Data on the Covid-19 situation in Alberta during the period from May 2 to May 9 show a steady decline in the delivery rate, and, for the first time in several weeks, surgeries along with intensive care admissions .
According to the province’s chief medical officer, Deena Hinshaw, 1,225 people are still hospitalized in Alberta hospitals, including 37 in intensive care.
Compared to the previous week, this represents 42 fewer hospitals and 9 fewer intensive care admissions.
In the same week, Alberta recorded an average 20.7% PCR test positivity rate (compared to 27% a month before), Drs. Deena Hinshaw.
The weekly death toll reached 70, he said.
Hospitals are still overcapacity
Health Minister Jason Copping noted that despite the decline in hospitals across the province, some facilities continue to operate at more than 100% capacity. He cited the rise in seasonal flu cases and the opioid crisis as contributing factors.
The Minister noted in this regard that vaccination remains, to date, the best way to guard against serious forms of the disease and to prevent hospital stays. He added on both lines that Alberta has launched a communication campaign through social media and targeted messages to raise awareness of the importance of booster dose to boost immunity.
30,000 doses of Paxlovid are available
Jason Copping also mentioned Paxlovid, an oral anti-COVID-19 treatment with conditional use. The patient’s situation should first be evaluated by a health professional who will decide if he or she is eligible or not.
Family doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners were allowed by the government last week to prescribe Paxlovid.
This treatment has so far been the subject of more than 2,000 prescriptions, the minister reported, noting that Alberta has 30,000 doses available.
Alberta on high alert
In addition, the Chief Medical Officer identified serious cases of hepatitis of unknown origin reported in children around the world.
Dr. indicated. Deena Hinshaw in this matter that the two suspected cases were recently admitted to the hospital. One of these patients has already been discharged from the hospital while the other is still under surveillance there.
Both are under 16 years old, he said, noting that the province is closely monitoring the hepatitis issue in liaison with the federal government and health authorities in other provinces.
Source: Radio-Canada
