Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw addressed Alberta’s opioid crisis in her September 24th COVID-19 update. The Quarter Two Opioid Response Surveillance Report was released detailing the impact of the pandemic on the crisis.

“The report released yesterday showed the challenges that many Albertans who use opioids and other substances have faced and the dire impact that this pandemic has had on their lives. During the first six months of 2020, 449 people died from apparent unintentional opioid poisoning. This is an average of 2.5 people per day.  Tragically 301 of these deaths occurred between April and June,” explained Hinshaw.

Additionally, there have been more than 3,000 emergency and urgent care visits related to opioids and other drug use between April and June.

The doctor is asking Albertans who use drugs to not use them while they are alone to prevent death and other serious consequences. If you are struggling with addictions at this time, she recommends calling 1-866-332-2322 for support.

Alberta’s top doctor also addressed Thanksgiving in the midst of the pandemic and understood that many families will want to spend time together to give thanks.

“It is natural for people want to come together and celebrate thanksgiving with a new level of appreciation. At the same time, we all want Thanksgiving to be a safe holiday that keeps everyone healthy,” said Hinshaw.

Naturally, a social gathering such as Thanksgiving poses as a risk for virus transmission. However, the Government of Alberta has released some tips on how to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday.

“To summarize, it’s best to keep gatherings within your established cohorts of up to 15 people outside your household. Smaller is safer. This is not the time for large gatherings.  When shopping for your Thanksgiving dinners, maintain physical distancing, wash or sanitize your hands often, and observe local mask requirements,” said Hinshaw.

She also recommends that one healthy person dish out the Thanksgiving meal, or opt for preportioned meals, or simply bring your own food to the event.

You can find guidance on safe holidays by clicking here.

New case numbers as of September 24th, 2020:

  • 158 new cases have been identified
  • 1,462 active cases in Alberta
  • 58 people are hospitalized with COVID-19
  • 14 people are currently in ICUs
  • 15,467 total recovered cases
  • 1 new death
  • 261 total deaths from the virus 
  • 1,255,039 tests have been performed in total 

Active case numbers in Central Alberta area:

  • 1 active cases in Lacombe County
  • 0 active case in the City of Lacombe
  • 7 active cases in the City of Red Deer
  • 2 active cases in Red Deer County
  • 5 active cases in Ponoka County
  • 1 active cases in the Town of Sylvan Lake
  • 0 active cases in Stettler County
  • 8 active case in Mountain View County

*Not all cases in the Central Zone have been included.