Alberta can’t afford a second wave

Kenney says targeted approach needed to prevent COVID-19 resurgence

Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta has been among the world leaders in staunching the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but at a staggering financial cost the province cannot afford to repeat should there be a second wave.

Kenney says the key to prevention will be ramped-up testing, border screening and a focus on protecting the highest risk groups — seniors and those with underlying conditions.

“The most important strategy as we move forward is building a wall of defence around the most vulnerable,”

Kenney told the house

Wednesday as he updated his government’s response to the pandemic.

He noted the province has made changes to provide personal protective equipment and financial aid to care facilities, and brought in new rules that prevent staff from working in more than one continuing-care centre.

Kenney said Alberta’s success against the virus began when officials heeded early warning signs of the pandemic late in 2019 and began stocking up on supplies that have allowed it to be a leader in per-capita testing.

There have been almost 246,000 tests conducted with 2.8 per cent coming back positive for COVID-19.

Provincial heath officials reported Wednesday 25 new cases of the virus and two more deaths. There have been a total of 6,926 cases since the pandemic began earlier this year and 141 deaths. More than 6,100 people have recovered from the virus.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said there are 679 active cases with 43 people in hospital and four in intensive care.

“As we gradually lift restrictions, we must not forget that his virus can lead to serious outcomes and it will be with us for many months to come,” Hinshaw said Wednesday in Edmonton during her daily briefing.

She said the province is also investigating one potential case of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MISC) in a child.

It is similar to an inflammatory disease known as Kawasaki’s Disease and has been reported in multiple jurisdictions around the world, Hinshaw said.

“MISC involves inflammation of multiple organs including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels and nervous system,” Hinshaw said. “Fever is a key feature of this syndrome.”