreaks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he’s watching the industry closely and that worker safety is a priority for his government.
• Fort McMurray flood workers are exempt from some physical-distancing measures.
• The province could be on track to reopening some parts of the economy in May, the premier says.
• Alberta reported 315 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday.
• The latest update brings the total number of deaths to 87, and the total number of cases to 5,165.
• Calgary Transit has limited access to buildings at some bus and CTrain stations, starting Wednesday.
• Easter Seals cancels spring and summer programs at Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek.
• INTERACTIVE | See the latest data on coronavirus cases in Canada.

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

 

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.

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

• Ice jams flood Fort McMurray’s downtown and force thousands from their homes. The city declared a second state of local emergency, on top of the one already called for COVID-19.
• 1 in 4 of Alberta’s COVID-19 cases have been tied to the Cargill meat-packing plant near High River, Alberta. This has become the largest single outbreak in the country.
• Alberta confirmed 216 new cases on Monday, up to a total of 4,696. Two more deaths were reported, bringing the total to 75.
• The government released new modelling projections that estimate fewer Albertans will require hospitalization and critical care than predicted.
• The province could be on track to reopening some parts of the economy in May, the premier said.
• An outbreak on the Eden Valley First Nation has grown to 14 cases, and 1 case has been confirmed in Morley.
• There are 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Calgary’s homeless population.
• 472 health-care workers in Alberta have tested positive.
• A Calgary economist warns Alberta should seek new revenue to deal with the deficit and reduce cuts after the pandemic.
• This summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup has been cancelled.
• INTERACTIVE | See the latest data on coronavirus cases in Canada.

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

 

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.

• 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.

 

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.

• Alberta reported 247 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, for a total of 4,480 cases and 73 deaths in the province.
• Two clients of the Calgary Drop-In Centre have tested positive.
• Filipino workers at Cargill’s meat-packing plant in High River say they feel unfairly blamed for the outbreak, and workers have accused the company of ignoring physical-distancing protocols.
• Tsuut’ina Nation will now fine those who break its 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said reopening the economy hinges on sectors having enough personal protective equipment.
• Alberta has announced a $1-billion well reclamation program.
• Premier Jason Kenney said Alberta is likely to hit a deficit somewhere in the range of $20 billion this year.
• There are now three confirmed cases on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
• There are also two new cases at Mountain View Poultry in Okotoks.
• Calgary has extended a ban on events on city land to the end of August.
• Worker at 7-Eleven in Shawnessy tests positive for COVID-19. The store’s staff are self-isolating, with pay, for 14 days.

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

 

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.

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

• Alberta reported 216 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday and one additional death at a long-term care facility in the Calgary zone, for a total of 4,233 cases and 73 deaths in the province.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s premiers have agreed to work toward a jointly-drafted set of national guidelines on reopening the economy.
• There is no scheduled press conference from Alberta this weekend, but new numbers will be announced.
• Alberta has announced a $1-billion well reclamation program.
• Alberta reported five more deaths from COVID-19 on Friday and 297 new cases.
• Three of the new cases are on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
• There are also two new cases at Mountain View Poultry in Okotoks.
• Calgary has extended a ban on events on city land to the end of August.
• As the number of Alberta doctors withdrawing hospital services grows, one of those doctors says government has broken trust, removed stability.
• Union president wants independent party to make decisions about safety of meat plants.
• More City of Edmonton employees will be laid off this spring, but numbers aren’t yet known.
• The Alberta government has authorized the finance minister to borrow up to $25 billion.
• The province will roll out a contact-tracing app as part of its pandemic response.

Why easing COVID-19 restrictions will present challenges between provinces

 

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.

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

• Alberta has announced a $1-billion well reclamation program.
• Alberta reported five more deaths from COVID-19 on Friday and 297 new cases.
• Three of the new cases are on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
• There are also 2 new cases at Mountain View Poultry in Okotoks.
• Calgary has extended a ban on events on city land to the end of August.
• As the number of Alberta doctors withdrawing hospital services grows, one of those doctors says government has broken trust, removed stability.
• Union president wants independent party to make decisions about safety of meat plants.
• More City of Edmonton employees will be laid off this spring, but numbers aren’t yet known.
• The Alberta government has authorized the finance minister to borrow up to $25 billion.
• The province will roll out a contact-tracing upp as part of its pandemic response.

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.

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

• The Calgary Stampede announced it would cancel its annual event for the first time in almost a century.
• The Calgary Folk Fest also announced it would be cancelled this year.
• Two more people in Alberta have died from COVID-19. One was a worker at the JBS plant in Brooks, while the other is related to a secondary spread linked to that outbreak.
• 10 people are dead at a northern Alberta seniors’ residence.
• Union is calling for Calgary chicken plant to close after a worker tests positive.
• OHS investigating Canada’s largest COVID-19 outbreak at meat plant after worker’s death
• Calgary-based trucking firm Mullen Group lays off 1,000 workers.
• An order to limit health-care workers to one long-term care site has been put on hold.
• WestJet will lay off a further 3,000 workers in early May.
• Calls to Calgary police have dropped since the pandemic struck Alberta.

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

 

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.

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

• On Wednesday, 306 more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Alberta, bringing the total to 3,401.
• Five more Albertans have died, bringing the total deaths to 66.
• An inspection that allowed the High River Cargill plant to remain open, was done by video call. The meat plant is the location of Canada’s largest outbreak linked to a single site, with 580 cases stemming from the worksite.
• OHS is now investigating outbreaks at that plant, and the JBS plant in Brooks which is linked to 96 cases.
• Alberta reported its first case on a First Nation Wednesday. One person on Sucker Creek First Nation, about 22 kilometres east of High Prairie, has tested positive. The First Nation is also dealing with flooding.
• Alberta is sending more medical supplies to Québec, where more than 1,300 people are in hospital. Later this week, the province will send 20,000 procedural masks to Northwest Territories.
• Calgary trucking firm Mullen Group reports 1,000 layoffs as pandemic slows economy.
• Calgary-based WestJet says a further 3,000 of its workers will be laid off in early May, as demand for flights crater. The airline sent layoff notices to 1,700 pilots earlier this month.
• WestJet has also suspended transborder and international flights until June 4 and has changed its domestic schedule from May 5 to June 4, cutting 600 flights including some routes between Canadian cities.
• On Tuesday, Air Canada said service to the United States would be suspended for another 30 days because of the pandemic. Air Canada has cancelled most international flights until June.
• Air Transat and Sunwing Airlines have also cancelled all trips until at least May 31. The decisions extended the suspension of more than 160 Air Canada routes and Air Transat and Sunwing trips by another month.
• Alberta’s chief medical officer of health has warned against complacency and a rush back to normal.
• Four people have died from COVID-19 at the Clifton Manor nursing home in Calgary.

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

 

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

Health workers continue to raise concerns over new masks.

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

• Alberta reported 187 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total to 3,095. Two more people have died, for a total of 61 deaths.
• There are 367 cases in 29 active outbreaks at continuing care facilities across the province. A list of outbreaks at care facilities is now up on the province’s web site.
• Edmonton Folk Fest has been cancelled, so too has the previously postponed Calgary Expo.
• U of C survey of municipal leaders paints sobering picture of long-term pandemic effects.
• As health workers complain, Alberta health official says new masks a matter of personal preference.
• Cargill’s plant north of High River, linked to 484 cases and one death, will close once all meat already at the facility is processed.

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

 

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.

• Another 105 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Alberta on Monday, bringing the province’s total to 2,908. The total number of deaths now sits at 59 and the total number of cases at 2,908. Of those, 1,619 are active cases, while 1,230 people have recovered.
• Cargill will temporarily close its High River meat-processing facility linked to Alberta’s worst outbreak.
• There are now 360 Cargill workers who have tested positive, and a total of 484 cases linked to that outbreak.
• The province has announced new measures to support continuing care facilities, like $24.5 million in funding, a $2 per hour wage bump for workers, and a plan to fast track health-care aide students through paid internships.
• The pandemic is pushing oil prices to lowest level since the 1990s.
• Warm weather brought crowds of people to Calgary’s parks and pathways.
• Union demands equal pay as new rules loom for long-term care workers.
• AHS reviewing complaints that new masks cause rashes, headaches and don’t seal.

 

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

Alberta health-care workers are raising concerns about new masks

• Another 241 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Alberta Sunday, bringing the provincial total to 2,803. Four more Albertans have died, for a total of 55 deaths.
• Alberta health-care workers say masks delivered this week don’t seal and cause rashes and headaches.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic at 11:15 am ET.
• Alberta reported 165 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total up to 2,562.
• One more Albertan has died, a woman in her 90s in the Calgary area not connected to a continuing care facility, bringing the number of deaths to 51.
• Trudeau says Canada and the United States have struck a deal to extend current border restrictions between the two countries by an additional 30 days.
• High River has become a COVID-19 hot spot with 358 cases linked to the Cargill meat processing plant.
• There are no reported cases of food or food packaging associated with the transmission of COVID-19, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
• 3 employees at Calgary Co-op Midtown test positive for COVID-19. Each of the employees last worked at the location on April 12 in the produce, meat and grocery sections of the store.
• The federal government will spend $1.7 billion to help clean up orphaned and abandoned wells.
• Edmonton Public Schools lays off nearly 1,900 staff.
• The Alberta government knew eligible applicants would be rejected for emergency supports before launching program.
• Canada’s oil lobby is pushing for a freeze on carbon tax and delays on new climate regulations.

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

 

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.

• Alberta reported 165 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total up to 2,562.
• One more Albertan has died, bringing the number of deaths to 51.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada and the United States have struck a deal to extend current border restrictions between the two countries by an additional 30 days.
• High River has become a COVID-19 hot spot with 358 cases linked to the Cargill meat processing plant.
• The federal government will provide $1.7 billion to help clean up orphaned and abandoned wells.
• Edmonton Public Schools lays off nearly 1,900 staff.
• The Alberta government knew eligible applicants would be rejected for emergency supports before launching program.
• Canada’s oil lobby is pushing for a freeze on carbon tax and delays on new climate regulations.

Good deed served medium rare to truckers in Wainwright

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

 

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

• Alberta reported 239 new cases on Friday, bringing the total to 2,397, but no new deaths.
• The federal government will spend $1.7 billion to help clean up orphaned and abandoned wells.
• Edmonton Public Schools lays off nearly 1,900 staff.
• The Alberta government knew eligible applicants would be rejected for emergency supports before launching program.
• Canada’s oil lobby is pushing for a freeze on carbon tax and delays on new climate regulations.
• High River has become a COVID-19 hot spot with 358 cases linked to the Cargill meat processing plant.
• Parks Canada has made it official: no camping on the May long weekend.

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

 

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

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

• Two more deaths from COVID-19 were reported Thursday, as the province reported 162 new cases – bringing the total number of deaths to 50 and the total number of cases to 2,158.
• As of Thursday, 34 people have died from COVID-19 in the Calgary zone; eight in the Edmonton zone; seven in the North zone; and one in the Central zone.
• More than 85,500 people have been tested for COVID-19.
• Seven staff in the maternity ward at Calgary’s Foothills hospital have tested positive, but no patients have been affected, says AHS.
• WestJet has laid off 1,700 pilots.
• There is an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Kearl Lake oilsands facility.
• COVID-19 cases confirmed at 3 Alberta meat-packing plants.
• An inmate at the Edmonton Institution alleges guards are taking advantage of pandemic to assault prisoners and deny them medical care.
• City of Edmonton could be out $260 million if pandemic persists past December.
• Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame closes its doors for remainder of year. Calgary museum will still announce 2020 class of inductees.
• Edmonton Catholic Schools issued 700 temporary layoff notices on Thursday, April 16
• The Calgary Board of Education has cancelled all graduation ceremonies in light of pandemic.
• Parks Canada has made it official: no camping on the May long weekend.

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

• Alberta reported 126 new cases from COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 1,996.
• Health officials are monitoring an outbreak at an oilsands facility and at multiple meatpacking plants.
• Premier Jason Kenney announced Wednesday the province will invest an extra $53 million to help deal with mental health problems and addictions related to the pandemic.
• Nursing students are being fast-tracked into service to handle pandemic.
• Alberta Health Services has started collecting and cleaning N95 masks for possible reuse.
• CBE students in Calgary won’t see their grades drop based on assessments while learning from home.
• Calgary grocery store worker tests positive for COVID-19 at Real Canadian Superstore in McKenzie Towne

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

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

• Alberta reported 138 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the largest single-day increase yet, for a total of 1,870. Of those, 914 people, or nearly half, have recovered. Of the new cases, 128 were in Calgary.
• Nearly 80,000 people have been tested in the province.
• The province announced it will provide $3 million to support the nearly one million Albertans who are caregivers for loved ones.
• Two more people have died, bringing the total deaths to 48.
• There are now 214 cases, which includes 30 deaths, at the province’s continuing care facilities.
• Alberta’s chief medical officer of health said it will likely be months before large social gatherings can resume in the province.
• Alberta senators are pushing for federal oilpatch aid.
• The province has expanded COVID-19 testing to anyone showing symptoms.
• More daycare centres have reopened for essential workers, few of which offer $25 per day care.
• Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says province might circumvent Health Canada to access tests and drugs, raising eyebrows.
• Edmonton Fringe has been cancelled due to the pandemic.
• Public Health Canada releases interim guidance for infection prevention and control of COVID-19 for long-term care homes.

Find the COVID-19 benefits and programs relevant you

 

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

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

• As of Monday, the province had a total of 1,732 confirmed cases. A majority of these cases are in the Calgary zone.
• Two more Albertans have died in the Calgary zone.
• Anyone in Alberta with fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat can now be tested by filing a request online.
• The Alberta government announced it will match donations up to $2 million dollars for designated Alberta-based charities and non-profits with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns starting April 15.
• Amazon Canada reports an employee at its Balzac warehouse has contracted COVID-19.
• A southern Alberta meat packaging plant has 38 COVID-19 cases, prompting the union to demand a temporary closure.

 

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

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

• There were 82 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Alberta Sunday, bringing the province’s total to 1,651. A total of 823 people have recovered.
• The Alberta government announced it will match, dollar-for dollar, donations up to $2 million to Alberta charities and non-profits with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns starting April 15.
• Premier Jason Kenney announced Saturday that Alberta would send equipment to other provinces.
• Two more Calgary businesses which remained open despite public health orders have been ordered to close by Alberta Health.
• The federal government’s wage subsidy legislation passed inside the House of Commons, after days of negotiations.
• Canada missed opportunities early on to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, say experts looking at the country’s response to the pandemic.
• There will be no daily provincial update on the pandemic situation this weekend, but numbers will be released via social media.
• The world-wide death toll surpasses 100,000.
• Nurses at the McKenzie Towne continuing care centre allege a lack of cleaning and isolation has contributed to a deadly outbreak of COVID-19.
• All residents of the Calgary Zone with symptoms are now eligible for testing.

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

• There are 69 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, bringing the province’s total to 1,569.
• Alberta also announced one new death at the McKenzie Towne continuing care centre.
• House of Commons adopts wage subsidy bill, as MPs applaud all-party collaboration
• Premier Jason Kenney announced Saturday that Alberta would send equipment to other provinces.
• Two more Calgary businesses which remained open despite public health orders have been ordered to close by Alberta Health.
• The federal government’s wage subsidy legislation is expected to pass today inside the House of Commons after days of negotiations.
• Canada missed opportunities early on to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, say experts looking at the country’s response to the pandemic.
• There will be no daily provincial update on the pandemic situation this weekend, but numbers will be released via social media.
• Canadians mark Good Friday and Passover in new world of physical distancing.
• The world-wide death toll surpasses 100,000.
• Nurses at the McKenzie Towne continuing care centre allege a lack of cleaning and isolation has contributed to a deadly outbreak of COVID-19.
• The Town of Banff has started ‘checkstops’ to dissuade visitors from visiting.
• All residents of the Calgary Zone with symptoms are now eligible for testing.

 

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.

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

• Seven more Albertans die, including four at Calgary nursing home.
• Canadians mark Good Friday and Passover in new world of physical distancing.
• Parliament returns for a rare Saturday sitting to vote on a wage subsidy program.
• The world-wide death toll surpasses 100,000.
• 39 people in the province have died from the illness and there are 1,500 total cases
• Nurses at the McKenzie Towne continuing care centre allege a lack of cleaning and isolation has contributed to a deadly outbreak of COVID-19.
• The Town of Banff has started ‘checkstops’ to dissuade visitors from visiting.
• All residents of the Calgary Zone with symptoms are now eligible for testing.

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

• Three more people have died from COVID-19 in Alberta, and 28 new cases have been reported.
• Nurses at the McKenzie Towne continuing care centre allege a lack of cleaning and isolation has contributed to a deadly outbreak of COVID-19.
• The Town of Banff will implement “checkstops” to dissuade visitors from visiting.
• A new snapshot of job losses in Alberta shows 117,000 jobs have been axed due to COVID-19.
• All residents of the Calgary Zone with symptoms are now eligible for testing.
• Current modelling suggests Alberta has a sufficient stockpile of supplies and equipment to deal with projected peak of cases in May.
• 100 acute care beds coming to Peter Lougheed Centre, province says.
• The province says it plans to use smartphones to trace citizens and enforce quarantines.
• WestJet plans to rehire nearly 6,400 workers with the help of the federal wage subsidy.
• Doctors association suing Alberta government for alleged breach of charter rights.

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

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

• All residents in the Calgary zone with cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath are now eligible for COVID-19 testing.
• Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in Alberta will peak in late May, according to modelling information released Wednesday.
• Three more people died from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, and the province has reported 50 new cases.
• Modelling released by the province on Tuesday night suggests as many as 800,000 COVID-19 infections could sweep across Alberta.
• The province also revealed details of its action plan, once the peak of infections has passed.
• A hotel has now opened to house homeless Calgarians who need to self-isolate.
• Enbridge CEO says Canadian oil production could drop 25 per cent during pandemic.
• Health Canada is cracking down on misleading and false claims of COVID-19 preventions and cures.
• Albertans exposed to virus can join a clinical trial into hydroxychloroquine, the controversial drug promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

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

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

• Alberta confirmed 25 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the province’s total to 1,373. Two more people have died, bringing the province’s total deaths to 26.
• All visitors are now banned from nursing homes and group homes in Alberta.
• Edmonton needs to switfly cut spending in wake of pandemic, says Mayor Don Iveson.
• Premier Jason Kenney says unemployment in Alberta could reach 25 per cent.
• The government has announced more legislative tweaks to refine how the province and municipalities can respond to the pandemic.
• One month into pandemic, the province will release its COVID-19 modelling on Tuesday night.
• Calgary council voted to hike taxes on homeowners to help businesses, but with the option to defer payment.

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.

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

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

• The public can begin signing up for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) starting Monday.
• Another 69 cases of COVID-19 were announced in Alberta on Sunday, bringing the province’s total to 1,250.
• Three more Albertans died on Sunday, bringing the province’s total deaths to 23.
• More than one third of residents at the McKenzie Towne care home have now tested positive for COVID-19.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that “millions” of surgical masks and other supplies are due to arrive in Canada Monday.
• On Friday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said she hoped to have a formal recommendation on masks next week.
• With few exceptions, patients in Alberta hospitals will no longer be able to have any visitors in person.
• Advocates want changes to AISH as pandemic worsens issues of poverty and isolation.
• A Lethbridge man exposed to COVID-19 has been charged with assault for allegedly coughing on officer.
• Misinformation researcher is warning against falling for touted miracle cures, including cow urine.
• 74 confirmed cases are in continuing care homes, including 65 in one home in southeast Calgary.
• Police can now hand out fines to those violating public health orders, up to $100,000 for a first-time serious violation.

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.

• Another 106 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Alberta on Saturday, bringing the province’s total to 1,181.
• Two more people died in Calgary on Saturday, both women in their 90s at McKenzie Towne care home. A total of 20 Albertans have died and 240 have recovered.
• There are 42 people in hospital and 14 have been admitted to intensive care.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Jason Kenney both criticized the Trump administration’s order to stop exporting N95 masks to Canada.
• On Friday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said she hoped to have a formal recommendation on masks next week.
• With few exceptions, patients in Alberta hospitals will no longer be able to have any visitors in person.
• Advocates want changes to AISH as pandemic worsens issues of poverty and isolation.
• A Lethbridge man exposed to COVID-19 has been charged with assault for allegedly coughing on officer.
• Misinformation researcher is warning against falling for touted miracle cures, including cow urine.
• 74 confirmed cases are in continuing care homes, including 65 in one home in southeast Calgary.
• Police can now hand out fines to those violating public health orders, up to $100,000 for a first-time serious violation.

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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.

• Advocates want changes to AISH as pandemic worsens issues of poverty and isolation.
• A Lethbridge man exposed to COVID-19 has been charged with assault for allegedly coughing on officer.
• Misinformation researcher is warning against falling for touted miracle cures. including cow urine.
• Alberta reported two more deaths and 97 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon.
• 74 confirmed cases are in continuing care homes, including 65 in one home in southeast Calgary.
• Police can now hand out fines to those violating public health orders, up to $100,000 for a first-time serious violation.

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.

• 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

• An additional 117 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the province’s total to 871.
• The increase in numbers was largely due to a backlog of tests being completed, the province said.
• There are 29 people in hospital and 13 admitted to intensive care. As many as 94 cases are believed to be acquired by community spread.
• The province reported two additional deaths due to COVID-19, and a Calgary nursing home reported a third.
• That nursing home has seen four residents die, and 66 total staff and residents have tested positive as an outbreak continues to rage through the facility.
• A survey of businesses in Edmonton shows nearly half don’t think they’ll survive the pandemic.
• Transit service in Calgary will be reduced starting April 6.
• Oil and gas companies are starting to lay off workers and pull back production in the face of record low prices.
• Air pollution in Edmonton, Calgary and along the QEII has dropped as people stay home.
• Calgary’s new arena project is on pause for 30 days due to pandemic.
• Two more seniors’ homes in Calgary have reported cases of COVID-19.

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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