Dr. Hinshaw, Minister Copping give update on COVID-19 and monkeypox

The number of people in Alberta hospitals with the virus has dropped from 931 on May 30 to 816 on June 6.

Hinshaw was asked her thoughts on the current level of surveillance, as it relates to the pandemic, and said that she believes the current approach is sufficient as far as dealing with emerging strains down the road.

“What’s important to remember is that public health surveillance is something that has been done for many years. There is a science to public health surveillance, about how to get representative systems, to be able to understand what is circulating in the community,” said Hinshaw.

“When we expanded our PCR testing eligibility very broadly early in the pandemic, I want to be clear that the main purpose was not actually for surveillance. There was a side benefit of being able to have access to large amounts of data, but at that time, our main goal was to detect as many cases as possible and to put in measures around cases and contacts to contain the spread.”

Hinshaw said that as the virus has evolved, with incubation periods shortening and it becoming more infectious overall, it simply hasn’t been possible to contain the virus by utilizing broad PCR testing.

“What we’re doing right now with respect to using wastewater surveillance, using geographically-representative community surveillance of PCR swabs, as well as PCR tests that come in through emergency departments and hospitals, is a good representation of what’s circulating in the community.”

Hinshaw said the latest positivity rate was about 15.1 per cent, from May 31 to June 6.

The doctor also commented on the emerging prevalence of monkeypox around the world and in Alberta.

There are currently four confirmed cases of monkeypox in this province, up from two a couple days ago.

“These adult individuals are self-isolating, and I want to express my appreciation for their assistance with contact tracing and investigation. The overall risk for contracting monkeypox remains low in Alberta, however it is important to be aware that most, but not all, cases in the recent global outbreak have been seen in men who’ve reported sex with multiple male partners. That means there may be an elevated risk in that community right now,” said Hinshaw, adding that they’ve reached out to organizations which serve that community to obtain feedback and offer resources.

“This specific outreach does not mean this virus can only impact one community. This is not being done to shame or stigmatize anyone, and it does not mean that anyone who’s contracted monkeypox or is a close contact has done anything wrong. It is mainly spread by close skin-to-skin contact — not as an STI — by somebody with symptoms, or by touching things that are contaminated, such as by sharing clothes or bedding.”

Hinshaw said if any organizations who didn’t have the chance to give feedback, but received a factsheet and feel it could’ve been worded differently somehow, she is sorry, and they are continuing to engage with groups to improve the messaging.

“This virus is absolutely not limited to one particular group,” she added.

She also explained why the province hasn’t released locations of monkeypox cases, saying they have to-date been trying to minimize the chances of a patient confidentiality breach. However, the province is assessing the need to do that as case numbers grow.

If you have symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, new sores or a rush, call 8-1-1, Hinshaw advised.

Watch the full update below

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Dr. Hinshaw, Minister Copping give update on COVID-19 and monkeypox

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