(The Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

"ineffective grab-bag of half-measures" called out

NDP says leaked projections show troubling COVID-19 curve for Alberta

Dec 2, 2020 | 9:50 AM

EDMONTON – New projections from Alberta Health officials paint a troubling picture if the province doesn’t reduce the spread of COVID-19.

As of Tuesday’s update from the province there are 97 people in intensive care due to the novel coronavirus.

Recent projections leaked to the Opposition NDP predict that if new health restrictions don’t work, that number will soar to 161 in just two weeks.

And the number of people in hospital due to COVID would rise from 479 to close to 800.

The health system is bending under the weight of cases, and hospitals are now reassigning, space, staff, and patients to free up more ICU beds.

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Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, says the numbers show it’s critical that Albertans follow rules and guidelines to reduce community transmission of the virus.

Last week, Premier Jason Kenney ordered new restrictions, including bans on gatherings in private homes beyond those who already live there.

The rules also keep businesses open, but with further limitations.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley says Kenney is failing Albertans by imposing a late and ineffective grab-bag of half-measures.

“The Premier went into hiding when he should have been taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ease the massive strain on Alberta hospitals,” said Notley. “Now, we have frontline physicians warning they will soon face the horrific scenario of triaging patients and deciding who to save.”