By Troy Gillard

expanded testing continues

Alberta surpasses 2,000 COVID-19 cases

Apr 16, 2020 | 4:01 PM

Alberta’s chief medical officer is reporting 162 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, bringing the total to 2158.

It’s the largest reported single day increase in the province to date as Alberta continues to ramp up the number of COVID-19 tests being conducted. The province conducted 2779 tests for COVID-19 over the last 24 hours.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw has also reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19, a male in his 70s from the Calgary zone, and a woman in her 80s from the north zone who both resided at long-term care facilities. This brings the total number of deaths in Alberta from the virus to 50.

“The scale of this pandemic means we often talk in case numbers. But we must never forget that every case is a person, every death is a tragedy for the people who love them,” Hinshaw said during her daily briefing.

Hinshaw says additional local data relating to COVID-19 numbers remain unavailable at this time following a power outage that led to an electrical fire Tuesday night at the province’s data centre. She says teams are working around the clock to get things back up and running, and expects additional data to be available again Friday.

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This means that the number of confirmed cases in the Central zone remains 74, and in Red Deer 32. These numbers were last updated as of Tuesday.

On recent outbreaks at the Kearl Lake oilsands facility and the Cargill meat packing plant in High River, Hinshaw said all measures are being taken to limit the outbreak.

Hinshaw attempted to calm concerns about outbreaks at health facilities.

“We have not yet seen the peak of COVID-19 in Alberta,” said Hinshaw. “It is likely that we will continue to see occasional cases in every part of Alberta, including in some health-care settings. When cases do arise health officials take every possible step to isolate anyone who may be exposed and to ensure there is no broader risk to any patients.”

“It’s important to remember that COVID-19 is not airborne. Only specific individuals are at risk when positive cases are identified. If patients are at risk of being exposed, we will alert Albertans.”

Hinshaw recommended smokers and vapers should take steps to quit or cut down during the pandemic.

She said smoking and vaping can expose the lungs to toxic chemicals and while it is not clear if that increases the risk of catching the virus, they do increase the risk of severe illness to those who catch it. She said quitting can have positive outcomes in the prevention and treatment.

She also urged limiting drinking alcohol during this time and be mindful of how much they are drinking.

“It’s more important now than ever to look after both you’re physical and mental health.”

Knowing people are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, Hinshaw said “we are doing everything possible to limit the spread in Alberta and get our province through this incredibly difficult time.”

She repeated again that the quickest way to get through this is to pratice physical distancing, regularly washing your hands and following all other public health measures.

(with file from Chris Brown)