EDITOR’S NOTE: During the pandemic, the number of cases was based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing performed by provincial authorities such as the Alberta Health Service, but these testing protocols have shifted to prioritizing high-priority groups and people in higher risk. Alberta does not have a system for cataloging rapid antigen tests at home, which means that many people with COVID-19 are not included in the data.
As a result, CBC News will reduce the focus on the number of cases in our coverage, in favor of data and indicators that experts say are now more illuminating – including hospitalizations and wastewater monitoring.
The last:
- The government has already moved to a weekly reporting schedule set for each Wednesday. The figures released this week are up to date at the end of Monday.
- At a press conference on April 13, Dr. Dinah Hinshaw, the province’s chief medical officer, encouraged the public to wear masks indoors when appropriate, as data show that COVID-19 transmission in the province continues to increase.
- Politicians and health officials have not yet described the wave as the “sixth wave”, despite statements by doctors and scientists that it is here.
- As of April 11, there were 1,053 people in hospital with COVID-19, up from 990 last week, with 48 of those in the intensive care unit, up from 44.
- The province reported 37 new deaths from COVID between April 5th and April 11th. A total of 4,141 Alberts have died from COVID-19.
- 6,181 new cases and 23,299 tests completed between April 5 and April 11 were reported. The number of cases includes only those who pass a PCR test that most Albert residents do not have access to.
- On April 13, Hinshaw said Alberta stopped using Sotrovimab, an intravenous monoclonal antibody treatment. The pause is due to uncertainty about whether it is effective against the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, which accounts for more than 80 percent of new cases.
- On April 13, Hinshaw said Remdesivir would be available as an outpatient treatment.
- The province announced on April 6 that it was extending eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and Paxlovid treatment.
- From April 12, all Alberts aged 70 and over, first-nation people, mestizos and Inuit in Alberta aged 65 and over, and all community-aged adults can receive a fourth dose of the vaccine. Appointments for fourth vaccines can be made five months after eligible people have received their third vaccine.
- Although the province says it still “strongly recommends” that Alberts be vaccinated, access to the Paxlovid antiviral drug has been expanded since April 6 to include people of first nations, mestizos and Inuit aged 45 and older who have not been vaccinated. or have received only one dose of vaccine and persons living in long-term care and certain supportive living conditions, regardless of vaccination status.
- The province received 10,000 doses of Novavax Nuvaxovid, which is described as “a two-dose vaccine protein subunit that does not use mRNA technology and is approved for those aged 18 and over.”
Wastewater monitoring:
The Y axis indicates the number of SARS-CoV2 RNA particles found in each sample. The numbers indicate the first number multiplied by 10 to the power of the small number above. For example, 2.1 x 10¹⁵, written in its entirety, is 2,100,000,000,000,000 or 2.1 quadrillion RNA particles. (Rob Easton / CBC) The Y axis indicates the number of SARS-CoV2 RNA particles found per milliliter of wastewater. This diagram should only be construed as a measure of progress against oneself and should not be used for comparison with other cities or measurement sites. (Rob Easton / CBC)
- Alberta wastewater readings are increasing, indicating that new COVID-19 infections are increasing against the background of the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, which is becoming the dominant strain of the disease in the province. These higher readings reflect trends in Canada and the recent increase in global cases of COVID-19.
- Data from Alberta from a the dashboard is created from the Center for Health Informatics at the University of Calgary shows the average amount of COVID-19 found in wastewater. The data is publicly updated three times a week. The virus is excreted in human faeces before symptoms appear, so the values in the data are most strongly associated with cases that occurred six days after sample collection.
- Note on reading wastewater charts: Numbers taken from different wastewater treatment plants use different testing and collection methods. Therefore, comparisons between cities cannot be made directly and only trends need to be assessed. For example, there is an upward trend in readings in both Edmonton and Calgary, but it is not possible to say whether the levels are higher in one city or another.
Latest about restrictions:
- Almost all pandemic public health measures have been lifted in the province since March 1, as the Alberta government launches Step 2 of its reopening plan.
- This phase removes indoor camouflage, remaining school requirements, screening for youth entertainment and sports, removing capacity constraints in all major venues and entertainment venues, removing restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings, and removing compulsory housework. .
- Masking is still required in high-risk conditions, including facilities managed and contracted by Alberta’s health services, all conditions for continued care and municipal transit services. The rule does not cover private services such as taxis or travel with Uber.
- As of February 14, there are no disguise requirements for children and young people aged 12 and under, and there are no disguise requirements for children and young people in schools for all ages.
- Stage 1 entered into force on 16 February and abolished the restriction program.
- Prime Minister Jason Kenny says the province is working on a third phase, which has no date, when people will no longer be obliged to isolate themselves if they have COVID-19, and COVID’s operational and outbreak protocols will be removed from retention facilities. of care.
- Health Minister Jason Kopping said all stages are a condition-based approach based on hospitalization trends.
vaccinations:
- According to Alberta Health, 76.6% of the province’s population – or 86.7% of people over the age of 12 – received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
- Currently, the province is not extending the tolerance to fourth doses, Hinshaw said. It is only available for people with significant immunocompromising conditions. The guidelines for those who have received AstraZeneca vaccine remain the same as for others – it is not recommended that you receive an extra dose if people have already received a total of three doses of vaccine.
- From April 12, all Alberts aged 70 and over, first-nation people, mestizos and Inuit in Alberta aged 65 and over, and all community-aged adults can receive a fourth dose of the vaccine.
- Children aged 6 to 11 will have the opportunity to receive the Moderna vaccine from 12 April.
Hospitalizations by regions:
As of April 1, 1,053 Alberts were in the hospital.
- Calgary Area: 317.
- Edmonton Area: 391.
- Central area: 156.
- Northern area: 108.
- Southern zone: 81.
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