By Troy Gillard

“We have now crossed a tipping point”

Alberta challenged by dueling narratives over COVID-19: Hinshaw

Oct 26, 2020 | 4:38 PM

EDMONTON – The province’s top doctor says Alberta is facing a challenge of dealing with polarizing narratives when it comes to COVID-19.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the narratives “on the one hand say we need to drive to zero cases at all costs and on the other hand say the COVID is a mild illness for most, so we should let it spread freely and pursue herd immunity.”

Hinshaw made the comments on Monday as Alberta announced another 1,440 cases of COVID-19 over the past three days, including a record 572 on Saturday.

“We are not well-served by false dichotomies, or by any positions that make it harder to have the respectful dialogues that a complex, wicked problem like COVID-19 presents. We must continue listening to each other and striking a difficult but necessary balance,” Hinshaw implored.

The chief medical officer of health said we can’t live in fear and terror of the virus for months but also can’t abandon efforts to protect the most vulnerable and ensure the health system can continue to meet all Albertans’ health needs.

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Hinshaw is asking Albertans to respect COVID-19 and says it “is not just the flu.”

She said it is a novel virus that can overwhelm the health system and weaken essential services.

“Respecting COVID-19 means taking public health advice seriously by taking care of ourselves and communities by taking steps to prevent transmission.”

She also asked for respectful dialogue with those who have different opinions, saying solutions will be found by working together.

Hinshaw reiterated a balance must be found between minimizing the risk of COVID-19 and the harms of restrictions needed to keep the spread manageable.

“We have now crossed a tipping point and are losing the balance we have been seeking,” she warned.

The total number of COVID-19 cases across the province stands at 25,733. There are 3,138 4,477 active cases, up 826 from Friday, and 20,949 recovered cases, up 639.

Red Deer added 14 cases over the weekend and is up to 174. The city has 39 active cases as of Monday.

(With file from Chris Brown – CHAT News Today)