COVID-19 Statistics and Hospital Strain in Alberta

COVID-19 cases on the rise in Alberta, straining hospitals

In late April, COVID-19 statistics in Alberta showed a concerning uptick, with cases increasing by 21 per cent, the positivity rate growing by four per cent, and hospitalizations going up by 28 per cent from the previous week. While the numbers are not as high as the peak of the pandemic, hospitals are still feeling the strain, according to Dr. Warren Thirsk, an ER doctor at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Dr. Thirsk described the situation as overcrowded, under-resourced, and struggling to manage a high volume of patients with limited resources and personnel. Patients are reportedly waiting as long as 14 hours in “deplorable conditions,” highlighting the strain on the healthcare system.

The doctor emphasized the importance of immunization as the best solution to keep COVID-19 at bay. Alberta’s health minister, Adriana LaGrange, acknowledged the increase in cases but downplayed it as not a significant amount. The government has launched a spring immunization campaign for at-risk Albertans and is monitoring the situation in hospitals.

The Opposition NDP has raised concerns about the transmission of the virus in hospitals due to overcrowding. Seven hospitals in Alberta had a COVID-19 outbreak as of April 30, prompting calls for more frequent reporting of data and decisions based on the advice of the province’s chief medical officer of health.

As the province grapples with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, healthcare workers and officials are working to address the strain on hospitals and prevent further spread of the virus.