It looks like the next wave of COVID-19 has settled into Alberta.
The virus is becoming more prevalent in wastewater data and hospitalizations have jumped to 1,053, an increase of 63 from the last update a week ago. Health Minister Jason Copping says it was expected.
“This is not surprising, given the transmissibility of BA.2 and the increase in contacts as people resume their normal routines. That being said, we are so far not seeing any large impact in terms of severe outcomes,” said Copping.
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There were 37 new COVID deaths reported in the last week, an average of more than five deaths a day. The health minister says the province is not stopping the free rapid testing program.
Copping dismissed online rumours that the rapid tests won’t be handed out at pharmacies anymore, saying they’ve seen an increase in tests ordered by pharmacies in the past week.
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The update also said there were 842 active new cases in Alberta, as well as 48 people in the ICU.
“We may see some further increase in the next few weeks. But we are prepared for it. And at this time we do not expect the kind of impact that we saw in the initial omicron wave,” said Copping.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says she wouldn’t classify the increase in cases as a sixth wave.
As we make decisions every day about how to live with COVID, our actions will impact others. It’s important to carefully consider our risk and comfort levels and consider masking in public places as appropriate. (10/10)
— Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health (@CMOH_Alberta) April 13, 2022
On average, there were around five COVID deaths per day over the past week.
