Health experts warn Alberta needs to keep restrictions in place to diminish potential fifth wave
With Alberta's fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the decline, some health experts say it is crucial to avoid a fifth wave by not easing restrictions too soon.
Protect Our Province (POP), a group comprised of doctors and scientists who advocate for pandemic safety, say a further surge in cases is preventable.
"We often say the wave is coming. The wave is not coming, we are making the waves," said Gosia Gasperowicz, a biologist from the University of Calgary and POP spokesperson.
"Each time (we have been) reopening and dropping precautions too early. If we dropped the precautions at zero community cases than we wouldn’t be in trouble, but we've always reopened too much and too fast."
She also says it is unlikely the province will bring in drastic health restrictions beyond what's already in place.
However, members of POP are encouraged with the evidence that indoor mask mandates and the vaccine passport program is helping slow the spread, as the fourth wave is now on the decline.
There were no announcements regarding any potential easing of restrictions during the pandemic briefing with the premier, health minister and chief medical officer of health.
"While this is all good progress, it does not mean that our work is done," said Premier Jason Kenney.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.