Alberta reports 96 new cases of COVID-19, one more death
As Alberta prepares to begin reopening the economy this week, the provincial government reported 96 new cases of COVID -19, one additional death and 185 recoveries Sunday.
The first phase of the economic relaunch is tentatively set to begin Thursday with the reopening of retail businesses such as clothing, furniture and bookstores, farmers’ market vendors and some personal services such as hair salons and barbershops. Cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, museums and art galleries, daycares and some outdoor recreation facilities could also open — with limited capacity.
Alberta Health Services reported a total of 1,747 active cases in the province, including the 96 newly documented cases. There have been 6,253 total cases confirmed since the first case was detected in early March.
The death of a man in his 70s from the South zone on Sunday was the 117th related to COVID -19 in the province. About 71 per cent of these deaths have been residents at continuing-care centres. Of the cases at these facilities, there are 115 active cases and 519 recoveries.
Since early last week, the province has inched forward with its relaunch strategy, resuming non-urgent surgeries that had been put on hold, reopening independent health services such as chiropractors, psychologists and physiotherapists, and allowing golf courses to operate.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said last week that the timing of Alberta’s economic relaunch depends on such indicators as the number of people in hospital and intensive care, as well as the number of new cases each day. This is heavily reliant on a consistently high level of COVID-19 testing.
Premier Jason Kenney said last week that the province would consider “local circumstances” to determine which sections of the province are ready to move forward with relaunch and which need more time.
Kenney said communities such as High River and Brooks — where there have been massive outbreaks among workers at two meat-packing facilities — wouldn’t open at the same pace as the rest of the province.
There are still 58 active cases among workers at the Cargill meat-packing plant in High River, with 893 recorded recoveries, and 82 active cases at the JBS Foods Canada facility in Brooks, with 520 recoveries.
As businesses prepare to reopen, there are some concerns Thursday is too soon to reintroduce hair salons and barbershops.
An online petition asking the provincial government to reconsider the opening of some personal care businesses had collected 8,500 digital signatures by Sunday evening. The petition cites concerns about the lack of distance between clients and co-workers.
“We need to take thoughtful steps, as we have this far. We hope that our government continues to be measured and informed in their decisions to benefit and protect us,” reads the petition.
As of Sunday, AHS reported 71 people are in hospital due to the novel coronavirus, including 13 requiring admission to intensive-care units. Three fewer Albertans are in hospital and two fewer are in ICU compared with Saturday’s numbers.
Alberta Health confirmed Saturday that a second inmate at the Calgary Remand Centre tested positive for COVID-19.
The two cases are the first in Alberta correctional facilities. According to public health officials, the new case is unrelated to the first, which was reported the previous day.
The first COVID-19 case was a man newly admitted to the jail who was exposed before his arrival. He began showing symptoms after his arrival and was quarantined with another cellmate. After he tested positive, both men were isolated.
In celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday, Premier Jason Kenney thanked mothers and parents for their determination and work during the pandemic.
“The sacrifices moms make at the best of times are amazing, but during these especially tough times it’s above and beyond the call that many mothers are going to with the schools closed, many daycares shut down, and children anxious with the coronavirus and so much else,” Kenney said in a statement.
He added a special thought for mothers and grandmothers in long-term care residences who “might be feeling especially alone or vulnerable these days.”
“Let’s reach out and show them some love today and to thank them for being the heroes in all of our families.”
Last week, the provincial government announced about $17.8 million in grants for childcare centres and approved family day-home agencies, so they can better prepare to safely restart as the economy picks up.