Update 30: COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta (April 12 at 4 p.m.)

The Voice of Canada News:

There are now 823 confirmed recovered cases of COVID-19 in the province. With 82 new cases reported, the total number of cases in Alberta is 1,651. Four Albertans have died since the last report, bringing the total deaths in the province to 44.

Latest updates

• Cases have been identified in all zones across the province:
  • 1,046 cases in the Calgary zone
  • 395 cases in the Edmonton zone
  • 103 cases in the North zone
  • 72 cases in the Central zone
  • 31 cases in the South zone
  • Four cases in zones yet to be confirmed
• Of these cases, there are currently 44 people in hospital, 14 of whom have been admitted to intensive care units (ICU).
• 237 cases are suspected of being community acquired.
• Two of the latest deaths were residents of the McKenzie Towne continuing care facility in Calgary zone, bringing the total number of deaths at this facility to 20. Two were residents at Manoir du Lac in North zone, bringing the total number of deaths at this facility to four.
• With these recent deaths, a total of 30 people have died in the Calgary zone. Seven people have died in the Edmonton zone, six people have died in the North zone, and one person has died in the Central zone.
• Stronger outbreak measures have been put in place at continuing care facilities. To date, 183 cases have been confirmed at these facilities.
• There have been 74,709 people tested for COVID-19 and a total of 77,316 tests performed by the lab. There were 2,038 tests completed in the last 24 hours.
• Effective April 15, continuing care workers will be required to wear masks at all times when providing direct patient care or working in patient care areas.
• Starting April 16, workers in long-term care and designated supportive living sites will only be allowed to work at one location. This requirement must be fully implemented no later than April 23.

Interprovincial assistance

Alberta is contributing N95 and procedural masks, nitrile gloves, goggles and ventilators to Ontario, Quebec and B.C.

Boosting charitable donations

The Alberta government will match, dollar-for dollar, donations up to $2 million to Alberta-based charities and non-profit organizations with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns. Learn more about the eligible organizations here.

Expanding testing to meet needs of Albertans

Alberta has expanded access to COVID-19 laboratory tests to better trace the spread of the novel coronavirus in hard-hit areas and in vulnerable residents. Testing is being offered to four additional groups of individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath:

• people living in the Calgary Zone
• people who are 65 years of age or older
• people who live with someone aged 65 years or older
• essential workers whose workplaces remain accessible to the public

Read the full list of people eligible for testing here. People can access tests by completing the COVID-19 self-assessment online.

The chief medical officer of health will examine and adjust testing protocols and access to COVID-19 tests based on the changing situation in Alberta.

Alberta Connects Contact Centre

The Alberta Connects Contact Centre continues to operate over the long weekend and is available to Albertans from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April 10-13. Direct lines to specific services, such as MyAlberta Digital Identity, will be closed. Albertans should call 310-4455 for assistance.

Mental health supports

Confidential supports are available to help with mental health concerns. The Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642 and the Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 are available between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week. Online resources provide advice on handling stressful situations or ways to talk with children.

Family violence prevention

A 24-hour Family Violence Information Line is available at 310-1818 to get anonymous help.

Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-402-8000 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in more than 170 languages.

Information sheets and other resources on family violence prevention are available at alberta.ca/COVID19.

Quick facts

• The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise good hygiene.
  • This includes cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, and disposing of tissues appropriately.
• Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.
• For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.