Alberta relaxes COVID-19 restrictions, despite warnings
Alberta relaxes COVID-19 restrictions, despite warnings
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what are the restrictions in alberta for covid
what are the restrictions in alberta for covid - win
Covid-19 Update for February 11: 351 new cases, 540 recoveries, 16 deaths
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be Tuesday. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on Step 1. The target for Step 2 will be at least 3 weeks from Step 1's launch (earliest date: March 1) and has a minimum requirement of <450 hospitalizations. 1. TOP LINE NUMBERS
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
At the time I am entering this, the case summary page on Alberta Health reports 352 cases. However, Dr Hinshaw reported 351 and the numbers appear consistent with that
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+351
127,921
Active cases
5,501
-205
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
807 (34.9%) in last 7 days
-11 (+0.3%)
—
Tests
—
+9,992 (~3.51% positive)
3,278,428
People tested
—
+2,460
1,782,832 (~407,877/million)
Hospitalizations
397
-25/-27 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,615 (+9)
ICU
71
-6/-8 based on yesterday's post/portal data
913 (+3)
Deaths
—
+16
1,744
Recoveries
—
+540
120,676
2. RESOLVED CASES AND VACCINATIONS Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+7
669
+0
0
1-4
+18
3,822
+0
0
5-9
+30
5,317
+0
0
10-19
+72
14,251
+0
0
20-29
+94
22,774
+0
9
30-39
+78
23,264
+0
8
40-49
+85
19,321
+0
22
50-59
+73
14,478
+1
58
60-69
+39
8,801
+1
176
70-79
+23
4,050
+3
341
80+
+20
3,886
+11
1,129
Unknown
+1
43
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+6,123
135,575 (~31,017/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+5,153
42,152 (~9,644/million)
3. VARIANTS AND CASE SPREAD Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health on weekdays
Zone
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) Cases
Total
South Africa (B.1.351) Cases
Total
Calgary
+6
53
+0
5
Edmonton
+13
54
+0
2
Central
+17
36
+0
0
South
+0
0
+0
0
North
+0
0
+0
0
Total
+36
149
+0
7
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 8
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.87 (0.83-0.90)
+0.04
Edmonton
0.82 (0.76-0.89)
+0.08
Calgary
0.82 (0.77-0.87)
-0.01
Rest of Province
0.96 (0.90-1.03)
+0.06
4. SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CASES Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,202 (-67)
+968
721,170
+139
49,181
+4
542
Central
679 (+5)
+290
159,285
+52
9,381
+0
101
Edmonton
1,616 (-89)
+656
590,251
+94
52,471
+7
901
North
719 (-19)
+308
167,832
+53
10,681
+3
123
South
292 (-34)
+137
110,067
+15
6,093
+2
77
Unknown
9 (-1)
+101
34,227
-2
114
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,809 (+82)
1,281 (-76)
40,775 (+154)
753 (+4)
Calgary
41,335 (+124)
1,879 (-40)
38,974 (+161)
482 (+3)
Red Deer
2,160 (+52)
326 (+37)
1,812 (+16)
22 (+0)
Lethbridge
1,857 (+14)
169 (-20)
1,673 (+32)
15 (+2)
Fort McMurray
1,723 (+2)
58 (-2)
1,662 (+4)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,365 (+0)
4 (+0)
1,347 (+0)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,327 (+28)
182 (+15)
1,124 (+13)
21 (+0)
High River
681 (+1)
4 (+1)
671 (+0)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
587 (+1)
35 (-5)
537 (+6)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
537 (+1)
14 (-1)
509 (+2)
14 (+0)
Cardston county
522 (+0)
58 (-5)
456 (+5)
8 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
445 (+0)
22 (-12)
423 (+12)
0
Wheatland county
237 (+0)
5 (-2)
232 (+2)
0
Warner county
158 (+0)
0 (-1)
156 (+1)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
132 (+1)
2 (+0)
130 (+1)
0
Rest of Alberta
32,046 (+45)
1,462 (-94)
30,195 (+132)
389 (+7)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link 5. CASES IN SCHOOLS/HOSPITALS Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (change since yesterday):
152 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (-5)
34 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+0)
10 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+1)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
148 (-4)
30 (-3)
Edmonton
138 (-11)
21 (-1)
Central
30 (-3)
5 (+0)
South
33 (-1)
11 (+0)
North
48 (-5)
4 (-2)
6. STATEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Statements by Dr Hinshaw
Thanks those finding creative ways to celebrate the lunar new year
Cases
311 schools (~13%) have active cases (897 total cases since Jan 11)
155 cases are believed due be caused by in-school transmission
Hospital usage is comparable to November 23
Age range of deaths today: 53-97
Border Pilot Project
Knows there are questions regarding federal requirements for international travel and border project
Federal policy: Test at entry, must quarantine at federally designated hotel. Starting Feb 15, travellers must show a negative PCR test (in last 72 hours) from the US
Thanks to border project, labs are prepared to adopt federal requirement
When federal restrictions come into place, Border Testing Pilot Program will be suspended at Calgary Airport - Air travellers from Alberta must comply with testing requirement and 14 day quarantine
Land border project will continue until decision is made by federal government
Thanks all involved in the pilot project - 49,000+ tests
Working with federal government so Alberta has a plan to replace current requirements before they are set to expire
Long Weekend
Asks Albertans to be safe this long weekend: lots of events and generally a time to gather with family/friends
Asks for virtual meetings
Numbers are declining, but can rise quickly
Q&A - Vaccines
Why is there no information for Stage 2 vaccinations?: Announcements of them cannot be taken lightly. Continuing to discuss and final discussions underway
Is Alberta considering procuring Canadian made vaccine?: Not her decision - refers to minister's office
How many low dead space syringes are available?: Believes it's a good supply, but defers to AHS
Q&A - Variants
Concern with number of variant cases?: Largest 24 hour increase in variants. They include some from the beginning of February and have been testing some older samples. 93 are not travel related, many are close contacts and have known exposure
Any new in-school transmissions for variants?: No more since yesterday. Investigation still underway at school where transmission did occur
Q&A - Restrictions
Position on regional restriction lifting?: Knows there is interest. However, all zones have case levels that are all concerning. Travel in the province can cause rapid spread of the virus. Currently pursuing provincial level restrictions
Q&A - Other
In April last year, Premier Kenney said he wanted rapid tests. Why are so few being used (0.89% reported)?: When they arrived, they were used based on licensing parameters (symptomatic). They have been useful in rural and outreach locations. Since a panel has stated there is sufficient evidence for their use in defined populations can be useful in addition to other public health measures, has begun exploring their use. Expect them to be used more in the future
Do you expect cases/hospitalization to continue to drop?: Hospitalization intake generally correlates with cases from 2 weeks ago. If cases rise or plateau, hospitalizations will begin to rise. While we are <450 hospitalizations, it is only one part of the requirements. A stable/declining case rate will be necessary. So while minimum is met, Albertans must ensure the extra indicators are positive
What is driving differences in cases between Lethbridge/Medicine Hat?: Many potential factors. Testing, number of close contacts, and maybe socioeconomic factors may affect it
Covid-19 Update for February 10: 339 new cases, 458 recoveries, 6 deaths
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be tomorrow. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on Step 1. The target for Step 2 will be at least 3 weeks from Step 1's launch (earliest date: March 1) and has a minimum requirement of <450 hospitalizations. 1. TOP LINE NUMBERS
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+339
127,570
Active cases
5,706
-125
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
818 (34.6%) in last 7 days
-38 (+0.1%)
—
Tests
—
+10,897 (~3.11% positive)
3,268,436
People tested
—
+2,752
1,780,372 (~407,315/million)
Hospitalizations
421
-6/-12 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,606 (+27)
ICU
77
-1
910 (+7)
Deaths
—
+6
1,728
Recoveries
—
+458
120,136
2. RESOLVED CASES AND VACCINATIONS Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+3
662
+0
0
1-4
+22
3,804
+0
0
5-9
+21
5,287
+0
0
10-19
+69
14,179
+0
0
20-29
+89
22,680
+0
9
30-39
+73
23,186
+0
8
40-49
+74
19,236
+0
22
50-59
+49
14,405
+0
57
60-69
+29
8,762
+0
171
70-79
+9
4,029
+1
338
80+
+16
3,886
+5
1,118
Unknown
+4
42
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+5,127
129,452 (~29,616/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+4,309
36,999 (~8,465/million)
3. VARIANTS AND CASE SPREAD Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health on weekdays
Zone
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) Cases
Total
South Africa (B.1.351) Cases
Total
Calgary
+1
53
+0
5
Edmonton
+9
41
+0
2
Central
+6
19
+0
0
South
+0
0
+0
0
North
+0
0
+0
0
Total
+16
116
+0
7
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 8
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.87 (0.83-0.90)
+0.04
Edmonton
0.82 (0.76-0.89)
+0.08
Calgary
0.82 (0.77-0.87)
-0.01
Rest of Province
0.96 (0.90-1.03)
+0.06
4. SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CASES Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,269 (-66)
+1,018
720,202
+121
49,042
+2
538
Central
674 (+18)
+245
158,995
+49
9,329
+2
101
Edmonton
1,705 (-43)
+777
589,595
+106
52,377
+2
894
North
722 (-36)
+356
167,524
+38
10,628
+0
120
South
326 (+1)
+181
109,930
+27
6,078
+0
75
Unknown
10 (+1)
+175
34,126
-2
116
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,727 (+89)
1,357 (-27)
40,621 (+114)
749 (+2)
Calgary
41,211 (+91)
1,919 (-59)
38,813 (+149)
479 (+1)
Red Deer
2,108 (+22)
289 (+8)
1,797 (+14)
22 (+0)
Lethbridge
1,843 (+15)
189 (+0)
1,641 (+15)
13 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,721 (+1)
60 (+1)
1,658 (+0)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,365 (+0)
4 (-1)
1,347 (+1)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,299 (+24)
167 (+14)
1,111 (+10)
21 (+0)
High River
680 (+0)
3 (+0)
671 (+0)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
586 (+1)
40 (-1)
531 (+2)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
536 (+1)
15 (+1)
507 (+0)
14 (+0)
Cardston county
522 (+6)
63 (+0)
451 (+6)
8 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
445 (+1)
34 (-8)
411 (+9)
0
Wheatland county
237 (+2)
7 (+1)
230 (+1)
0
Warner county
158 (+0)
1 (+0)
155 (+0)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
131 (+0)
2 (-2)
129 (+2)
0
Rest of Alberta
32,001 (+86)
1,556 (-52)
30,063 (+135)
382 (+3)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link 5. CASES IN SCHOOLS/HOSPITALS Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (change since yesterday):
157 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+3)
34 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (-2)
9 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+2)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
152 (+0)
33 (-1)
Edmonton
149 (-10)
22 (-1)
Central
33 (+2)
5 (+0)
South
34 (+1)
11 (+1)
North
53 (+1)
6 (+0)
6. STATEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Statements by Dr Hinshaw Vaccine Update
71% of residents at long term care/designated living have received both vaccine shots
Cases
Asks Albertans to stay home and get tested for even minor symptoms
303 schools (~13%) have active cases (867 total cases since Jan 11)
First case of variant transmission likely occurring at a school. 2 cases have likely occurred (same exposure case). 7 classes with 6 schools have had variant cases. Aggressive measures being taken to restrict further transmission
While hospitalization is dropping, about 5-7x higher spring/summer level
Mental Health/Self-care
Covid-19 has taken a toll on mental health around the world
Isolation, distancing, finance concerns, remote learning, and more impact everyone
Health Quality Council of Alberta released results of a survey last fall. Results are not surprising: 70% of Albertans felt stressed, 46% express loneliness, >50% felt mental health had worsened
Wants to remind Albertans to take care of their mental health: look after your health and well being. Do not avoid anxious thoughts and address it. You are not alone and there are resources if you desire them
When will Phase 2 plan be announced?: No final decision yet
Details for contacting 75+ for Phase 1B?: Finalizing details. Investigating multiple options for booking appointments
When will first doses start again?: Focus is on finishing second doses in 42 day window. Knows there are some healthcare providers waiting for first dose. Defers to AHS for timeline
What is province doing during delays in vaccine shipments?: Multiple levels of planning underway to begin Phase 1A, 1B, and longer term plans. Wants to allow Albertans multiple approaches for access. Discussion Phase 2 selection. Looking at lessons from other regions where vaccine have been delivered
Q&A - Variants
What comparable regions are you using to variant strain strategy?: In regions where variant becomes dominant, they were already introduced and widespread prior to its recognition. Approach in Alberta is to aggressively screen for the variants for containment. Stresses the importance of health order protocols to reduce potential spread in the face of easing restrictions
How concern should parents be of in-school variant transmission?: Looks similar to non-variant transmission. Stresses there are 2 cases only so far (from the same exposure). It appears to be an outlier, but investigating with local public health officials
Again, what is your level of concern?: Transmission has occurred in other settings and investigating other clusters. Goal needs to be to follow protocols and rapid insertion of protection to limit spread. While the transmission in schools highlights a reason to be concerned about the variant as a whole, but doesn't change the threshold past where spread has been identified previously
More details on the in-class transmission?: Local Public Health has only stated there was transmission, awaiting further details
Q&A - Other
R value is rising (especially rural Alberta). Why?: Possible explanation may be that less dense regions of Alberta may feel Covid-19 isn't a threat. This is a good reminder that it spreads everywhere and nobody is immune. Continues to watch numbers. Challenges currently faced are seen in comparable regions. Feels while a majority of Albertans are following protocol, there may be a bit of fatigue
Response to video from Earls restaurant (Interjection: I think this is the video in question...let me know if there is a better quality video)?: Hasn't seen it, but has had it described. Notes that that while people may feel restaurants reopening may allow interaction like last year, it isn't the case. While majority of restaurant owners are following hard to follow guidelines, there may be some slipping. Wants to remind all patrons and owners that it's a collective responsibility: if rules aren't followed, consequences may follow. Collective disregard may increase spread and may halt or rollback relaunch
How concerning is it to have ~1/3 of cases having no known source?: Notes it's a combination of new cases where investigation hasn't completed and cases with no attributed source. Continues to encourage ABTraceTogether to help supplement the list of contacts in infectious period
Additional information will be logged below:
Update 1: Playing around with a little more organization with the post.
I'm 25, make 16.24/hr in Edmonton, Alberta, and have written the world's most boring MD
Background: I am a 25 year old Starbucks barista. I was working full-time until fairly recently (Novemberish) as the rising cases in my city & my own health issues led to a really good talk with my boss. I have reduced my hours by 50% - enough to keep my health insurance, but enough to qualify for the Canada Recovery Benefit, an extra $900 every two weeks. This is for my own peace of mind as I really cannot afford to get COVID, especially as I am chronically ill. I’d like to make note of two things - I am one of those weirdos who has taken COVID seriously since it hit the news in January. My spouse and I had masks and sanitizer before it was cool, lol. As a result, I have not and do not go out much except to work. I do not see other people (the exception being this week as you will read.) I do pop into retail stores still as Canada Post is absolutely swamped with packages so I avoid trying to buy online. In this diary I am battling with a Crohn’s flare. I promise the exhaustion and joint aches are because of that, not because of COVID! Funnily enough, I do credit my Crohn’s for my ease with COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. Being that I was hospitalized for a long time as a teen, I find it easy to be isolated and stay isolated. I know a lot of people struggle with that. Onto the good stuff… The Positives Income: 16.24/hourly. I was promoted since my last diary and am now a certified trainer! CRB: $1800/monthly. I am so incredibly thankful that I have this failsafe. Student loans: I am back in school with more emergency management and communications classes. I applied for just enough of a student loan to pay the tuition and no more. Starbucks gives $1,000 of tuition reimbursement if you pass your classes which I can pay back onto my student loans and basically covers the cost of my classes this semester. The Negatives Rent/Utilities/Condo Fees: a flat $1050 monthly to S. The bills come out of his account and this is the number we landed on. Internet: $42.50 (my half - all bills are my half. S works for the city government in waste management and makes $63,000~ a year. He has no debts except his car loan & the mortgage.) Phone: $58.21 monthly for 13GB and unlimited texts and calls. I own my phone outright. NYT: $14.28 for the news, Cooking, and the crossword. Spotify: $4.99 monthly. Canadian baristas do not get the free Spotify perk. :( Headspace: $0 monthly. We do at least get this! Car insurance: $197.41 monthly. This is with a 9 year clean driving record, a reduced rate because of my grades, and the fact that identifying as a woman also lessens the price. And it’s still $2400 a year. Kill me. I own my car outright though. Google Photos: $2.79/monthly. Health insurance: $39/check to cover S and I, dental and medical. I am also on S’s so we have full coverage. Debts & Assets: Student loans: I have $8,000 in provincial loans and $11,000 in federal loans. They are on pause as I am in school but I was paying $215 a month towards them. I know I qualify for repayment assistance but the goddamn NSLSC will never pick up the phone. Car: It is a 13-year-old SUV and worth maybe $2,000. I will drive that thing until it dies. Savings: I have approximately $1500 in a TFSA. I have about $750 in Starbucks stock (not technically a savings, it was my grant this year + my own contributions, 1% from my paycheck.) I am also enrolled in their retirement plan. No idea how much is in that as I can only access the website on the work computer and never remember to do that. I have $150 in stocks because I thought I was going to be Jordan Belfort or something, idk. Tips: I hoard all of my tip money in a little jar hidden somewhere in my home. It is at about $475. I have no other debt. Day One - Tuesday 7:50: S kisses me goodbye and leaves for work. I snuggle back in. 8:10: M, my male cat, is tapping my face for breakfast. Ignored. 8:24: He tries again and I get up. Lately I have been noticing the time 8:24 a lot. I told S and he said he’s been noticing 10:42 a lot. So we have decided those are our angel numbers. M is no angel though despite waking me up at this time. 8:40: Everyone is fed and I make my coffee and let out the dog, K. Oh yeah… the dog… he was an accident. We did not intend on getting a dog. It is a long story. I love him to bits. 9:15: Finish my coffee and go upstairs to have a snuggle with Z, our female cat. She is so warm. I was intending on going out to buy M’s wet food today but it is snowing something fierce and I hate driving in the snow so I resign myself to staying indoors. I would also normally take K on a walk at this time but he had knee surgery this past year and the cold and snow really bother it, so we will do some indoor play and puzzles to keep him occupied (he is a corgi and is a monster without stimulation. Again, DID NOT INTEND ON THE DOG.) 10:00: Write these entries and tidy up our spare room. We turned it into a nap/cat/yoga den as we were, obviously, not having any visitors. However, my sister-in-law is pregnant and is coming down tonight for an advanced ultrasound as there is a tentative abnormality with the baby. Because her town has had 0 cases thus far - congratulations to them, honestly - and the outpatient clinic is the one two minutes from our neighbourhood, we decided it was OK for her to stay with us. She will drive down tonight and leave right after her appointment tomorrow. 12:30: Did some cleaning, cereal eating, bed-making, what have you. I go to take the garbage out to our complex dumpster in my tshirt and notice it’s not as bad as I thought despite the snow. So I gear up and take out K. 1:15: I’m so glad I did - he was so happy! Usually he starts limping within a few minutes if the cold is bothering him but he was putting his head and belly into the snow drifts so I know he was having a good time. The cold and the walk have wiped me out though. I eat a clementine and lay under my heated blanket for a nap with Z and K (M likes to watch the snow upstairs.) 4:15: K snores himself awake and barks at himself so I wake up too. Z looks annoyed and wanders upstairs. Three animals is quite the zoo. Check my phone and see my SIL asked if I could leave a dinner for her in the fridge, if I was making something? She left later than intended and won’t be here until 9 so dinner options will be limited. I tell her I haven’t been feeling well and S is at a union meeting tonight (why the union is doing in person meetings, I don’t know.) but it is pasta Tuesday at Boston Pizza… she readily agrees. I place an order for ravioli for myself and fettuccine for her. S will get fed at his meeting. My SIL says she will leave me cash for her half even though I try to tell her not to. Hopefully she forgets. (27.98 delivery, I’m going to leave a cash tip of $10 taped to the door for coming in the snow.) 6:30: I have enough of an appetite to eat my ravioli but only get through four pieces. I put it away to eat it later and feed the animals. I give K his puzzle bowl and he gives me a look of despair. 8:00: Ding! Crossword and mood log notifications go off. I get about halfway through the crossword when my SIL gets here. 10:30: We have a catch-up and exchange Christmas gifts as we couldn’t go up North for the holidays. Then I head to bed. I do my skincare and jade roll out a pinched nerve in my jaw - feels so good. Finish my crossword and then bed. Daily Total: $39.98 Day Two - Wednesday 8:24: Right on time, the tiny beasts request food. SIL is already gone. She left me a $20, argh! I put it in my tip jar as I took from there to leave the cash tip but I wish she hadn’t. Babies are let out and fed. 9:30: Manage a bowl of cereal. Feel exhausted. It’s -31C out so we play indoor fetch. Putter around the house. 10:30: Go upstairs and do my skincare and fill out my journal as I couldn’t last night. I bought a daily Moleskine planner but use it as more of a journal. I put on a Yoga by Adrienne video as I won’t be walking K. I work today so I stretch. 12:30: I lay down with K after some more fetch (I told you the exhaustion is real in this diary.) 2:00: My alarm goes off. I eat mashed potatoes and drink some water, then go upstairs to find M and Z cuddling in my vanity chair. I perch on the edge - because they refuse to move! - and do some makeup. I change into my personal uniform of all black (hides the stains) and set out. 5:00: I have my first break. I got $3 in tips from last week (lol) so I use it to buy a croissant. I’m gonna claim this as a +.82 because the croissant was only 2.18. 7:00: I only manage half of my pasta on my break, which is unusual for me. I drink a mint tea to settle my stomach. 9:15: It was so dead we managed to finish everything super quickly. I take home some expired oat bars as they’re the only Starbucks snack S can eat. 9:30: Home and greet everyone. S lets out K and goes upstairs to get ready for bed. I do my “closing tasks.” This is something I picked up from the TikTok account domesticblisters, who is a licensed therapist. She has this concept of care tasks, and what tasks you should do to help set yourself up for success every night - even if it’s just to survive the day. It really resonated with me and is something I have done every night since November with a few exceptions! I start my closing tasks after I finish my nightly crossword. Every night, I fill up all the waters in the house (ours, animals, the Keurig, etc.) I get to Sink Zero, which might mean loading the dishwasher and running it, or washing all the dishes in the sink. I disinfect the sink and scrub the stove, then disinfect the counters and the dining table. I do a Swiffer of the floor (K brings in lots of pawprints and salt from outside.) I pick up any garbage/recycling/things that don’t belong downstairs. It is so nice to come down every morning to a clean main floor and sets the mood for the day. And it only takes me 20ish minutes. 10:00: Done my tasks, give everyone a little treat for not walking on the wet floor - they’ve learned quickly that if they wait they get a treat - and head upstairs. Journal, do my skincare, floss, brush, and head to bed. Listen to Temple Rain on Headspace. Daily Total: +$20.82 Day Three - Thursday 8:00: I can already tell today is a bad stomach day. Luckily my boss texted me and asked if I wanted to give up my shift as it was going to be super dead with the impending snowstorm and deep freeze. I readily agree and doze off for a few minutes before M bites me hard enough to get me up. 9:00: Everyone is fed, let out. I drink coffee. K is being a major snugglebug. It is snowing like crazy out but I have to go do some errands. 12:00: I stop bumming around and gear up to go outside. It’s still snowing. Ugh, Alberta. First stop is to get gas. I have a quarter of a tank left. Remember in April when gas was like, 50c a litre? It’s 1.06 today. Also, fellow Canadians, the Esso Speedpass app is a godsend. Not having to touch any buttons on the pump has been so helpful. 45.93 Next I head to the grocery store to get milk, chicken, and cereal. I also end up getting soup, a new bubble bath, a replacement of my body wash, and a new leave-in conditioner. 27.66 (my half) Third stop is the pet store. I grab a flat of M’s wet food. At the checkout the cashier asks if I want to donate some canned food to the local rescue as they just picked up nearly 100 kittens. That suckers me and I say yes. I also note that they’re accepting old blankets/comforters, as we just switched our duvet out, and the old one is fluffy and perfect for furbabies. 32.29 (my half) Lastly, I go to Canadian Tire to pick up an online order I placed. It was paid for last week. It’s a gift wrap storage bin as we accumulated a bunch of rolls last year and the cats keep scratching it. Canadian Tire is fun because they have these lockers they place your order in now, and give you a pin to pick it up, so I don’t even interact with anyone. In and out. 2:00: Home and everything sanitized and put away. I wipe down my phone and watch and throw my gloves in the washer as they’re looking kind of grimy. Have a rest with K. 5:00: We play fetch and S comes home. K runs around like crazy. I go upstairs and work on a paper. 7:00: I have an appetite! I manage about 6 pieces of ravioli and some yogurt. S makes chicken wings for himself. 8:00: Go upstairs to finish off my paper and get my steps in. M is whining at me so we play with his favourite toy, a piece of twine. I do my crossword, drag the twine, and do my steps at the same time. It’s called multitasking. I make a lemon ginger tea. It’s disgusting but I drink it all as I’ve heard it has great benefits for your stomach. Does anyone else just not like tea? I’ve tried tons - thanks to Teavana at work - but I’m really only a real Indian cha girl. 9:30: I finish my steps, do my closing tasks, take a melatonin, do my skincare, and head to bed. Goodnight world. Daily Total: 105.88 Day Four - Friday 7:45: Everyone is being very loud and banging around this morning. 8:20: Feed the zoo, let out K. It is snowing again and it is a vicious -27C outside. I have my coffee. 9:30: Realize my paper is due today. It’s mostly finished so I don’t fret. Eat cereal and start a load of laundry, and then vacuum. 10:30: Get distracted looking up refurbished Apple Pencils. I don’t need one, I don’t need one… I click out of the page. Then reopen it. Then exit it again and watch TikToks instead. 11:00: I pluck my eyebrows - something I’ve done on my own for about 7 years now. I wonder how much money that’s saved me. I put on snail essence but don’t do a full skincare routine as I intend on a shower. I do a full hair treatment with a desi hair oil. I wrap it up in a bun and get to work on finishing my paper. 1:00: Finish and submit. I air fry pork buns for lunch. My stomach feels way better today. Maybe the tea made some points… 3:00: Finished my shower. My natural curl has come back in full force. I used to have tiny ringlets as a kid and they vanished with age. Then I saw a TikTok (again, lol) which essentially said: if you’re not white, why are you using white hair products? I switched to desi & black hair products a month ago and the difference has been crazy. 5:30: S is home and K is immediately crazy. I really miss our walks. I decide to corral him momentarily in the bathroom and hide his kibble around the main floor so he can do his sniffari for dinner. He loved this game! 7:00: I try to build a Notion dashboard. This is too hard. I eat some more ravioli. Sorry for my five-year-old diet in this. It’s a bowel rest diet. 8:00: Crossword, steps, and M play time. 9:30: Closing tasks! Then bed. Daily total: $0 Day Five - Saturday 7:45: Woken up by the usual ruckus. 8:30: Blah, blah, blah. Have my coffee. Make an egg sandwich because Saturdays are chaos and I need the protein. 9:30: Do my skincare, makeup, and hair while a nervous pit opens up in my stomach. Not only is it a cool -35C out, but Saturdays are terrible at work. I’m not a crier and have never cried at any place of employment until Saturdays @ the Siren. It’s gotten worse during the pandemic as people crave normalcy and to them, getting their coffee every Saturday is normal. But they refuse to treat us with any decency. It’s hard when you are treated as expendable so that white-collar WFH/SFH families can berate you over how long their $40 order takes. (I work in a very wealthy area.) Also, if I am put in the drive-thru window, I will be very grumpy about it. 1:00: I was put on bar, which is a lot of responsibility on a Saturday. I buy a butter croissant and drink a mint tea on my break. 2.38 3:00: Someone yells at me about the bathrooms being closed. 3:30: I eat the last of my pasta at lunch and have a blacktea lemonade. 5:00: Someone returns a drink twice for not being the right shade of pink. She tries a third time and I politely tell her another store can make the moment right, since we clearly can’t. I hate Saturdays. 5:30: Free and covered in syrup, milk, and a mango dragonfruit that exploded at my feet. I take a hot shower and decide my day is done, so I do my skincare and remove my makeup and contacts. 8:00: S finishes gaming with his brother and I make a stir-fry sans veggies for dinner. 9:30: Closing tasks, except no mopping because the ground is frozen so K hasn’t brought in any tracks. I floss, jade roll, and fall asleep. Daily Total: 2.38 Day Six - Sunday 8:24: M pats me awake. 9:00: I apologize for this being the most boring Money Diary of all time. Coffee and toast for breakfast. 12:00: Bummed around all morning but did a vacuum and started a load of laundry. Tomorrow is our weekly “reset” day so I don’t have much to do today. I work at 5 PM. I research photobooks on Shutterfly. I have 30,000 photos sitting in my Google Drive and a backup hard drive. It’s serving me no use so I want to go through them, make photobooks, and delete the rest off of my computer (keeping them in their backups.) They’re currently 50% off but it would take me a long time to do seven years’ worth of books so I can’t (and won’t) pull the trigger now, but I also know Shutterfly and vistaprint host many sales, so I’m not too fussed. 2:00: We have a Zoom call with S’s family to do a late Christmas opening together. The kids (and adults!) love their gifts. We talk about the cold and about the new niece or nephew on the way. 4:30: I go upstairs and get dressed for work. S is driving me so I don’t have to worry about starting my car in the cold. It is supposed to reach -41C. 5:30: I forgot it was Superbowl Sunday. Our store is located next to the turnoff into the plaza so we try and count how many Ubers are coming in for food pickups but get bored of that. Somehow I get water on the ceiling. 7:00: I eat an “expired” croissant and drink a mint tea on my break. A woman comes through drive-thru for just a cookie. She says she didn’t know there was a Starbucks here so she had to settle for another coffee chain’s iced coffee, and then drove by and saw us. I tell her to wait and come back with a free iced coffee because no one should be subjected to the other chain’s. To my surprise she bursts into tears. A very wholesome interaction. 8:30: It’s so dead my supervisor lets the other closer go home because we’re basically done for the night and he lives 40 minutes from the store. 9:30: I leave with my coffee bean markout and another “expired” croissant, as well as a blacktea lemonade for S. We wait to make sure my supervisor’s car starts as she drives a ten-year-old minivan that recently got rear-ended, and it didn’t start last night apparently, so she had to wait for her husband to come boost her as everyone had left. She flashes her lights at us and we leave. S wants McDonald’s but I don’t so he orders and pays for just himself. 10:30: Done closing tasks. I had some soup for dinner. Bed time. Daily Total: $0 Day Seven - Monday 8:00: I did not sleep well. M bites me and I grumble at him and hide under the covers. S gets up and feeds the animals instead. 8:45: Everyone is waiting for me to come downstairs. Being a pet mom is like being a celebrity. 9:30: Coffee and my croissant from last night for breakfast. 10:30: It’s reset day. Every Monday I clean out the fridge, dust/clean the appliances and cupboards, wash the sheets, do a major vacuum (we do small vacuums during the week but I have a Bissell Crosswave and use it every week to suck up the oodles of pet hair.) and refill canisters. I also do some self care tasks like a serious eyebrow groom, a hair oil, an Aztec face mask, clipping all my nails/painting my toenails, and in the shower I shave my legs for the week. The animals also get a spa day. We check toenails and brush them out. Then the week is nicely set up and we don’t have to worry about this stuff until next Monday! S is braving the weather to go to the grocery store. He comes back with a full haul as there was quite a bit of discounted meat. We put it in the freezer. 48.33 (my half) 2:30: I finish the main floor items and go upstairs to find S and the cats in the nap den bed. I decide to crawl in too and we have a major cuddle nap. K isn’t allowed upstairs so the cats have a space away from him, but we spend a lot of time downstairs with him, so I don’t feel too bad. 4:30: Up from the nap and do the upstairs chores, and then a shower. I break halfway to have some soup. 7:00: House is clean, I am clean, and animals are clean! S and I make Cajun rice for dinner. I do my steps and crossword puzzle. 9:30: Closing tasks, lights out! Daily Total: 48.33
Covid-19 Update for February 9: 195 new cases, 548 recoveries, 12 deaths
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be tomorrow. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on Step 1. The target for Step 2 will be at least 3 weeks from Step 1's launch (earliest date: March 1) and has a minimum requirement of <450 hospitalizations. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+195
127,231
Active cases
5,831
-365
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
856 (34.5%) in last 7 days
-30 (-0.3%)
—
Tests
—
+7,022 (~2.78% positive)
3,257,539
People tested
—
+2,145
1,777,620 (~406,685/million)
Hospitalizations
427
-5
5,579 (+15)
ICU
78
+2/+1 based on yesterday's post/portal data
903 (+1)
Deaths
—
+12
1,722
Recoveries
—
+548
119,678
Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+3
659
+0
0
1-4
+21
3,782
+0
0
5-9
+29
5,266
+0
0
10-19
+77
14,110
+0
0
20-29
+67
22,591
+1
9
30-39
+92
23,113
+0
8
40-49
+88
19,162
+0
22
50-59
+76
14,356
+1
57
60-69
+42
8,733
+0
171
70-79
+25
4,018
+3
337
80+
+33
3,850
+7
1,113
Unknown
-5
38
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+3,968
124,325 (~28,443/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+3,699
32,690 (~7,479/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health twice a week
Last update: February 9
Variant
Change since last update (February 5)
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
+26
97
South Africa (B.1.351)
+0
7
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 8
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.87 (0.83-0.90)
+0.04
Edmonton
0.82 (0.76-0.89)
+0.08
Calgary
0.82 (0.77-0.87)
-0.01
Rest of Province
0.96 (0.90-1.03)
+0.06
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,335 (-128)
+889
719,184
+85
48,921
+4
536
Central
656 (-33)
+268
158,750
+33
9,280
+2
99
Edmonton
1,748 (-122)
+542
588,818
+60
52,271
+2
892
North
758 (-76)
+147
167,168
+3
10,590
+3
120
South
325 (+6)
+203
109,749
+23
6,051
+1
75
Unknown
9 (-12)
+96
33,951
-9
118
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,638 (+48)
1,384 (-88)
40,507 (+134)
747 (+2)
Calgary
41,120 (+69)
1,978 (-119)
38,664 (+186)
478 (+2)
Red Deer
2,086 (+46)
281 (+5)
1,783 (+41)
22 (+0)
Lethbridge
1,828 (+16)
189 (+12)
1,626 (+4)
13 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,720 (+1)
59 (+0)
1,658 (+1)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,365 (+0)
5 (+0)
1,346 (+0)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,275 (+4)
153 (-13)
1,101 (+17)
21 (+0)
High River
680 (+0)
3 (-2)
671 (+2)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
585 (+0)
41 (-11)
529 (+11)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
535 (+1)
14 (+0)
507 (+1)
14 (+0)
Cardston county
516 (+2)
63 (-3)
445 (+4)
8 (+1)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
444 (+0)
42 (-1)
402 (+1)
0
Wheatland county
235 (+0)
6 (-1)
229 (+1)
0
Warner county
158 (+1)
1 (+0)
155 (+1)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
131 (+0)
4 (-1)
127 (+1)
0
Rest of Alberta
31,915 (+7)
1,608 (-143)
29,928 (+143)
379 (+7)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (change since yesterday):
154 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+0)
36 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+3)
7 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+0)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
152 (-2)
34 (+2)
Edmonton
159 (-2)
23 (+0)
Central
31 (-2)
5 (+1)
South
33 (+2)
10 (+0)
North
52 (-1)
6 (-1)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Cases
315 schools (~13%) have active cases (866 total since Jan 11)
In-school transmission has likely occurred in 77 schools, 61 with only 1 new case (115 cases total since Jan 11)
4 weeks since schools reopened. The week before it did, ~131 cases/day for Albertans aged 5-19. It has declined since (~58/day last week)...highlighting a positive trend
Suggests cases in youth fluctuate with the community level and are not a primary driver of spread
Variants
1 case identified, 104 total
97 are B.1.1.7 (UK variant)
7 are 501Y.V2 (South African variant, identified on portal by its lineage: B.1.351)
Knows there are questions about potential for variants to become dominant strain
Important to keep the numbers in context
The first case was identified retrospectively from December 15th
Since then, there are 104 positive cases identified out of 43,000
Variant cases make up about 0.25% of call cases
Currently, it is ~1.4% of all positive tests (between January 30th and Feb 5th, 38 variant cases out of 2741)
Does not minimize risk of variants. However, it appears it is currently rare and will try to keep it that way
To that end, must follow public health measures
Q&A - Variants
Update on variant cases in schools?: 6 classes in 5 schools with potential exposures. AHS has followed up all classes and offered two tests to all. No reported cases of in-class transmission. Believes precautions in schools are preventing spread in class
What % of variants not linked to travel?: Estimates a bit less than half. Notes that while some are not linked to travel, links between non-travel cases are being found (e.g. - daycare centres). Working to identify commonalities in variant cases
Variant cases in hospital (followup from yesterday)?: Don't have specific number as status of cases changes frequently. A couple have been reported while in hospital
Why is variant data not publicly available?: Will be posting breakdowns by zone this week and will begin updating every weekday starting this week
Q&A - Restrictions
Alberta Federal of Labour calls restriction easing "reckless". Response?: Dr Hinshaw did not answer. This question was asked in conjunction with the one below and the moderator noted only one question can be asked at a time
How many variant cases will put a halt to relaunch?: No specific number. Watching primary metrics (e.g. cases). Variants can cause cases to rise faster, increasing hospitalization and other
Is there an update on what benchmarks will set stages?: Will mostly look at trend in benchmarks. Wants to remain "nimble" to respond to the situation
Q&A - Vaccine
Response to Health Canada moving to 6 doses/Pfizer vial?: Able to get 6 doses more frequently with 1cc vial. AHS and Health Canada have been able to acquire a "low dead space" syringe which should be able to more consistently get 6 doses
How many 1cc vials does AHS have?: Defers inventory and timeline questions to AHS. Knows that AHS and Health Canada will be planning training to ensure 6 doses/vial is possible
Have any Albertans missed the 42 day window for second dose?: Not aware of any
What % of the time will we get 6 doses/vial?: When using low dead volume, it is much more reliable. Doesn't know %, but will imagine it'll be closer to 100% based on Heath Canada's tests
Q&A - Other
Lessons learned in hospital outbreaks?: Examples include restricting multi-bed rooms because of in-room transmission from patients in room, not relaxing PPE usage around colleagues
Canada’s quarantine hotels - a complete violation of civil rights
Many of you have likely seen that Canada will require non-essential air travelers to quarantine in a hotel for 3 days while they await a negative PCR test. It will cost up to $2000. There is no timeline for when this will start, because of the logistical complexities; it was announced prematurely so as to a) change the media cycle from vaccine shortages and b) make people scared to leave on vacation. (It worked on both accounts.) What you may not know, is these quarantine hotels already exist in Canada. If your ‘quarantine plan’ isn’t secure enough (for example, you live with someone you didn’t travel with) or you got an antigen/rapid test instead of a PCR test, you can be thrown in a hotel and detained without rights, regardless of citizenship. An article with two people willing to talk about their experience has actually been printed in the mainstream media: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-hotel-quarantine-covid-19-isolation-public-health-1.5900876 I am horrified to live in this country, where so many otherwise good people cheer for this level of despotism. These types of practices clearly discriminate against people with lower incomes (oh, you live with other people? Forcible confinement!) and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were decently racially targeted as well. My husband and I came back from the US 10 days ago and it was all theatre - all anyone cared about was our negative PCR test - and we got asked no questions about our quarantine plan. I’m willing to bet that would have been different if we weren’t a white couple, though maybe that’s just my loss of faith in humanity talking. As a total aside, the article also mentions how cases in Alberta peaked the day after tough restrictions were imposed. Funny how when NPIs don’t work right away it’s ‘wait two weeks’ and when they work instantly it’s ‘they are so effective!’. It’s the same with masks - low case counts mean the government is awesome for mandating masking, high case counts means people aren’t masking hard enough and it’s citizens who are at fault. (Not looking to argue about whether or not masks work - just showing how everything is a double standard. There is No True Scotsman.)
Covid-19 Update for February 8: 269 new cases, 314 recoveries, 5 deaths + Transition to Step 1 Restrictions
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be tomorrow. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on Step 1. The target for Step 2 will be at least 3 weeks from Step 1's launch (earliest date: March 1) and has a minimum requirement of <450 hospitalizations. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Dr Hinshaw reported 5 deaths today, but the net change in the stats was 1. This would suggest that 4 previous deaths are no longer considered Covid-related
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+269
127,036
Active cases
6,196
-46
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
886 (34.9%) in last 7 days
-62 (-1.3%)
—
Tests
—
+6,208 (~4.33% positive)
3,250,517
People tested
—
+1,570
1,775,475 (~406,194/million)
Hospitalizations
432
-2/-10 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,564 (+13)
ICU
76
-5
902 (+4)
Deaths
—
+1 (net change)
1,710
Recoveries
—
+314
119,130
Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+2
656
+0
0
1-4
+7
3,761
+0
0
5-9
+12
5,237
+0
0
10-19
+38
14,033
+0
0
20-29
+54
22,524
+0
8
30-39
+55
23,021
+0
8
40-49
+56
19,074
+1
22
50-59
+32
14,280
+0
56
60-69
+30
8,691
+1
171
70-79
+13
3,993
-2
334
80+
+14
3,817
+1
1,106
Unknown
+1
43
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+1,973
120,357 (~27,535/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+1,943
28,991 (~6,633/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health twice a week
Last update: February 5
Today, Dr Hinshaw reported 96 total B.1.1.7 variant cases have been detected (a mix of new and historical cases). I expect this will be reflected in the portal data below in the near future
Variant
Change since last update (February 2)
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
+21
71
South Africa (B.1.351)
+0
7
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 8
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.87 (0.83-0.90)
+0.04
Edmonton
0.82 (0.76-0.89)
+0.08
Calgary
0.82 (0.77-0.87)
-0.01
Rest of Province
0.96 (0.90-1.03)
+0.06
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
As noted above, it appears 4 previous deaths are no longer being considered Covid related
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,463 (-45)
+677
718,295
+108
48,836
-1
532
Central
689 (-5)
+190
158,482
+33
9,247
+0
97
Edmonton
1,870 (-19)
+423
588,276
+72
52,211
+2
890
North
834 (+20)
+131
167,021
+43
10,587
+0
117
South
319 (+1)
+55
109,546
+11
6,028
+0
74
Unknown
21 (+2)
+94
33,855
+2
127
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,590 (+65)
1,472 (-15)
40,373 (+76)
745 (+4)
Calgary
41,051 (+94)
2,097 (-49)
38,478 (+144)
476 (-1)
Red Deer
2,040 (+17)
276 (+1)
1,742 (+16)
22 (+0)
Lethbridge
1,812 (+7)
177 (+2)
1,622 (+5)
13 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,719 (+2)
59 (-5)
1,657 (+7)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,365 (+1)
5 (+1)
1,346 (+0)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,271 (+12)
166 (+11)
1,084 (+1)
21 (+0)
High River
680 (+0)
5 (+0)
669 (+0)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
585 (+1)
52 (+1)
518 (+0)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
534 (+2)
14 (+1)
506 (+1)
14 (+0)
Cardston county
514 (+1)
66 (+0)
441 (+1)
7 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
444 (+1)
43 (+1)
401 (+0)
0
Wheatland county
235 (+1)
7 (+1)
228 (+0)
0
Warner county
157 (+0)
1 (+0)
154 (+0)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
131 (+0)
5 (+0)
126 (+0)
0
Rest of Alberta
31,908 (+65)
1,751 (+4)
29,785 (+63)
372 (-2)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (change since Feb 5):
154 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (-2)
33 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+6)
7 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+0)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
151 (+1)
32 (-2)
Edmonton
161 (-8)
23 (-2)
Central
33 (+1)
4 (+0)
South
31 (-3)
10 (+0)
North
53 (+7)
7 (-1)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Updates to Online Provincial Status Map
The map as been removed from this link. Active cases and case rates can still be seen
Regional changes are still possible, but removing map as all current restrictions are province wide
Cases
313 schools (~13%) have active cases (844 total since Jan 11)
Variants
46 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant are not linked to travel
No spread in schools
Continued wide testing of cases. Most, if not all, cases are tested for variants...in fact, today, capacity to screen exceeds case load
Step 1 Easing
As noted Friday, an additional easing has occurred with limited group physical activity for young people are allowed
Considerations made for mental health and physical health of children
Given lower transmission in children and continued decline of school aged cases, it was decided to allow for stage 1
This will still require physical distance, group size limit, and masking
Considered evidence from Alberta and worldwide
Message for parents, children, and trainers: It is vital that all measures are followed at all times
Knows many Albertans are looking forward to activities. However, you must still follow all measures
Steps Forward
Too soon to talk of Step 2
3 week gap is meant to monitor all factors to ensure there isn't a rise in transmission
Important now as variants are being seen
Few "risk free" actions and public health measures are effective ways to protect Albertans and healthcare system
Families must consider what they are comfortable with
Regarding Rule Breakers
There have been recent events in some faith gatherings suggesting some people are not taking it seriously
These are mandatory restrictions and not optional
In Alberta, great efforts have been made to allow faith groups to meet safely
Those who are not are breaking the law
Q&A - Vaccines
Why are there no details about Stage 1B for vaccines (75+)?: Understands frustration with not knowing details of vaccine roll out. Looking at how to efficiently provide vaccine. At this point, there are sudden changes in vaccine supply and have been focused on amending current plans
Q&A - Variants
Do you think variants will be dominant strain in Alberta?: Depends on Albertans. <0.5% of daily cases are variants with many historical cases currently being logged. Concerned about rate of community spread, but still able to identify the chains of transmission to other cases. Pursuing containment of variant right now with enhanced measures and have dedicated experienced contact tracers. Not inevitable for it to take over, but will requires Albertans to buy in
Are there variant cases associated with meat processing plants?: Not to her knowledge
Severe outcomes regarding variants?: Some cases have been admitted to hospital. Knows AHS has applied same protocol to variant. Not clear if further restrictions are required, but AHS is applying lessons learned from previous outbreaks
Level of concern regarding variants?: Monitors variant and overall cases. If variant spreads more widely, it will affect Covid cases. Am concerned about numbers being seen, but also grateful for lab work to be able to capture cases so quickly. Wants to highlight this aggressive testing when comparing to other provinces
Q&A - Step 1
What prompted youth sport easing (AHS reports it was feedback based)?: Decisions have been made with harms of Covid and restrictions. Evidence was presented on children's overall health and led to reconsideration
Do you regret announcing the change on a weekend?: Unfortunate it wasn't provided earlier in advanced. Realizes it can be inconvenient and expensive (and apologies for it)
Can we go from Step 1 to 3?: Plan is to take each step one at a time. Will continue to see if adjustments need to be made. Wants to emphasize that hospitalization isn't the only metric that is being used. For example, lots of cases but low hospitalization may result in no change in step of easing or even rolling back
Covid-19 Update for February 4: 582 new cases (421 today), 580 recoveries, 13 deaths
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be Monday. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on "Early Steps", with the goal of reaching Step 1 on February 8th. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Due to a technical issue noted by Dr Hinshaw, today's results include a mix of cases detected today and yesterday. ~6,000 tests were not uploaded today
The total cases are divided into those from yesterday and today
Adding cases reported today
Yesterday, 420 cases were reported
Today, 421 cases were reported
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+582
125,672
- From today
—
+421
—
- From yesterday
—
+161
—
Active cases
6,588
-11
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
1,066 (36.7%) in last 7 days
+159 (+4.2%)
—
Tests
—
+17,778 (~3.27% positive)
3,213,391
- From today
—
+11,512 (~3.66% positive)
—
- From yesterday
—
+6,266 (~2.57% positive)
—
People tested
—
+4,391
1,765,546 (~403,923/million)
Hospitalizations
517
-22/-30 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,495 (+17)
ICU
93
-1/-2 based on yesterday's post/portal data
885 (+2)
Deaths
—
+13
1,684
Recoveries
—
+580
117,400
Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+3
646
+0
0
1-4
+19
3,702
+0
0
5-9
+29
5,146
+0
0
10-19
+80
13,774
+0
0
20-29
+88
22,258
+0
8
30-39
+91
22,702
+0
8
40-49
+92
18,812
+1
20
50-59
+68
14,078
+1
54
60-69
+46
8,556
+2
170
70-79
+27
3,926
+3
332
80+
+37
3,760
+6
1,091
Unknown
+0
40
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+3,047
112,388 (~25,712/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+2,824
21,794 (~4,986/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health twice a week
Last update: February 2
Today, Dr Hinsahw reported there have been 68 known variant cases. All 11 new cases are B.1.1.7
Variant
Change since last update (January 29)
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
+19
50
South Africa (B.1.351)
+1
7
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 1
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.83 (0.81-0.87)
+0.02
Edmonton
0.74 (0.70-0.80)
-0.07
Calgary
0.83 (0.80-0.89)
+0.00
Rest of Province
0.90 (0.85-0.96)
+0.13
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,710 (-7)
+1,701
714,488
+242
48,312
+5
526
Central
645 (+14)
+437
157,250
+51
9,052
+2
94
Edmonton
2,117 (-30)
+1,223
585,465
+181
51,887
+5
876
North
811 (+16)
+524
165,919
+82
10,362
+0
115
South
288 (-2)
+340
109,073
+28
5,934
+1
74
Unknown
17 (-2)
+166
33,351
-2
125
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,319 (+143)
1,685 (-27)
39,904 (+168)
730 (+2)
Calgary
40,606 (+188)
2,329 (+4)
37,807 (+179)
470 (+5)
Red Deer
1,926 (+17)
206 (+10)
1,699 (+6)
21 (+1)
Lethbridge
1,754 (+10)
147 (+5)
1,594 (+5)
13 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,702 (+7)
65 (-3)
1,634 (+10)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,363 (+1)
2 (+1)
1,347 (+0)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,216 (+15)
136 (+0)
1,059 (+15)
21 (+0)
High River
677 (+0)
3 (-4)
668 (+4)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
570 (+10)
44 (+7)
511 (+3)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
527 (-1)
10 (-1)
503 (+0)
14 (+0)
Cardston county
504 (+11)
70 (+3)
427 (+7)
7 (+1)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
443 (+3)
44 (+2)
399 (+1)
0
Wheatland county
234 (+1)
9 (-1)
225 (+2)
0
Warner county
157 (-1)
1 (-2)
154 (+1)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
131 (+0)
7 (+0)
124 (+0)
0
Rest of Alberta
31,543 (+178)
1,830 (-5)
29,345 (+179)
368 (+4)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (changes since yesterday):
152 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+6)
24 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+0)
6 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+1)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
169 (-8)
38 (-1)
Edmonton
215 (-8)
32 (-3)
Central
38 (-8)
7 (+2)
South
36 (+0)
8 (+0)
North
59 (+2)
8 (+1)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Alert of Phone Fraud
AHS has received reports of some people 75+ receiving calls saying they can book Covid-19 immunization for a fee. This is a scam
Vaccine will be free of charge - no provider will ever ask for payment
Please hang up immediately and report to non-emergency line of local law enforcement
Cases
Due to a technical issue, ~6,000 tests were not included online yesterday
Issue was resolved and included today
304 schools (~13%) have active cases with 763 cases combined
Variants
68 variant cases. Of 11 new cases (All UK variant), 7 have no known travel link. Investigation underway.
Two new cases that are travel related may have exposed two additional schools in Calgary Zone. Individuals followed protocol
In the previous schools with potential exposure to variant, no spread has been detected
Accessing literature to determine if additional changes are needed
Vaccine Safety/Variant Implications
Continue to monitor adverse evens. No significant increase in severity of reactions
53 severe reactions were reported, on par with pneumococcal vaccination
11 were allergic reactions and are under consultation with allergist
Other reactions: swollen lymph nodes, rash, diarrhea, vomiting
Current stats indicates vaccines are safe and outweighs risk
Health Canada reviewing additional vaccine candidates
Encourages immunization for all Albertans
Variant Implications on Vaccines
Evidence still emerging on vaccine's effectiveness on variants and much we don't know
Early results suggest current vaccines may be somewhat less effective against some new variants for preventing all symptoms of Covid-19
Even against variants, they appear to be extremely effective at reducing severe cases, hospitalization, and deaths
Q&A - Variant Outbreaks
Why did it take weeks for parents to be alerted to a variant case?: One case did take a while for it to get screened. Thinks timeline is important: at end of December, learned of concern regarding the variant. It's remarkable to ramp up to such quick detection. Wasn't able to rapidly screen when case first came in. Time frame will be improved going forward now
Followup: Are families now in quarantine following protocol?: School contacts would have completed 14 day quarantine as they didn't live with cases. Being offered testing as a precaution
Update on Daycare variant outbreak?: Can identify it is in Edmonton Zone. All have been contacted. Additional testing underway
Q&A - Variant Protocol, Relaunch, and Projections
Is it fair to say UK variant is in the community?: Has had community spread since first small number of cases not associated with travel. Currently able to test almost every positive case for variants to determine level of spread. Has been able to limit spread to date with interventions that are in place
Would variants delay Feb 8 relaunch?: No hard number. Would need to see increased transmission rate, which hasn't happened. Good thing that we're detecting cases so we can prevent their spread
Response to Ontario's variant projections?: Will need to be cautious going forward and will be looking at case rates to access restrictions. Measure that already exist for Covid are also effective at reducing variant's impact
(Dr Hinshaw also took exception to the reporter claiming that Alberta has more variant cases than Ontario. Alberta is testing almost all positive cases and hoping to expand further. She argues that it is more accurate to suggest Alberta has detected more cases)
Should rules with be changed because of these variants?: Notes that all returning traveller will required to be tested (once at arrival, then at day 10). Has also introduced tougher isolation protocol for home isolation
Q&A - Other
Previous Chief Medical Officer has been critical of relaunch plans. Response?: No one right way through pandemic and a variety of perspectives. Neighbouring provinces have roughly similar per capita rates and have similar frameworks. Wants to look at experiences in other regions. A small step forward doesn't mean a full reopening and will be evaluated over 3 weeks
Would you consider restarting asymptomatic testing/rapid testing in schools?: Looking at expanding use of rapid testing...specifically, congregate settings (they are useful primarily for symptomatic individuals). Accessing feasibility of options
Details from conversations with gym and fitness owners?: Heard about how difficult restrictions have been, especially in fitness. Has also spoken to small business owners. Best chance at opening them will be to show how each step has kept trend of cases/hospitalization downwards
I've heard so many people claim that anyone that disagrees with 'the science', or 'the scientific consensus' is stupid, or an idiot, or even isn't entitled to an opinion. However, this is overlooking something really obvious. No-one doubts the fact that if society is completely shut down, virtually everyone is forcibly isolated, all social activity is eliminated, and the amount of economic activity is seriously restricted, that the number of cases of a virus will diminish. I don't think anyone would reasonably challenge this assertion! The important question to consider is whether it is really worth it (you could also consider who most benefits from this policy, but I won't address that here. Frankly, it should be obvious!). But whether or not the lockdown is worthwhile is emphatically something that has not been considered by scientists, or at least seemingly any that governments have chosen to be in positions of authority. Virologists and epidemiologists know nothing about, for example, economics, as they spend all of their time studying viruses. They're not required to understand the socio-economic implications of what is occurring, let alone address them as they become apparent. And as it's increasingly asserted that you have to have a PhD in any subject in order to have an opinion, it seems unlikely that they would be bold enough to offer a viewpoint anyway! All 'the science' has done is examine the number of cases, reflect that they have increased, conclude that this threatens healthcare services (although I'm not even sure that's part of the equation any more), and has therefore advocated the total lockdown of society that we have all witnessed. There hasn't been any consideration of the multitude of other consequences of this policy. None whatsoever. Indeed, when anyone cites any of the grisly fallout from this ridiculous and completely unjustified approach, they are simply told that the lockdown is essential. There hasn't even been any public debate on balancing the repercussions of the lockdown against its supposed benefits, let alone any acknowledgement that, ultimately, this virus really has minimal impact on the majority of the population. However, it is the job of any responsible and competent authority to indeed consider this equation. It is not a responsible position to merely claim that you are 'following the science', as 'the science' has never factored in this balancing act. All 'the science' has done is document the number of cases (which certainly doesn't seem to have been conducted accurately, but let's not go into that...), calculate an 'r number', and then conclude when it escalates above a certain point that everything has to be shutdown, completely regardless of any consequences. Equally, when members of the public criticise the current policies, what they are essentially doing is questioning whether or not they are worthwhile and justifiable. When they do this, they don't claim to be an expert on viruses or epidemiology, but this is simply not necessary in order to observe the overall process, and draw conclusions about whether or not it is justifiable. This criticism is based on anecdotal evidence and basic observation. So it's not 'scientific'; it's just the bleeding obvious. But if you want scientific data then numerous public health officials and economists around the world, including an expert in infectious disease and critical care, Dr. Ari Joffe of the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the University of Alberta, concluded in a study entitled 'COVID-19: Rethinking the Lockdown Groupthink' that lockdowns will cause ten times more harm to human health than COVID-19 itself. Let me repeat that for you...TEN TIMES MORE HARM! That's why it's easy for people who are critical thinkers to discern that the lockdown is a total disaster, and thoroughly unjustified. It's just obvious! Let me emphasise as well that Joffe initially supported the lockdowns, but over time came to question their validity. This is exactly the sort of questioning process that should happen at every level of society, all of the time. Nothing should be set in stone. It is reductive, insulting, counter-productive and dangerous for people to simply claim that the 'science has decided', and therefore no-one is entitled to an alternative view, or to question it in any way! If we took that to its logical conclusion then this study - which proves that the cure is ten times worse than the illness! - would never have been produced! This study is precisely the sort of cost-benefit analysis that people in positions of authority should be engaged in under any circumstances, and particularly when advocating something so stringent as shutting down large parts of society and economic activity. If they had done so, they would have comfortably concluded that it's not worth it, and that the policy is a total disaster for the overwhelming majority of the population. Luckily, the authorities don't give two shits about the overwhelming majority of the population, no matter how much they may pretend that they're doing this to save lives. There has always been an agenda underlying this whole issue, as indeed there always is when we witness a unified global response on the public and political stage. This is what is crystal clear to 'sceptics', and something of which the general public remains blissfully unaware. Only it's not going to be blissful when they discover how much damage this has done and continues to do. And this isn't the end of it. Now the establishment has been handed the power and precedent to shut down society and remove all liberty whenever they feel like it. Next time they decide there's a virus they can lock everyone down again. The lockdown can actually be harsher next time – they can claim that this new virus is worse than Covid-19. They know that all they have to do is claim that it's for your own good and that they don't want people to die, and that 80% of the population will applaud like performing seals whatever they do. Because that is exactly what has happened this time.
Covid-19 Update for February 3: 259 new cases, 561 recoveries, 11 deaths
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be tomorrow. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on "Early Steps", with the goal of reaching Step 1 on February 8th. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+259
125,090
Active cases
6,599
-313
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
907 (32.5%) in last 7 days
-99 (-1.3%)
—
Tests
—
+6,834 (~3.79% positive)
3,195,613
People tested
—
+1,492
1,761,155 (~402,918/million)
Hospitalizations
539
-17/-25 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,478 (+17)
ICU
94
-3
883 (+5)
Deaths
—
+11
1,671
Recoveries
—
+561
116,820
Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+4
643
+0
0
1-4
+20
3,683
+0
0
5-9
+21
5,117
+0
0
10-19
+74
13,694
+0
0
20-29
+83
22,170
+0
8
30-39
+98
22,611
+0
8
40-49
+72
18,720
+1
19
50-59
+80
14,010
+1
53
60-69
+47
8,510
+1
168
70-79
+22
3,899
+1
329
80+
+40
3,723
+8
1,085
Unknown
+0
40
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+1,903
109,341 (~25,015/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+1,779
18,970 (~4,340/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health twice a week
Last update: February 2
Variant
Change since last update (January 29)
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
+19
50
South Africa (B.1.351)
+1
7
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 1
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.83 (0.81-0.87)
+0.02
Edmonton
0.74 (0.70-0.80)
-0.07
Calgary
0.83 (0.80-0.89)
+0.00
Rest of Province
0.90 (0.85-0.96)
+0.13
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,717 (-88)
+781
712,787
+143
48,070
+2
521
Central
631 (-24)
+195
156,813
+31
9,001
+3
92
Edmonton
2,147 (-133)
+371
584,242
+63
51,706
+5
870
North
795 (-57)
+58
165,395
+15
10,280
+0
115
South
290 (-10)
+28
108,733
+12
5,906
+1
73
Unknown
19 (-1)
+59
33,185
-5
127
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,176 (+52)
1,712 (-98)
39,736 (+147)
728 (+3)
Calgary
40,418 (+124)
2,325 (-60)
37,628 (+183)
465 (+1)
Red Deer
1,909 (+15)
196 (+11)
1,693 (+3)
20 (+1)
Lethbridge
1,744 (+7)
142 (-1)
1,589 (+7)
13 (+1)
Fort McMurray
1,695 (+0)
68 (-6)
1,624 (+6)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,362 (+0)
1 (-2)
1,347 (+2)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,201 (+0)
136 (-8)
1,044 (+8)
21 (+0)
High River
677 (+0)
7 (-1)
664 (+1)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
560 (+0)
37 (-3)
508 (+3)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
528 (-1)
11 (-2)
503 (+1)
14 (+0)
Cardston county
493 (+3)
67 (-3)
420 (+6)
6 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
440 (+7)
42 (+8)
398 (-1)
0
Wheatland county
233 (+0)
10 (-1)
223 (+1)
0
Warner county
158 (+0)
3 (+0)
153 (+0)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
131 (-1)
7 (-1)
124 (+0)
0
Rest of Alberta
31,365 (+53)
1,835 (-146)
29,166 (+194)
364 (+5)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (changes since yesterday):
146 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+5)
24 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+3)
5 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+0)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
177 (-8)
39 (-1)
Edmonton
223 (-2)
35 (-1)
Central
46 (-3)
5 (-1)
South
36 (+1)
8 (+1)
North
57 (-5)
7 (-1)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Variant Quarantine Clarification
All individuals must isolate for 14 days after last exposure to an infectious case. This hasn't changed
If a separate bathroom/bedroom is given at home and the case can remain there, then it is considered accepted quarantining. Anyone who lives in the household will start 14 day quarantine as soon as that individual enters isolation in these rooms
However, for variants, home isolation isn't accepted. Household contacts will be "exposed" for every day they are in the same household regardless of isolation
So 14 day quarantine starts on last day the case is considered infectious. If they stay at home, the quarantine period for the other household members begins when the case is identified (10 days maximum) and ends 14 days after the case is no longer infectious, leading
If the individual leaves for a hotel or another location, the 14 day quarantine starts when they leave
Updating website to clarify
Vaccine "Line Skipping"
Heard questions about small number of people who inadvertently skipped line
Wants to address it in interest of public trust
Allegations are unfortunate abd understands individuals being upset
Overwhelmingly, prioritization list has been followed strictly
Some first responders may have been added in error; AHS has clarified with EMS
Will take as a learning opportunity
Cases
307 schools (~13%) have active cases with 746 cases combined
School age daily cases comparable to October and are trending downward
Daycare variate outbreak: Health officials continue to reach out. Will release zone when this is completed
"Path Forward"
Knows there are a variety of opinions and "too fast" and "too slow" are understandable
Wants to provide context for relaunch
Alberta is in a very different place than May...
Currently, hospitalization is down but are much higher in spring. On May 14th, 57 people in hospital, around 10%. The same can be seen in active cases
The emergence of variants could cause a spike in cases
This is why large scale relaxation isn't occurring and restrictions easing slowly
Approach should limit the possibility of repeatedly easing and tightening restrictions and help those who need to plan ahead
Q&A - Variant Cases
How many active variant cases?: Unknown how active, but 57 total over several weeks
How many detected variant cases would need to occur to affect restriction easing?: Didn't provide a specific, but considered in combination with other metrics
Is asymptomatic testing being considered to detect variants?: Looking at rapid testing in areas of high risk of transmission. Already offering PCR testing for asymptomatic individuals in outbreak settings and close contacts
Q&A - Variant Isolation
How confident are you that people will take 24 days quarantine?: Contact tracers will emphasize and will stress the supports available. Stresses that it won't apply if parts of the household individuals opt to isolate elsewhere
How many people have accepted hotel rooms for isolation?: Doesn't know, but uptake is increasing
Can these 24 day quarantines be enforced?: All measures have Albertans buy in. If all have to be enforced, it couldn't be done. Vast majority of Albertans are agreeing. If Albertans can't, then contact tracers can point them in the right direction. The rare cases where there are violations can have enforcement action. Stresses that it is a small percentage and why in-home isn't adequate for isolation
What other measures are being considered for variants?: Having discussions across country with no final determination yet
Q&A - Other
What are the specific benchmarks for indicators?: Under discussion. Claims they will be using a "low threshold"
How is vaccine task force ensuring the priority list is followed?: Discusses how breaking of communication caused priority list was created: when vaccine could only be delivered at storage, lists were derived by contacting managers of ICUs and got a list of employees in units. These lists might have ended up with someone who wasn't directly facing patients (e.g. - on leave). It is currently going out by email. If you get one, let AHS know so it can go to a frontline case instead. Claims that errors were generated because of the speed of vaccination
Covid-19 Update for February 1: 355 new cases, 463 recoveries, 10 deaths
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability by Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability will be tomorrow. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for the province. Alberta is currently on "Early Steps", with the goal of reaching Step 1 on February 8th. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+355
124,563
Active cases
7,387
-118
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
1,051 (34.3%) in last 7 days
-33 (-1.0%)
—
Tests
—
+7,318 (~4.85% positive)
3,180,848
People tested
—
+2,062
1,757,371 (~402,052/million)
Hospitalizations
556
-5/-9 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,434 (+25)
ICU
102
+1/+2 based on yesterday's post/portal data
872 (+7)
Deaths
—
+10
1,649
Recoveries
—
+463
115,527
Recoveries and Deaths
Age Bracket
New Recoveries
Total Recoveries
New Deaths
Total Deaths
<1
+1
635
+0
0
1-4
+13
3,644
+0
0
5-9
+34
5,054
+0
0
10-19
+45
13,524
+0
0
20-29
+84
21,961
+0
7
30-39
+87
22,393
+0
8
40-49
+79
18,541
+0
18
50-59
+46
13,855
+0
52
60-69
+28
8,413
+1
167
70-79
+13
3,824
+1
327
80+
+33
3,645
+8
1,069
Unknown
+0
38
+0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+93
106,347 (~24,330/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+91
16,209 (~3,708/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health twice a week
Last update: January 29
In the media availability, Dr Hinshaw reported that 51 total cases were identified, a mix of historical (previously awaiting sequencing) and newly identified cases. This will apparently be reflected on the portal tomorrow
Variant
Change since last update (January 25)
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
+11
31
South Africa (B.1.351)
+1
6
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: February 1
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Change since last week
Province-wide
0.83 (0.81-0.87)
+0.02
Edmonton
0.74 (0.70-0.80)
-0.07
Calgary
0.83 (0.80-0.89)
+0.00
Rest of Province
0.90 (0.85-0.96)
+0.13
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
2,950 (-76)
+863
711,056
+128
47,802
+4
515
Central
709 (+9)
+172
156,409
+63
8,939
+0
87
Edmonton
2,439 (-36)
+550
583,165
+106
51,570
+4
862
North
934 (-13)
+228
165,140
+49
10,229
+2
114
South
330 (-4)
+133
108,569
+13
5,886
+0
71
Unknown
25 (+2)
+116
33,032
-4
137
+0
0
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
Note: I have changed High River + County to just the city of High River. It and "Rest of Alberta" have changed somewhat because of that
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
42,072 (+92)
1,932 (-28)
39,419 (+116)
721 (+4)
Calgary
40,183 (+117)
2,479 (-48)
37,242 (+161)
462 (+4)
Red Deer
1,887 (+12)
190 (+3)
1,678 (+9)
19 (+0)
Lethbridge
1,733 (+8)
144 (+3)
1,577 (+5)
12 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,689 (+3)
82 (-9)
1,604 (+12)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,361 (+0)
2 (+0)
1,345 (+0)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,193 (+10)
151 (-5)
1,021 (+14)
21 (+1)
High River
677 (+0)
9 (+0)
662 (+0)
6 (+0)
Mackenzie county
560 (+4)
43 (+3)
502 (+1)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
527 (+0)
16 (-1)
498 (+1)
13 (+0)
Cardston county
490 (+1)
83 (-2)
401 (+3)
6 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
431 (+0)
32 (-3)
399 (+3)
0
Wheatland county
233 (+1)
11 (-2)
222 (+3)
0
Warner county
158 (+0)
4 (+0)
152 (+0)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
132 (+0)
9 (+0)
123 (+0)
0
Rest of Alberta
31,237 (+107)
2,200 (-29)
28,682 (+135)
355 (+1)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (changes since January 29th):
139 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+25)
18 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+3)
5 schools are on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+1)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
187 (+0)
44 (+0)
Edmonton
225 (-3)
38 (+1)
Central
46 (+2)
6 (+0)
South
35 (+1)
7 (-1)
North
63 (-5)
7 (+1)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Cases
Active cases in 298 schools (~12%) with 701 combined cases
In-school transmission has detected in 66 schools with 51 with only 1 new case
New cases in school aged population is dropping week over week (~71/day last week, down from ~131/day the week before school started)
We are at a place where easing on February 8th appears attainable
However, there is work to do and the province cannot let up
Q&A - Variant Cases
Additional information on variants?: 51 total cases of variants detected (6 in 3 households with no clear travel link) and will be updated tomorrow on the portal. Has not identified a source to the case not linked to travel
Are there new variant cases linked to travel?: Was just informed of two households are being investigated (3 cases total) and were confirmed to be variant. Don't know if there is a travel history in either household
Has province reached desired testing capacity?: Has reached goal (300/day to detect UK/South Africa variants). As case counts drop, will be able to screen more tests. Has also reached test for full genome sequencing (400/week, allows for detection of all variants and mutations). Looking into expanding capacity further
*Level of concern with number of variant cases?: The cases not related to travel is very concerning. Wants to clarify that some results are historical as sequencing was completed. This isn't escalating local transmission
When do we say it's community spread?: Doesn't directly answer (was asked in addition to the previous question); mostly speaks to the potential for enhanced protocols when variants are identified
Q&A - Health Orders Enforcement
Details on AHS' actions against Parkland County church (story here)?: Cannot speak as they executive officers and doesn't get details of their plans
Followup: Why is punishment so light to non-compliant industries?: Critical that enforcement is independent and with a full legal framework . It wouldn't be appropriate for her to dictate what punishments are given in a specific case. Has spoken to police chiefs and AHS to be clear that it is an escalating process (education -> support -> penalties)
Q&A - Other
Why is the test count dropping?: Believes it could be related to a couple factors: (1) Dramatic decline in all respiratory viruses, (2) People staying at home instead of getting tested. Independent of testing behaviour, positive rate should be somewhat independent and it is positive to see it decline (though it has plateaued recently). Hospitalization should also be independent of community testing and those have continued to drop...though some regions are increasing
Timeline for loosening visiting restrictions for elderly (long term care and community)?: Recognizes the burden held by these individuals. Encouraging to have a vaccine for these groups, but a lot to do still (e.g. - vaccination of potential visitors). Little data on long term care groups in specific for accepted vaccines (as well as their potential use to limit asymptomatic spread). Hopes to develop herd immunity via vaccine to loosen this
Why not "drive to zero"?: Depending on when it was implemented, it has differing impacts and harms to the region. The deployment of vaccines and interconnected nature to other provinces/US would make a zero case situation would make it extremely difficult and costly to many Albertans
What will be used to determine if more restrictions are required?: Will use "leading indicators" like cases, positive test rate, R value
Is there potential for restrictions to loosen quicker than 3 weeks?: The waiting period is a critical element to ensure there is no increasing spread
Covid-19 Update for January 29: 543 new cases, 765 recoveries, 14 deaths + Outline of Relaunch Plan + Announced Relaxation for In-Person Dining Restrictions/Indoor Fitness
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability with Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro, and Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability it will be Monday. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for different regions of Alberta. Alberta is currently on "Early Steps", with the goal of reaching Step 1 on February 8th. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+543
123,364
Active cases
7,805
-236
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
1,129 (34.8%) in last 7 days
-49 (-0.3%)
—
Tests
—
+11,608 (~4.68% positive)
3,154,153
People tested
—
+3,029
1,749,944 (~400,353/million)
Hospitalizations
594
+3/-7 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,326 (+33)
ICU
110
-2/-3 based on yesterday's post/portal data
858 (+7)
Deaths
—
+14
1,620
Recoveries
—
+765
113,939
Age Range of Deaths
Age Bracket
New Deaths
Total Deaths
20-29
0
7
30-39
1
8
40-49
0
18
50-59
0
51
60-69
1
164
70-79
3
321
80+
9
1,050
Unknown
0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+1,803
104,327 (~23,868/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+1,680
14,352 (~3,283/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health weekly
Last update: January 29
Variant
Change since last update (January 25)
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
+11
31
South Africa (B.1.351)
+1
6
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
3,138 (-64)
+1,203
708,112
+223
47,320
+1
505
Central
692 (-18)
+290
155,673
+67
8,777
+3
87
Edmonton
2,662 (-102)
+834
581,259
+155
51,266
+9
848
North
957 (-53)
+350
164,314
+58
10,049
+1
109
South
340 (+4)
+179
108,042
+39
5,822
+0
71
Unknown
16 (-3)
+173
32,544
+1
130
+0
0
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: January 25
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Province-wide
0.81 (0.79-0.84)
Edmonton
0.81 (0.77-0.85)
Calgary
0.83 (0.79-0.87)
Rest of Province
0.77 (0.73-0.82)
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
41,833 (+122)
2,134 (-87)
38,987 (+204)
712 (+5)
Calgary
39,762 (+185)
2,592 (-41)
36,718 (+225)
452 (+1)
Red Deer
1,844 (+17)
174 (+2)
1,651 (+14)
19 (+1)
Lethbridge
1,704 (+29)
133 (+15)
1,559 (+14)
12 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,681 (+2)
92 (-10)
1,586 (+12)
3 (+0)
Brooks
1,361 (+0)
3 (-1)
1,344 (+1)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,150 (+7)
147 (-5)
984 (+12)
19 (+0)
High River + county
769 (+0)
24 (-3)
738 (+3)
7 (+0)
Mackenzie county
553 (+7)
40 (+4)
498 (+3)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
527 (+2)
21 (+0)
493 (+2)
13 (+0)
Cardston county
466 (+4)
83 (-7)
377 (+11)
6 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
423 (+11)
29 (+11)
394 (+0)
0
Wheatland county
232 (+2)
14 (+1)
218 (+1)
0
Warner county
158 (+0)
6 (+0)
150 (+0)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
133 (+2)
9 (+2)
124 (+0)
0
Rest of Alberta
30,768 (+153)
2,304 (-117)
28,118 (+263)
346 (+7)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (changes since yesterday):
114 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+4)
15 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+2)
4 school is on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+0)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
199 (+8)
48 (+2)
Edmonton
246 (-9)
38 (-4)
Central
45 (-1)
7 (+0)
South
34 (+3)
8 (-1)
North
70 (+2)
9 (+1)
Statements by Premier Kenney Opening Remarks
Alberta must continue to proceed cautiously
System is managing as a province, but some hospital facilities is still significant
Peak reached in early January (>90% Covid capable bed occupancy)
Problem in every region of the province as many rural regions are cared for in Calgary/Edmonton
All healthcare workers have limits and we must protect capacity
Notes (i) Peter Lougheed and Butterdome field units, (ii) AHS having no budget limits at the moment, and (iii) limited staff available
Restrictions
Recognizes that stress that comes with economic and employment instability
Why a "lockdown" has never been imposed with curfews, closed schools, and business closure
Broad public support and compliance is important
To strike this balance, wants to show a path forward...that bending curve lets public health measures lift
Must be carefully, slowly, and data driven
Restriction Metrics
Restrictions will be lifted in a stepped approach based on hospitalizations (ICU and general acute) values. It is a lagging indicator of healthcare capacity
When a benchmark is reached, discussion will be considered for further advancement of relaxation. Hospitalizations will be primary factor, but growth of cases will also be considered
Hospitalizations will be reviewed 3 weeks later. If hospitalizations have continued to fall, further progression will be considered
Case numbers represent recent trends and will be used to determine if relaxations need to be paused or if additional restrictions are needed
If cases surge to exponential growth and if a variant begins to increase spread, restrictions will be imposed again
Details of Relaxation Plan
Some restrictions will apply in all steps and at least 3 weeks are place in between each step
Early Steps: Schools open, outdoor gatherings up to 10 people, personal and wellness by appointment only, funerals up to 20 people
Step 1 - Begins February 8th: Some easing in school function (indoooutdoor sports, performance activities), some indoor fitness, some dine-in options for restaurants/cafes/pubs bound by clear limitations (e.g. - distancing requirements, group size, masking, etc).
Step 2 - Requires: Average hospitalization <450: Some easing for retail, banquet halls, community halls, hotels, conference centres. Some further easing on children sports/performance, indoor fitness
Step 3 - Requires: Average hospitalization <300: Consider places of worship and limited reopening of museums, libraries, casinos, and indoor seated events. Consider indoor indoor social gatherings with limitations. All that are considered will have restrictions still
Step 4 - Requires: Average hospitalization <150: Restrictions will exist, but will be closer to last summer. Wide range of indoor and indoor activities would be considered. Wedding/funeral receptions, trade shows, are on the table at this point
Requires buy in from Albertans
As measures are eased, community spread can occur
Moving from 1 stage to another will not be automatic - it will be open for discussion
Leading indicators will be used to warn of "red flags" for pausing relaxation
Closing Remarks
Minister of Jobs Doug Schweitzer will make announcements for support in coming days
Hopes that this will be a boost to Albertans and Albertan businesses
We are not at the end and it will be a while until we see a real effect from vaccines. Variants add to the challenge
This is not "back to normal" and if we think so, we'll start rolling back steps of the above plan again
Q&A
There are people who willingly ignore restrictions. What should be done here?: Enforcement is last resort. Regrettable to see that people are doing this and it is disrespectful to healthcare staff; they are saying they are more important than healthcare and can hurt the entire province. Understands the frustration, but things won't improve if people continue to break rules. Calls politicians who support ignoring restrictions "irresponsible" and thinks stronger enforcement is required
(Upon prompting, Dr Hinshaw added that most Albertans are following restrictions and cannot let the minority dictate the actions of the majority - more compliance results in higher potential for restrictions down the road)
How much decision making is politics in UCP strongholds?: Decisions in Covid cabinet are data driven. One factor is population compliance; polling say it's about 20% of Albertans think restrictions are too stringent, 40% say it's about right, 40% not strong enough (believes there is no strong consensus). Believes vast majority of Albertans are compliant
Who will get delayed with limited vaccine doses?: Defers to Minister Shandro. Notes he is worried about EU restricting exports of vaccine and asks federal government put pressure on Pfizer
(Minister Shandro: Still reviewing. Will follow recommendations of health officials and defers to Dr Hinshaw)
(Dr Hinshaw: Risk of severe outcomes driven. Still need to review)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Cases
~12% of schools have active cases (607 cases combined)
Active cases in 291 schools
12 cases of variants identified: 31 UK total, 6 from South Africa
All but 3 linked to travel and from same household (1 was the community spread case)
No evidence of further community spread
Relaxations
Knows many Albertans are keen to return to activities they have missed
Most important step will be following restrictions in spirit
If in-person interactions can be replaced, cases will further reduce and prevent spread of variants
Q&A
What data is being used for deciding Step 1?: Uses BC as an example for successful limited service in these activities and did study of where spread can occur. Group fitness events are high spread (especially high intensity). Opening for fitness will be to bar high intensity fitness. Opening only low risk parts (e.g. - only a single household at a table). More information next week.
(Premier Kenney added that global data was used)
How much did Covid variant affect this plan?: Key part of plan is followed by 3 weeks of observation. A part of the 3 week timeline is to monitor for rising cases. This will allow for monitoring
How confident are you in containing variant?: Concerning in case identification. Significant testing of incoming travellers has allowed for early containment of most cases
(Premier Kenney added: Concerned for widespread risk of variant. Also considers some positives in vaccines being rolled out and increased contact tracing)
Statements by Minster Shandro
Proud of progress of vaccination
Notes Moderna's cut; it feels like Alberta isn't a priority
Alberta Health was informed that it will reduce from 24,600 to 18,800 doses (5,800 fewer. ~23.5%)
Informed all February Moderna deliveries being accessed, so unknown how much Alberta will receive in that time
Accessing impact on first and second doses
Knows the frustration from Albertans and thinks new from federal governments continues getting worse
Wants a national strategy for vaccine supply
Q&A
Does reopening 1 week from now contradict previous comments from Dr Hinshaw/Minister Shandro?: 2 important messages about "stepping up and stepping down". Trying to show Albertans how it could happen and separate from message of potential for further restrictions if cases spread further
(Upon request from Minister Shandro, Premier Kenney added: The approach is very gradual and are already available in neighbouring provinces of BC and Saskatchewan. Will monitor closely as to best balance multiple pressure on the province. Notes mental health has worsened because of economic stresses for business owners)
(Dr Hinshaw was asked to add by Premier Kenney: Notes that significant restrictions will exist in the sectors that reopen. But to get more than that will take more work from Albertans to reduce cases and hospitalization)
Additional information will be logged below:
The final question was for Premier Kenney in French. While I cannot translate, the reporter stated it was about the compliance of Albertans on vaccines.
Covid-19 Update for January 28: 461 new cases, 616 recoveries, 7 deaths + Vaccine Delays
Data is taken from the Covid-19 portal and today's media availability with Minister of Health Tyler Shandro and Dr Deena Hinshaw. Dr Hinshaw's next availability was not stated, but I presume it will be Monday given the trend of the last couple of weeks. There are currently enhanced measures in effect for the province of Alberta. This link provides a quick summary of which ones are in effect for different regions of Alberta. Top line numbers:
For values where "Current" and "Total" are the same, I have left results under Total
Value
Current
Change
Total
Total cases
—
+461
122,821
Active cases
8,041
-162
—
Cases with "Unknown source"
1,178 (35.0%) in last 7 days
-104 (-1.1%)
—
Tests
—
+12,361 (~3.73% positive)
3,142,545
People tested
—
+2,893
1,746,915 (~399,660/million)
Hospitalizations
591
-13/-15 based on yesterday's post/portal data
5,326 (+33)
ICU
112
+2/+1 based on yesterday's post/portal data
858 (+7)
Deaths
—
+7
1,606
Recoveries
—
+616
113,174
Age Range of Deaths
Age Bracket
New Deaths
Total Deaths
20-29
0
7
30-39
0
7
40-49
1
18
50-59
1
51
60-69
1
163
70-79
0
318
80+
4
1,041
Unknown
0
1
Vaccinations
Value
Change
Total
Vaccinations
+1,401
102,524 (~23,456/million)
Albertans with 2 vaccinations
+1,310
12,672 (~2,899/million)
Reported UK and South Africa Variants
The value is updated by Alberta Health weekly
Last update: January 25
Variant
Change since last update
Cases
United Kingdom (B.1.1.7)
—
20
South Africa (B.1.351)
—
5
Spatial distribution of people tested, cases, and deaths:
All other values are compared with respect to yesterday
Zone
Active Cases
People Tested
Total
New Cases
Total
New Deaths
Total
Calgary
3,202 (-50)
+1,215
706,909
+191
47,097
+3
504
Central
710 (-2)
+285
155,383
+38
8,710
+0
84
Edmonton
2,764 (-98)
+728
580,425
+121
51,111
+3
839
North
1,010 (+1)
+383
163,964
+78
9,981
+1
108
South
336 (-19)
+156
107,863
+32
5,783
+0
71
Unknown
19 (+6)
+126
32,371
+1
129
+0
0
Effective Reproductive Number (R, or Rt)
The value is updated by Alberta Health on Mondays
Last update: January 25
What % the confidence interval represents isn't stated
Zone
R Value (Confidence interval)
Province-wide
0.81 (0.79-0.84)
Edmonton
0.81 (0.77-0.85)
Calgary
0.83 (0.79-0.87)
Rest of Province
0.77 (0.73-0.82)
Spatial distribution of cases for select cities and regions (cities proper for Calgary and Edmonton):
City/Municipality
Total
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Edmonton
41,711 (+94)
2,221 (-100)
38,783 (+192)
707 (+2)
Calgary
39,577 (+157)
2,633 (-50)
36,493 (+204)
451 (+3)
Red Deer
1,827 (+16)
172 (+10)
1,637 (+6)
18 (+0)
Fort McMurray
1,679 (+1)
102 (-5)
1,574 (+6)
3 (+0)
Lethbridge
1,675 (+20)
118 (+0)
1,545 (+20)
12 (+0)
Brooks
1,361 (+0)
4 (+0)
1,343 (+0)
14 (+0)
Grande Prairie
1,143 (+12)
152 (-8)
972 (+20)
19 (+0)
High River + county
769 (+0)
27 (+0)
735 (+0)
7 (+0)
Mackenzie county
546 (+0)
36 (-7)
495 (+7)
15 (+0)
Medicine Hat
525 (+1)
21 (+0)
491 (+1)
13 (+0)
Cardston county
462 (+8)
90 (-6)
366 (+14)
6 (+0)
I.D. No 9 (Banff)
412 (+6)
18 (+6)
394 (+0)
0
Wheatland county
230 (+0)
13 (+0)
217 (+0)
0
Warner county
158 (+0)
6 (-1)
150 (+1)
2 (+0)
Wood Buffalo municipality
131 (+1)
7 (+1)
124 (+0)
0
Rest of Alberta
30,615 (+145)
2,421 (-2)
27,855 (+145)
339 (+2)
Other municipalities with 10+ active cases is given at this link Schools with outbreaks are listed online. Quick numbers (changes since yesterday):
110 school are on alert (2-4 active cases) (+6)
13 schools are on outbreak with 5-9 active cases (+2)
4 school is on outbreak with over 10 active cases (+0)
Spatial distribution of hospital usage (change as of yesterday's post):
Hospitalization zone are where the patient is receiving care, not zone of residence
Zone
Hospitalized
ICU
Calgary
191 (-2)
46 (-3)
Edmonton
255 (-3)
42 (+6)
Central
46 (-3)
7 (+0)
South
31 (-1)
9 (-1)
North
68 (-4)
8 (+0)
Statements by Minister Shandro Immunization Update
Able to deliver vaccine as soon as it becomes available, but it isn't arriving
Alberta's Pfizer vaccine will be reduced
Frustrated by most recent news and blames federal government
Told earlier that reduction in deliveries were associated with shipments, but were expected 20-80%
Next update was that Alberta would receive no vaccine for this week with 78% shortfall in first week of February but would meet the 468,000 target by end of March
Today, 63,000 fewer will be delivered by end of March
Since this targets highest risk individuals, this likely affects 75+ (65+ on first nation settlements)
Enough Moderna stock can only be deployed only for second doses
To the end of February, just under 100,000 doses from Pfizer, 50,000 from Moderna. In theory, it should hit close to 500,000 still but still tentative
Also being alerted that each vial is counting as 6 doses instead of 5, this can only occur ~75% of the time with 25% with a high-demand syringe
Alberta and other provinces are strongly opposed to the 6 dose/vial calculations
Again blames federal government for not negotiating priority for Canadians over other countries
It will be months before all priority groups will be covered
Knows that Albertans want a timeline but can't provide one without a stable steady of vaccine
Asks federal partners to "come up with a better plan than just making phone calls everyday"
Q&A - Vaccine
How will the lack of deliveries affect the projections until the end of March?: Phase 1 had 2 cycles: 1A (~90,000 people) and 1B (~250,000). Hope was to wrap up 1B by end of March. By getting 63,000 less, people in 1B will be waiting longer and push back Phase 2 (targeting specific groups). Decisions on Phase 2 will be harder as vaccine supply is in question and may affect who can be targeted
What do you want to see the federal government do, exactly?: Discusses similarities with PPE shortages some provinces saw and how Alberta had planned in advance. Thinks Canada should have negotiated priority. Thinks provinces also need to know what certainty is in the contracts drawn up. Feels Canada isn't be affected at a prorated level as had been promised by Pfizer
Q&A - Other
Why did Kenney not attend this availability?: (Did not address - This and the next question were asked by the same reporter. Only the latter was answered)
Why is the cabinet committee still meeting in person?: Not all are in person. Some attend in person to present to ensure they are given smoothly. Workplace guidelines are being followed. Guidelines allow essential workers to go to work (Interjection: If I am understanding the argument correctly, he is suggesting a clear and smooth presentation is considered essential)
Critics call outrage at Ottawa hollow as province left significant Covid relief funds offered by federal government. Response?: Thinks there are two questions in the criticism. Feels that federal government isn't doing enough to get vaccine (Inerjection: I do not believe he responded on the relief funds side. Please ping me if I missed it)
Statements by Dr Hinshaw Pfizer Concerns
Wants to explain why there is concern stretching Pfizer vials to 6 doses instead of 5
Committed to using all vaccine as packaged for use; when a 6th vial can be extracted, it is. It occurs about half the time and in is in line with other provinces
Not consistent as it requires a 1 cc syringe and can only occur ~75% of the time. 1 ccs are in short supply around the world despite AHS' own supply
If vials get relabelled for 6 doses, Alberta will ensure that the correct amount of vaccine is provided. However a 6th dose isn't guaranteed and must be considered
Cases
~12% of schools have active cases (593 cases combined
Active cases in 300 schools
Influenza Update
Last year, 8,470 lab confirmed cases in Alberta with 1,605 hospitalizations, 161 ICU admissions, and 41 deaths in hospital
This year, there has not been a lab confirmed case of seasonal influenza. This isn't purely from a lack of testing (it's ~300% higher than before)
More than 1.5 million flu vaccines have been administered, highest in last 10 years
Shows that measures that limit Covid-19 limited influenza
Influenza vs Covid
Lack of flu cases also shows how dangerous Covid-19 is. Measures that fight Covid-19 are unprecedented but still have had many cases, hospitalizations, and deaths
Without strong controls, it could have had catastrophic impacts on the province
Hope is on the horizon with vaccine but still need restrictions to help prevent cases
Q&A - Vaccine
How many 1 cc syringes exist?: Defers to AHS. Not enough to complete immunization, however
(Minister Shandro wanted to add: It's not about the syringes used, but the lack of priority for Canada that was given in the agreements drawn up by federal government)
Clarify 6th dose possibility?: 50-60% of vials can get a 6th dose. 75% is in best case scenario with 1 cc syringe
(Minister Shandro asked Dr Hinshaw to add numbers on vaccine wastage: Rate of wastage in Covid vaccines is lower than is seen during influenza vaccine distribution)
Q&A - Other
Why is a charity hockey game being exempt from restrictions?: Must demonstrate public health is protected. Worked with organizer to ensure multiple layers of protection was used (similar to World Juniors and NHL). Also considered the "public interest" - the event is a fundraising even and was considered in public interest. With the levels of protocol added on top, exemption was granted
what are the restrictions in alberta for covid video
On Friday, Alberta reported 543 new cases of COVID-19 and 14 additional deaths. There were 594 people in hospital, with 110 of those in intensive care. Hospitalizations peaked in Alberta at 795 on Dec. 30. Using hospitalization benchmarks, Kenney said further restrictions may be eased. EDMONTON -- Alberta is banning all social gatherings, closing restaurants, gyms and hair salons, and making masks mandatory across the province to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Government of Alberta announced new public health measures on Tuesday December 8, 2020, updating previous restrictions announced on November 24, 2020. The further enhanced measures will be in place through the holiday season, until at least January 12, 2021. After grimly detailing the province’s current COVID-19 situation, the Premier announced new public health measures and restrictions for the province aimed at slowing our current rate of infection. Alberta COVID-19 restrictions to ease on Feb. 8. MR. By Masha Scheele, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Hinton Voice. Fri., Feb. 5, 2021 timer 3 min. read. COVID-19 travel restrictions. Learn what to do if you recently returned to Alberta from outside Canada and find flights with confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. CALGARY (660 NEWS) – New COVID-19 restrictions are now in effect across Alberta. Effective immediately, all bars and restaurants are closed to in-person dining. As well, gyms, arenas and casinos are closed. Here’s the complete list of restrictions: Bars and restaurants – closed to in-person dining; Gyms, arenas, and casinos – closed Easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta around in-person dining and some physical fitness activities will be lifted on Feb. 8, Premier Jason Kenney announced Friday. COVID-19 symptoms can be mild and are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Core symptoms: cough, fever (over 38°C), shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat. Other symptoms: stuffy nose, painful swallowing, headache, chills, muscle or joint aches, feeling unwell in general, new fatigue or severe exhaustion, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or This is when Alberta will look at lifting work-from-home restrictions, according to the schedule. Alberta counted 543 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, with 594 infected people in hospital.
what are the restrictions in alberta for covid top
COVID-19 in Alberta: Restrictions continue, in-class ...
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