By Chris Brown

Still 11 cases in Medicine Hat

No change to local COVID-19 numbers as Alberta cases spike

Apr 14, 2020 | 3:54 PM

There are 138 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, bringing the provincial total to 1,870. Medicine Hat remains at 11 cases, with one case moving from active to recovered. The city now has six active cases and five recovered. Cypress County remains at six active cases, County of Forty Mile at two active cases and the MD of Taber at two recovered cases.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw also announced a further 37 recovered cases, pushing that total to 914.

The vast majority of the new cases are in the Calgary Zone, where testing has been increased in recent days in order identify opportunities to limit spread given the zone has had the highest rate of illness, Hinshaw said, adding the rise in testing will provide more context about what the increase in testing means.

“While we are seeing a steady rise in recovered cases in the province, we should also expect to see a rise of cases in the coming days as a result of expanded testing,” said the chief medical offer of health.

In the past 24 hours 2,868 Albertans were tested, said Hinshaw.

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Two more deaths were announced by Hinshaw, one at the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Facility in Calgary, the other at a care facility in Edmonton. There have now been 48 deaths in the province, 21 at McKenzie Towne alone.

“While we can start to become numb to these numbers as time goes on, each one of these individuals had a life that mattered and people who love them,” said Hinshaw. “It is in order to prevent further losses that we are focusing measures on these high-risk areas.”

Hinshaw assured Albertans everything possible is being done to keep the residents and staff at all continuing care facilities safe.

She acknowledged that some are experiencing fatigue about COVID-19 and how officials are responding.

“For all of us I wonder if one of the hardest things to mange is the uncertainty looking forward and the fact that we can’t yet make plans for when life will return to more normalcy. COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic and it has impacted every one of us. We are all grieving in some way,” Hinshaw said, saying anger, bargaining, denial and depression are normal reactions and responses to the situation and changes being faced.

“We can be there for each other through this, holding each other up when we need it. This will not last forever.”

With the increased testing providing more robust data, Hinshaw said she hopes to be able to provide “more structured timelines soon” for the Emergency Management Coordination Committee of cabinet to consider next steps going forward.

She cautioned that everyone will be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for a while. Frequent handwashing and a reluctance for large gatherings should continue even after the pandemic has ended.

Hinshaw also advised that consistent adherence to good hygiene, staying home when possible — particularly when feeling ill — and practising physical distancing when out remain the best ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy.

“These practices continue to be critical in the coming weeks,” she said.

Before Hinshaw spoke, Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced a $3 million grant to Caregivers Alberta to expand its services. He recognized the families and informal caregivers for their contributions during the pandemic and before.

Read the full April 14 release from the province here.