Over 200 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths reported in Alberta
Posted April 27, 2020 4:51 pm.
Last Updated April 28, 2020 7:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – An additional two deaths and 216 cases of COVID-19 in Alberta were confirmed in an update Monday.
That brings the total number of cases to 4,696 and the total number of deaths to 75.
“I do not want this number of deaths to become just one more statistic,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Of those 4,696 cases, 1,664 have recovered while 87 remain in hospital and 20 in intensive care.
About 1,100 of those cases are linked to the Cargill meatpacking plant in High River.
Hinshaw said that Alberta must maintain the COVID-19 precautions put into place in order to stop the spread of the virus, especially among those most vulnerable.
There have been a total of 458 confirmed cases in continuing care facilities, a dangerous number for those in their later years.
In addition, Bearspaw First Nation has confirmed an outbreak in Eden Valley of around 15 cases, with one case at Morley.
Officials there are encouraging curfews and asking visitors to stay off Stoney Nakoda land for the time being.
Hinshaw also said that over 1,000 homeless Albertans have been tested for the virus, and after the first two positive cases this weekend, one more was confirmed at the Calgary Drop-In Centre and another in Salvation Army.
READ MORE: COVID-19 hits Calgary Drop-In Centre
Hinshaw said all those who test positive or are experiencing symptoms are being secluded as to not spread the virus.
She added the key is to provide support to those that have the virus and keep measures in place to try and control its spread.
“The important thing for me is not to stigmatize people who have COVID but to support them. The more that people feel ashamed or feel targetted if they do become infected, the less likely people are to come forward and then we lose the chance to control the spread.”
When it comes to talk of reopening businesses and schools, Hinshaw said we can’t do so quickly adding we can’t stop the spread of coronavirus entirely and another wave could hit.
