Isolation and testing measures extended six weeks, more back-to-school guidance revealed

During a press conference Friday morning, alongside Education Minister Adriana LaGrange, Hinshaw said the province is adjusting its approach primarily due to a higher than projected number of hospitalizations.

She said the current number of people in hospital is 62 per cent higher than anticipated, though she stressed that this doesn’t mean the hospital system is currently over-taxed.

As of Aug. 11 (data reported Aug. 12), there are 146 Albertans hospitalized due to the virus, including 36 in intensive care. Of the 146 in hospital, 117 (85 non-ICU/32 ICU) are unvaccinated. Another 11 are in hospital with just one dose.

“Through the pandemic, we have monitored the situation closely and adapted our response as necessary. Reviewing data from Alberta and across the globe in the past few weeks has led me to a point where I feel that a pause on the next changes is the best way forward,” Hinshaw said. “I deeply care about, and am committed to, the overall health of all in Alberta. This is why I base my decisions on science and my professional assessment of an ever-changing situation.”

Hinshaw noted that recent data from other jurisdictions, including the U.K. and U.S., shows a wide range of acute care impacts a similar level of vaccinations to Alberta.

The uncertainty and potential for larger impacts warrants further caution, although a peak in admissions that would disrupt the health system at provincial level remains extremely unlikely, the doctor shared. She continued, explaining that health officials will continue to closely monitor hospitalizations and other severe outcomes due to COVID-19 in the province.

Hinshaw and LaGrange also addressed guidance for back-to-school, with the chief doctor noting that masks will not be mandatory in Alberta schools. School divisions, however, can make their own decisions.

“We know masking is something that is a reasonable extra layer of protection against multiple respiratory viruses. We also know it comes with some challenges, such as difficulty with communications and social interactions,” said Hinshaw.

“Last year, we had a universal masking mandate for grades four and up, and now that (those) older students, who are most likely to transmit, are able to access vaccines, which again is the number one most important thing we can do. Last year we didn’t have a mandate for those in grades three and under, and it’s my belief there needed to be local input and flexibility.”

Masks will be mandatory on school buses until at least Sept. 27.

Cohorting and distancing will not be required unless there is an outbreak, LaGrange added.

Voluntary vaccination in schools will also begin being offered Sept. 7 for students and staff.

“Thanks to the power of vaccines, I’m pleased that students can return to a normal school year in September,” says LaGrange. “The safety of students and staff remains our number one priority, and we have a detailed plan that includes contingency scenarios for continuing student learning if there is a significant change in the COVID-19 situation. We will continue to follow the expert advice of Alberta’s chief medical officer of health and are ready to make changes if needed.”

As of August 12, 65 per cent of 12 to 14 year olds have received one dose in Alberta and 54 per cent are fully protected with two doses.

As of August 12, 67 per cent of 15 to 19 year olds have been partially vaccinated in Alberta with one dose and 56 per cent are fully protected with two doses.

Hinshaw urged all who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible, even before the in-school clinics begin.

Aug. 13: Red Deer with 85 active cases of COVID-19, most since June 16

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Isolation and testing measures extended six weeks, more back-to-school guidance revealed

What's Trending