June 17th AB COVID-19 update: Dr. Hinshaw stresses the importance of mental health

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw discussed ways in which people can reduce their anxiety during the June 17th COVID-19 update.  A number of Albertans have indicated that they have felt anxiety over the past few weeks through public surveys the province has offered. 

“Sleeping well, connecting safely with loved ones, exercising, meditating are all practices that can reduce anxiety. Secondly, remember that anxiety and fear are normal feelings. They are part of our built-in mechanisms to keep us safe. A small dose of worry can be a reminder of why following public health measures is so important,” said Hinshaw. 

Dr. Hinshaw encourages those who are experiencing anxiety to join Alberta Health Services text service to help get people through the week. 

“One free simple way to get support is the Alberta Health Service’s tool Text4Hope. These messages offer advice, encouragement, and ways of building resilience. Simply text COVID19Hope to 393939,” said Hinshaw. 

More importantly, the doctor encourages all of those who feel that they need help to seek it out. 

“If you are feeling overwhelmed you can also call the mental health helpline 24/7 for confidential support for access to counseling in your community through AHS,” said Hinshaw.

Heading forward, the doctor hinted that there may be fewer updates from her in the future. 

“We are in a new phase of COVID-19 in Alberta. While we continue to test widely and identify some new cases daily. the spread of the virus remains relatively stable. In fact, it is likely that Albertans will soon no longer need such regular updates from me. This is because the ownness is increasingly on all Albertans to protect each other,” said Hinshaw. 

To access some of the Government of Alberta’s mental health supports, click here. 

The next COVID-19 update availability with Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw will be on Friday, June 19th.

June 17th new case numbers:

• 48 new cases of the virus
• 486 active cases in Alberta
• 38 people are hospitalized with COVID-19
• 7 people have been admitted to ICU’s with COVID-19
• 6,893 total recovered cases
• 0 new deaths in the last 24 hours
• 151 total deaths from the virus
• 356,818 tests have been performed in total 

Regional classification determine what restrictions are applicable to an area. 

Enhanced: Additional measures in place. 

Watch: Above the threshold but no additional measures.

Open: No additional measures .