COVID-19 outbreaks active at all Calgary hospitals: AHS
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says cases of COVID-19 have been found at the Alberta Children's Hospital, which means all hospitals in the city of Calgary are on outbreak status.
The agency says the outbreak at the facility was declared on Jan. 18 after four patients tested positive for COVID-19.
There are no details about the patients nor the unit where the outbreak was declared.
AHS says there are outbreaks at almost two dozen other units at different hospitals within Calgary city limits:
- Six units at the Foothills Medical Centre are on outbreak, affecting 23 patients;
- Five units at the Rockyview General Hospital are on outbreak, affecting 34 patients and three health-care workers;
- Four units at the Peter Lougheed Centre are on outbreak, affecting 20 patients; and
- Three units at the South Health Campus are on outbreak, affecting nine patients.
Officials say outbreak measures are in place for all areas where cases have been identified, including isolating infected patients in designated rooms.
"All at-risk patients on each unit have been tested," AHS wrote on its website. "Contact tracing for patients and health-care workers potentially exposed to these individuals is ongoing."
'HANDFUL' OF SURGERIES POSTPONED
While an outbreak was just recently declared at the Alberta Children's Hhospital, officials say it is not the reason that any surgeries or procedures are being delayed.
"There have been a handful of surgical postponements at Alberta Children’s Hospital, all due to patient or family illness," said an AHS spokesperson in an email to CTV News.
"There have been no planned or scheduled surgical postponements by AHS."
Dr. Verna Yiu, AHS CEO, says the health-care system is facing a new challenge posed by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
"We are seeing signs that our ICU teams can expect to see more patients needing their care in the coming weeks," she said Thursday.
"In the past seven days, the number of COVID patients requiring ICU has increased by about 18 per cent."
Yiu says the Omicron wave is also infecting fully vaccinated Albertans.
"While the risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes is lower if you are fully immunized, we are still seeing breakthrough cases," she said.
"This really highlights the need for everyone to follow public health measures – stay home when not feeling well, wear a mask in public places and remain vigilant at all times."
AHS also advises everyone, if they are feeling unwell, to avoid visiting friends and loved ones who are in hospital.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.