Alberta reports 55 deaths from COVID-19 in 5 days

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The number of deaths from COVID-19 in the state continues to grow, with 55 people dying from the virus within five days.

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Dr. Dina Hinsho, director of health care in Alberta, said there were an average of 9 deaths per day from COVID-19 between May 10 and May 15.

In a weekly update on Tuesday, Hinsho said, “It’s hard to see such numbers because of the virus that has overturned all of our lives and is still prevalent despite our collective efforts. “.

People are still dying from state COVID-19, but hospitalizations have declined since last week. There are an average of 1,190 hospitalizations, 35 fewer than previously reported. 39 people are receiving intensive care, two more than last week.

In previous waves, new cases and laboratory positivity are usually the first indicators of decreased transmission, Hinsho said. Hospitalization is usually one of the last indicators to follow.

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“This is tragicly reminiscent of the serious effects of the virus, but that’s why these numerous deaths seen last week and this week aren’t unexpected,” she said.

“We are seeing a consistent decline in aggressiveness and hospitalization. We expect the death toll to be the same soon.”

Hinsho said cases of COVID-19 should be low throughout the summer and another surge is expected in the fall and winter. But she said the state was still in transition.

“We expect COVID hospitalizations to decline in the coming months, but they will remain at lower levels. I don’t think they will soon be zero.”

Health Minister Jason Copping also said there are signs that the state is seeing a reduction in infectious diseases.

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Lab-based tests show a 20% positive rate, lower than the rate seen in the last two weeks. Wastewater surveillance has shown low infection rates, especially in Airdrie, Brooks, Drumheller, Edson and Grand Prairie, he said. Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer are still reporting increased numbers.

“It makes sense that the level of large centers will take longer to decline as the population density increases, but we need help if the weather is nice. We expect a broad downtrend to continue. doing.”

Alberta last week reported to children two possible cases of severe acute hepatitis. Hinsho said there is no clear explainable cause at this time, as the most common causes have been ruled out.

“There may be additional cases as we work to clarify these reported relationships, but at this time there are two possible cases in Alberta.”

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The hospital in Edmonton, Calgary is almost full

According to the state, the occupancy of hospitals in Edmonton and Calgary is over 90%, and some emergency departments have reached 100% capacity. This is causing ambulance response time delays, Copping said.

“Some hospitals are full, especially in the emergency department, and (emergency) cannot take the next patient as quickly as desired.”

According to the Quarterly Emergency Medical Services Dashboard Report, ambulance response times have deteriorated in urban areas over the past year. The slowest 10% of calls went from 12 minutes to 17 minutes or more.

The state budget allocates $ 64 million to ambulances with additional ambulance capacity. According to Copping, the state has appointed a committee to evaluate the provision of EMS and is preparing an interim report by the end of the month.

“We will further consider actions that can be taken immediately based on their recommendations and work towards a long-term solution later this year.”

— Using Dylan Short and Jason Herring files

bgervais@postmedia.com

twitter: @BrittGervaisAB