Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Thursday, March 31st

Editor’s Note: Throughout the pandemic, case numbers are based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests performed by state agencies such as Alberta Health Services, but these test protocols are for high-priority groups and high-risk environments. We are shifting to prioritize those who are in. Alberta does not have a system for cataloging rapid antigen testing at home. That is, many people with COVID-19 are not reflected in the data.

As a result, CBC News does not focus on the number of coverage cases and adopts the following data and indicators: Experts say it’s brighter now — Includes hospitalization and wastewater monitoring.

latest:

• The government is now Move to weekly report schedule Set every Wednesday.
• As of March 30 964 people in hospital COVID-19 increased slightly from 956 last week and decreased from 56 in 47 of the ICU patients.
• State reported 30 new COVIDs-19 dead From March 23rd to March 30th. 4,612 Alberta died of COVID-19.
• The daily positive rate fluctuated from March 23 to Wednesday, when the COVID-19 numbers were last reported. 21.7% When 27.1%When Average 24.5% — An increase from an average of 22% over the last 7 days.
• there were 4,612 new cases reported From March 23rd to 30th. The number of cases includes only those who test positive for PCR, which is inaccessible to most Alberta states.
• Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping provided the latest information on the state’s COVID-19 on Wednesday.
• Wastewater monitoring data Signs of rising transmission In Calgary and Edmonton, Copping said.
• Copping said it’s not surprising that COVID is widespread, as most of the state’s public health measures have been lifted.
• He hesitated to say if the state was watching the sixth wave of COVID-19.
• “There are more opportunities for the virus to spread,” he said.
• Beginning April 1, interested pharmacies in the state will be able to order the antiviral drug Paxlovid and distribute it to Alberta, which meets the eligibility criteria.
• Copping also urged all Alberta to get a rapid test kit.
• On March 23, Dr. Dina Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Health Doctor, said: More contagious Omicron subvariatesKnown as BA.2. Currently the predominant strain of Omicron in the state..

Wastewater monitoring:

• Alberta’s wastewater measurements are on the rise, indicating an increase in new COVID-19 infections as the Omicron subvariety BA.2 becomes the leading strain of the disease in the state. These higher measurements reflect trends across Canada and the recent increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide.
• Alberta data from Dashboard created According to the University of Calgary Health Information Center, the average amount of COVID-19 detected in wastewater is shown.Data is Public update 3 times a week. The values ​​in the data are most strongly associated with cases that occurred 6 days after the sample was collected, as the virus is shed from people’s feces before symptoms appear.
• Kevin Frankowski, executive director of Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets (ACWA) at the University of Calgary, said the amount of virus circulating in the community remains relatively high. “Based on the number of wastewaters, it’s clear that COVID isn’t over yet. We haven’t left the forest yet,” he said. “It’s important to be vigilant.”
• Note on how to read wastewater charts: Numbers obtained from different wastewater treatment facilities use different testing and collection methods. For this reason, it is not possible to make direct comparisons between cities, only trends need to be evaluated. For example, measurements are on the rise in both Edmonton and Calgary, but we don’t know if the levels are higher in either city.

Update on limits:

• Hundreds of Alberta Healthcare Workers — Because they are on unpaid leave Not immunized Against COVID-19 — Expect to get back to work By March 31 after the state government has instructed Alberta Health Services to lift its vaccine obligations.
• Almost all pandemics Public health measures have been lifted In the state as of March 1, as the Alberta Government has begun Step 2 of the reopening plan.
• In this phase, indoor masking, remaining school requirements, entertainment and sports youth screening, removal of capacity limits for all large venues and recreational facilities, lifting restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings, mandatory at home The work will be released.
• Masking is still needed In high-risk environments, including facilities operated and contracted by Alberta Health Services, all ongoing care environments, and municipal transportation services. This rule does not apply to private services such as taxis and Uber travel.
• As of February 14, No masking requirements for kids Adolescents under the age of 12 have no masking requirements for school children and adolescents of all ages.
• Stage 1 Effective February 16 Removed restriction exemption program..
• Prime Minister Jason Kenny says the state Third stageSince there is no date, COVID-19 eliminates the need for quarantine and deactivates COVID operational and outbreak protocols in ongoing care facilities.
• Health Minister Jason Copping said all stages were a condition-based approach. It is based on the tendency of hospitalization.

vaccination:

• 76.5 percent, according to Alberta Health State population — or 86.7% For people over 12 years old — received 2 doses Of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• State Currently not expanding qualifications For the fourth dose, Hinsho said. Only available to those with significantly weakened immunity. Guidance for those who have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine is the same as for others. If you have already been vaccinated a total of 3 times, we do not recommend receiving additional vaccinations.

Regional hospitalization:

As of March 30 964 Alberta in the hospital.

• Calgary Zone: 280.
• Edmonton Zone: 345.
• Central zone: 135.
• North Zone: 113.
• South Zone: 91.

The latest Alberta COVID-19 story is as follows: