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By Canadian Press

doctors call on province for urgent action

‘Circuit breaker’: Alberta considering options as COVID-19 cases continue to surge

Nov 10, 2020 | 10:40 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s chief medical officer of health says the province is considering a short, but sharp economic lockdown that would act as a “circuit breaker” to help reverse a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw says it’s one of many options on the table and any decision must be weighed against broader issues such as mental health, well-being and community impact.

Hinshaw reported there are 644 new COVID-19 cases Monday, meaning there have been 3,700 cases in the last five days alone.

A public letter written to the Alberta government by 174 doctors — including emergency room physicians and infectious disease specialists — is urging the province to shut down major parts of the economy for two weeks to address soaring case numbers.

They say the health-care system and Albertans will face catastrophic consequences if that’s not done.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2020.

The Canadian Press