Second death reported in Alberta linked to COVID-19
Posted Mar 24, 2020 3:46 pm.
Last Updated Mar 24, 2020 11:12 pm.
CALGARY (CityNews) – A second person has died as a result of contracting COVID-19.
In an update, Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the provincial medical officer of health, said it was a woman in her 80s who was a resident at the Mackenzie Towne continuing care centre in Calgary.
“This news is extremely sad for all of us. Though we are doing everything we can to limit cases of critical illness and death from this serious virus, tragically we know deaths will occur,” Hinshaw said.
It’s believed the woman contracted the virus through community transmission.
#BREAKING: There have been 57 new cases of COVID found in the province. 358 cases total are now in the province. 28 may be community transmission
— Jeff Slack (@Jeffslack660) March 24, 2020
It was also announced two residents and one staff member at the care home tested positive for COVID-19. An additional 11 residents are showing symptoms of the virus and are awaiting test results to find the source of the infections.
“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. Although I want to reiterate that most people who become ill with COVID will experience only mild symptoms, it can make others very sick,” said Hinshaw
“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 added.
The discovery of a possible outbreak in a long-term care facility is concerning due to residents already having underlying health issues.
“We have always known that long-term care settings are one of our most vulnerable groups of populations and that’s why we did take extra measures last week and why we are going to be putting in additional measures in the coming days,” Hinshaw said.
There were 57 new cases in Alberta as of Tuesday, bringing the provincial total to 358.
The Calgary Zone makes up 60 per cent of all cases in the province with 214 infections.
There are 19 people currently in hospital and seven in the Intensive Care Unit.
