Hinshaw decries COVID-19 shaming as Alberta records 103 new cases

The number of active in the Central Zone fell by seven and now sits at 33. There are just three virus-related hospitalizations in the zone, none of whom are in intensive care. The death toll from COVID-19 in the zone remains at seven.

Red Deer now sits with nine active cases, a decrease of two, and the number of recoveries is listed at 64, an increase of two.

Elsewhere, Red Deer County still has one active case, Lacombe County has five, Mountain View County has two, Kneehill County has one and the County of Stettler is down to three. The map showing the location of each of Alberta’s COVID-19 cases can be found here.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw began her Thursday update telling Albertans she is worried about a common theme she has been hearing about over the past few weeks as reported by her contact tracers who are talking with people who test positive and their contacts: Shame.

“Shame is an emotion that drives people to hide or to cover up what they are ashamed of. It can be triggered by anger or judgment from others or by an individual’s own belief about what happened,” said the province’s chief medical officer of health.

“The more that COVID drives shame, the harder it will be to prevent, as people will be less willing to be forthcoming about the symptoms, less willing to be tested, and less willing to be honest with contact tracers about their activities.”

Hinshaw says we need to fight shame with compassion.

“Let’s be honest. Living with COVID-19 is really hard. We are all tired. It is easy to be frustrated or even angry if our lives are disrupted further by an exposure to COVID from someone in our circle. And yet many of the cases we are investigating have been triggered by a series of unfortunate events,” she said.

She acknowledges every is trying their best to stop the spread of the virus, but one slip at the wrong time and place can lead to an outbreak.

“We must be compassionate with those who test positive. We must support those who have even mild symptoms to stay home and away from others without shame. Our success depends on this.”

As the first day of school draws closer, the province’s top doctor continued to encourage teachers and school staff to get tested before the start of the school year.

Hinshaw said the advice she has provided to the government is based on what has and hasn’t worked around the world and on what science and medicine have learned about children and their experiences with the COVID-19 virus.

“Some may wonder why we would reopen schools at all during a pandemic. My answer is that we must look at the overall health of our population and everything that contributes to health. We cannot simply focus on COVID-19 alone, as there are other risks that must be factored in.”

She said we must learn how to live with the virus and find the right balance between preventing uncontrolled COVID spread and preventing the harms that come from shutting down essential parts of our society.

Hinshaw says she monitors new evidence as it emerges and will “adapt my advice on the school re-entry plan as needed” and that she will be sending her children back to school in September.

“But I want to be clear there is no wrong decision about a return to in-school or online learning. Each parent is uniquely positioned to make the best decision for their family,” she said. “Regardless of your choice, taking precautions is our new normal for all ages, including our children.”

She announced updated, detailed guidance is posted on the planned response to any students or staff who have symptoms in schools, and what protocols will be followed if COVID cases are identified in a school.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw’s next in-person update will be on Monday.

(With file from Chris Brown – CHAT News Today)

by rdnewsNOW staff

Hinshaw decries COVID-19 shaming as Alberta records 103 new cases

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