Today Dr. Deena Hinshaw reported 54 new COVID-19 cases in Alberta, bringing our total for 6017. Of these 3804 have recovered. 

She also reported two new deaths. The total in Alberta is now 114.

Dr. Hinshaw addressed faith communities in today’s update.  

With daily numbers going down and relaunch plans underway, faith communities may be wondering when they can begin planning how to safely meet again. She sympathizes with this wish. Our lives have been disrupted and it would be a great comfort to gather as a religious community.  

She told a story of why it is very important to be cautious of gathering as a way of preventing future outbreaks. 

Dr. Hinshaw spoke recently with a faith leader whose community gathered in mid-March before many public health orders were in place. They had a worship service and a celebratory social event after. Only 41 people were present and they were careful to keep two metre distancing and practice good hand hygiene and the small number of servers were wearing gloves. 

One week later someone was confirmed to have COVID-19 and not long after it was 24 who had it. Three ended up in the hospital and two died. The source is unknown; no one was ill at the time. Their could have been environmental contamination before them, or possibly one person was exposed somewhere else unknowingly. 

Even with all their precautions, more than half got sick, and an event that should have been joyful turned tragic.  

Dr. Hinshaw also addressed some concerns from hair stylists and barbers who can open with phase one of the relaunch and are worried about not being ready. There are 80 types of personal service in the province, some with more risk involved in others. Hair stylists and barbers are provincial regulated and need health and safety certification, meaning they have some understanding of preventing the spread of infection already. Alberta’s choice to allow this group to open with phase one mirrors other jurisdictions in Canada and Europe. 

There is guidance for businesses as they look to relaunch. The province is also working on guidance for hair stylists and barbers specifically, which will be available soon. She also says that there is no obligation for businesses to open when phase one begins. Businesses should take the time they need to open safely.  

Dr. Hinshaw reminded us that we will need to keep balance in this relaunch time.  

"We are holding many things in tension right now. The need to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, our need for human community, and our need to mitigate the social, economic and health impacts of prolonged shut-down.  

“In these next months we need to strive for balance between these things. There is no one, perfect way forward. But whatever comes, I know two things. One is that we need each other to get through this and the second is we will get through this.” 

Watch the full update here: