Update 36: COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta (April 18)

The Voice of Canada News:

There are now 1,162 confirmed recovered cases of COVID-19 in the province. A total of 165 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of cases to 2,562. One Albertan has died since the last report, bringing the total number of reported deaths to 51.

Latest updates

• Cases have been identified in all zones across the province:
  • 1,820 cases in the Calgary zone
  • 433 cases in the Edmonton zone
  • 137 cases in the North zone
  • 76 cases in the Central zone
  • 77 cases in the South zone
  • 19 cases in zones yet to be confirmed
• Of these cases, there are currently 57 people in hospital, 14 of whom have been admitted to intensive care units (ICU).
• 450 cases are suspected of being community acquired.
• The total deaths are 35 in the Calgary zone, eight in the Edmonton zone, seven in the North zone, and one in the Central zone.
• To date, 293 cases have been confirmed at continuing care facilities, and 32 residents at these facilities have died.
• There have been 92,962 people tested for COVID-19 and a total of 96,897 tests performed by the lab. In the last 24 hours, 4,092 tests have been completed.
• The 310 call centre is assuming standard hours of operation, from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and is not open this weekend.

Responding to confirmed cases in food processing plants

• Agriculture and Forestry, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Alberta Health Services have developed a plan to protect workers while ensuring limited impact to our essential food supply during this pandemic.

Interactive map for commercial truck drivers

• Truck drivers can now use an interactive map on 511Alberta to find open restaurants, restrooms and showers on Alberta highways. The map shows restaurants, safety rest areas and vehicle Inspection stations that have available food, washrooms, showers and/or rest areas.

Fire bans

• A fire ban is in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta and Alberta provincial parks and protected areas until further notice.
• With snow on the ground, the fire danger level is low. No off-highway vehicle restrictions are currently in effect in the Forest Protection Area. Off-highway vehicle restrictions will be phased in as hazards arise.
• For more information on fire bans and OHV restrictions, call 1-866-FYI-FIRE or visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

Mental health supports

• Confidential supports are available to help with mental health concerns. The Mental Health Help Line at 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 and ways to talk with children.

Family violence prevention

• A 24-hour Family Violence Information Line is available at 310-1818 to get anonymous help in more than 170 languages.
• Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-403-8000, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Information sheets and other resources on family violence prevention are available at alberta.ca/COVID19.

Quick facts

• The most important measure 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.
• Those with symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, or shortness of breath, should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment. After completing the form, there is no need to call 811.
• For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.
• All Albertans need to work together to overcome COVID-19. Albertans are asked to share acts of kindness they have experienced in their community during this difficult time by using the hashtag #AlbertaCares.