5 more deaths and 306 new COVID-19 cases. Alberta recognizing volunteers and calling for more.

Update 40: COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta (April 22 at 4 p.m.)

There are 1,310 confirmed recovered cases in the province, and 306 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of cases to 3,401.

Five Albertans have died since the last report, bringing the total number of reported deaths to 66.

Latest updates

Cases have been identified in all zones across the province:
- 2,396 cases in the Calgary zone
- 451 cases in the Edmonton zone
- 303 cases in the South zone
- 150 cases in the North zone
- 79 cases in the Central zone
- 22 cases in zones yet to be confirmed
Of these cases, there are currently 70 people in hospital, 18 of whom have been admitted to intensive care units (ICU).
308 cases are suspected of being community acquired.
The total deaths are: 42 in the Calgary zone; 14 in the North zone; nine in the Edmonton zone; and one in the Central zone.
To date, 375 cases have been confirmed at continuing care facilities, and 44 residents at these facilities have died.
There have been 108,521 people tested for COVID-19 and a total of 113,499 tests performed by the lab. In the last 24 hours, 4,484 tests have been completed.
Any individual exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath, is eligible for testing. People can access testing by completing the COVID-19 self-assessment online. A separate self-assessment tool is available for health-care and shelter workers, enforcement and first responders.

Access to justice

The Court of Queen’s Bench has extended limiting hearings to only emergency and urgent matters to May 31 and the adjournment of criminal jury trials and jury selections to Sept. 8. More information:

Mental health supports

Confidential supports are available to help with mental health concerns. The Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 and the Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 are available between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Online resources provide advice on handling stressful situations and ways to talk with children.

Family violence prevention

A 24-hour Family Violence Information Line is available at 310-1818 to get anonymous help in more than 170 languages.
Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence is available at 1-866-403-8000, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Information sheets and other resources on family violence prevention are available at alberta.ca/COVID19.

Turkey hunting season

Hunters successfully drawn for the upcoming 2020 Merriam’s Turkey Season who are unable to participate due to COVID-19 are asked to not purchase their hunting licence. Their draw priority will be automatically restored following the end of the season.

Quick facts

The most important measure Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise good hygiene.
- This includes cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, and disposing of tissues appropriately.
Those with symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, or shortness of breath, should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment. After completing the form, there is no need to call 811.
Support is available to increase staffing of health-care aides and alleviate pressures in contracted continuing care facilities. Read the news release here.
All Albertans need to work together to overcome COVID-19. Albertans are asked to share acts of kindness they have experienced in their community during this difficult time by using the hashtag #AlbertaCares.

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Southern Alberta hailstorm caused almost $1.2B in damage: insurance bureau

Published on July 8, 2020

The Canadian Press

EDMONTON — The powerful hail storm that pounded homes, vehicles and crops across parts of southern Alberta last month caused almost $1.2 billion in insured damage.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the hail, rain and wind that hit Calgary, Airdrie and Rocky View County on June 13 were part of the costliest hailstorm and the fourth most expensive insured natural disaster in Canadian history.

Hail as big as tennis balls shredded vinyl siding, pounded roofs, smashed windows and flattened crops.

Celyeste Power, a vice-president with the bureau, says insurers are still processing claims.

The bureau says damage caused by hail and wind is typically covered by home, commercial and comprehensive auto insurance policies.

It notes that the Alberta government is offering some support for people who experienced overland flooding in flood-prone areas.

“Albertans know too well the stress, turmoil and financial hardships that severe weather events can cause,” she said Wednesday in a release.

“Of the 10 most costly disasters in Canada, six of these have hit Alberta. Fortunately, Albertans are resilient and continue to come together in difficult times like these.”

The most expensive insured natural catastrophe on record is the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, which cost almost $4 billion.

The next highest loss was the 2013 flooding in southern Alberta at $3.5 billion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2020

The Canadian Press

Alberta

Alberta RCMP Officer attacked with own baton

Published on July 8, 2020

Todayville

From Cold Lake RCMP

Cold Lake RCMP officer recovering after aggravated assault

A 44-year-old male is in custody in Cold Lake following yesterday’s violent attack on the RCMP officer trying to effect his arrest.

At 5:30 p.m., Cold Lake RCMP located a stolen vehicle in the Walmart parking lot and the responding officer made an effort to deal with the vehicle and arrest the male who was believed to be responsible. The male allegedly assaulted the RCMP member by punching the member in the head. The RCMP member’s baton was taken by the male and the member was struck in the head numerous times with the baton.

The male fled on foot with the RCMP baton. The male smashed the window of a different, occupied vehicle in an unsuccessful attempt to steal it. He then threatened another driver with a knife and the baton and fled southbound on Highway 28 in the newly stolen Trailblazer.

Cold Lake RCMP initiated a pursuit and managed to cause the stolen Trailblazer to become disabled. The male was arrested on scene without further incident. The RCMP baton was recovered in the vehicle.

The RCMP member has been treated at the hospital for non life-threatening, but serious injuries and is recovering at home.

The male remains in police custody and will be facing charges as this investigation continues. An update will be provided when available.

“I want to thank the community members who came forward to assist our RCMP member and to provide valuable witness evidence in relation to this terrible incident” says Sergeant Ryan Howrish of the Cold Lake RCMP. “An incident like this highlights the unpredictable and dangerous situations we face on a daily basis.”