[ad_1]
The content of the article continued
Hinshaw urged the Albertans to do their part to reduce the spread this weekend following public health orders, including banning all social gatherings indoors.
“In a difficult year, I know this last month may be the hardest for many,” he said. “This virus can spread quickly from one in many. In a month usually characterized by festive gatherings, we feel the restrictions more acutely.
“If you haven’t followed the rules or if you know your behavior might be a little safer, now is the time to change it. This is the time to stay home and stay safe. “
Another 15 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Alberta since Thursday, including two in the Calgary area of Alberta Health Services. Seven of the recently reported deaths were from a long-term care facility, the Edmonton Chinatown Care Center.
In total, 590 Albertans have now died of COVID-19, including 238 in the past 30 days.
Admissions to hospitals and intensive care units continue to increase in Alberta, with 533 now hospitalized with COVID-19, 99 of them in intensive care. That’s an increase of 22 hospitalizations and two ICU admissions since Thursday.
With the rising rates of infections and hospitalizations in Alberta, the province is reviewing contingency plans for patient care if more capacity is needed.
Dr Verna Yiu, CEO of AHS, said the province is planning to build field hospitals in both Calgary and Edmonton.
“While there isn’t a current need, it’s clear that Alberta’s health system is under significant stress given the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the province and AHS must prepare for all scenarios,” Yiu said.
Source link
