5 more coronavirus cases detected at long-term care centres in Alberta

Mar 25 2020, 11:06 pm

Nine cases of COVID-19 have been detected at long-term care centres in Alberta.

Five of those are among the 61 new cases announced by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw on Wednesday, while four had been announced on Tuesday.

The same March 24 announcement included details on Alberta’s second coronavirus-related death, a woman in her 80s who had been a resident of the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre.

Two other residents, as well as a staff member of the facility, had also tested positive by Tuesday, and Wednesday’s updates saw two additional cases announced for that same centre.

One case was detected on Wednesday in Rosedale on the Park, an assisted living facility in Edmonton, and two more at Shepherd’s Care Kensington Village, also in Edmonton.

“News of this death and other potential infections in a long-term care facility will be distressing for many people. You may be listening to me right now from a long-term care facility, or you may have a loved one who lives in one,” Hinshaw stated at the Tuesday press conference.

“Although I want to reiterate that most people who become ill with COVID will experience only mild symptoms, it can make others very sick. This is why we have taken the extreme measures we have and why I cannot emphasize enough the importance for all Albertans to follow all public health guidance.”

Hinshaw noted in the Wednesday update that keeping Alberta’s vulnerable citizens safe from the virus was one of the reasons that Alberta recently instituted fines for those breaking public health orders.

“This step is essential to protect the health and safety of Albertans. Alberta’s enforcement of public health orders is in addition to the decision of the federal government to implement a mandatory 14-day quarantine under the Quarantine Act for travellers returning to Canada,” said Hinshaw.

“This step is serious, and it is necessary. We must do everything possible to stop the spread of COVID-19, to support our healthcare workers, and to keep our family, friends, neighbours, and vulnerable Albertans safe.”

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

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