Hinshaw says number of suspected community transmission cases is ‘concerning’

Hinshaw also noted 77 cases among health-care workers, the majority of which are related to travel or the bonspiel in Edmonton in early March attended by health-care personnel.

There remains 12 cases in the South Zone and five in Medicine Hat.

Alberta Health is tracking outbreaks at three long-term care facilities, two in Calgary and one in Edmonton.

“These outbreaks remains worrisome,” Hinshaw says. “We know seniors and those with chronic health conditions are at greatest risk for severe illness related to COVID-19. We must all continue to do our part and follow the public health orders that are in place to save lives.”

That doesn’t mean we can’t continue to support each other or help the most vulnerable, said Hinshaw, adding Albertans are know for their genersosity.

She said Alberta food banks and Meals on Wheels still need support, encouraged healthy Albertans to give of their time where possible and noted blood donations have declined and

“We are all in this together and now more than ever, kindness matters,” Hinshaw says.

Guidance will be released in the coming days how community organizations and not-for-profits can continue to work while keeping staff, volunteers and communities safe.

Hinshaw also had a message for younger people.

“Even if you don’t have a chronic health condition, you need to make sure that you’re protecting yourself against COVID-19, Because even if you yourself have a mild illness, you could spread that disease to others and continue to be a part of having disease spread in your community could be a link to having other people who get severe illness.”

The full March 31 update from the province can be found here.

Note: This story has been updated to correct that up to 75 cases, not per cent, are suspected to be community transmission. The stat was corrected during the news conference.

by Chris Brown

Hinshaw says number of suspected community transmission cases is ‘concerning’

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