By Chris Brown

Chief Medical Officer Update

One new COVID-19 case in Medicine Hat, spike in provincial recoveries

Mar 26, 2020 | 3:47 PM

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health announced 67 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, bringing the total to 486 cases in the province. There is one new case in Medicine Hat, out of two new cases in the South Zone. The second new case in the South Zone is in the MD of Taber.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw also announced 27 Albertans who were confirmed to have the virus have recovered.

While the number of recoveries, which is included in the total of 486 cases, may be cause for celebration, Hinshaw said community transmissions are another number to keep an eye on.

“That community transmission that is out there right now … that will drive even more cases in the ICU if we can’t get a handle on this. If we don’t take action now, if we wait until we’re in a situation where our hospitals are overwhelmed, it’s too late,” she said.

Thirty-three cases are currently suspected to be community transmission.

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Twenty-one people are hospitalized and 10 are in the ICU.

Hinshaw said that there are countless unsung heroes behind the scenes, mentioning lab techs, contact tracers, and all other health-care workers as those who are on the frontlines of the fight.

“This virus has challenged us all and so many have risen to that challenge with hope and resilience Our system has responded with strength and ingenuity, but I want Albertans to understand there will be challenges coming in the next weeks. We’ve all seen what happened in countries like Italy and Spain,” Hinshaw said. “We are doing everything possible to prevent that from happening in Alberta by limiting the number of people who will need hospital care by preventing the spread of this virus.”

In an effort to best protect those on the frontlines, AHS has developed an online assessment tool specifically for health care workers that will be launched Friday, Hinshaw said.

She also reiterated her regular message.

“Please stay home if you are sick. Always wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds throughout the day with soap and warm water practise physical distancing rather than social isolation in every possible facet of your lives,” she says, sure to note her change in language around physical distancing and social isolation.

The full March 26 release from the province can be found here.