Alberta’s fall COVID-19 surge has arrived and hospitals are feeling it

Alberta is currently facing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with health experts warning that the situation may worsen before it improves. According to the province’s respiratory virus dashboard, 98 people have died from the illness since the end of August, compared to just one flu death during the same period. Additionally, 1,065 Albertans have been hospitalized with COVID-19 in the past two months, with 54 requiring intensive care.

Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary, emphasized the continued threat of COVID-19, stating that the number of hospitalized patients has more than doubled in the past two months. Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta, noted that many patients are older individuals who have not been recently vaccinated.

The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests in Alberta is currently at 13.8%, indicating a significant increase in community transmission. Saxinger highlighted the rise in hospitalizations among younger individuals, with 57 hospitalizations in patients under 19 years old and a dozen in the ICU.

As the colder weather approaches, there is concern that the spread of viruses, including COVID-19, may increase as more people gather indoors. Saxinger expressed worry about a potential overlap between the COVID-19 surge and the upcoming influenza season, urging Albertans to get vaccinated for both viruses.

Despite a slow start to Alberta’s vaccination campaign, with only 3.4% of residents receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine, health experts emphasize the importance of increasing vaccination rates to combat the ongoing surge in cases. Jenne stressed the need for a concerted effort to boost vaccination numbers and protect the community from the continued threat of COVID-19.