COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise in Alberta for a month as colleges prepare for fall classes

According to Alberta Health's weekly report, COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to trend upward after a mid-July wave dip.

In his week to August 15, he had 70 more hospitalizations than the previous week, for a total of 818 hospitalizations. There were 28 intensive care patients.

His COVID cases in hospitals have not fallen below his 500 since Jan. 3, according to Alberta data. The

state announced 27 more deaths from COVID-19 last week, bringing the pandemic's total to 4,721.

His 7-day mean positive rate for PCR testing limited to people in clinically high-risk situations dropped slightly to 21.93% for him.

READ MORE: More COVID-19 cases in Alberta hospitals

Classes Resuming

As colleges around Alberta prepare to resume in-person classes, Some universities have expressed concern that educational institutions have not reinstated mask and vaccination requirements. Prevent the spread of airborne viruses like COVID-19.

In spring 2022, higher education institutions across Alberta lifted mask mandates, following the same state move.

"COVID has completely devastated him for two weeks. Experiencing heart arrhythmias, so worried about long-term effects," Chelsea Vowell posted on her Twitter . "My employer (University of Alberta) doesn't have a real plan for our safety, so many times in the classroom we can't get it."

Ted McCoy, Associate Professor, University of Calgary "If faculty were to get COVID every semester, we would be in the classroom," he said, "but that doesn't seem like a very viable long-term plan." } The University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge all recommend wearing masks indoors, but neither institution will require masks on the first day of the fall semester. Masking will be required if you have a clinical masking requirement in

“The University of Alberta strictly follows Alberta’s public health guidance. We will continue to work together to help," a University of Alberta statement said Wednesday. "Personal health measures on our campus remain important this fall to avoid major disruptions to university programs and operations."

Read More Alberta NDP Calls for Comptroller General to Investigate Bonuses to Pandemic Management

Dr. Verna Yiu, Former CEO of AHS The current U of A Interim Chancellor announced on 4 August that people should stay at home when sick and practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands and wearing a mask, to practice "personal hygiene." emphasized health care.

"Current physical measures at Campus Services, such as distribution of plexiglass barriers, hand sanitizer and masks, at her point of sale, will be in place at least until the end of the Fall 2022 semester." ' she wrote.

"UCalgary is committed to helping our staff, students, faculty, and the wider community stay healthy through vaccines." We wholeheartedly embrace the value of vaccination and everyone is urged to stay up to date with booster vaccinations as they become available. We will continue to support you," the U of C statement said. "However, the university no longer mandates vaccinations and the use of masks on campus." meets or exceeds the standards for infectious aerosols recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Use of MERV-13 filters.

Prepare for autumn.

"As we prepare to return to campus for the Fall 2022 semester, we must keep in mind that COVID-19 continues to affect communities around the world," said Lethbridge. "And with the emergence of a new variant, not only members of our university community, but the university itself, as we take on important work, students, faculty, and staff," said the University's Online Update. , it is wise to continue to operate responsibly to promote visitor safety.”

“I We are a very mask-friendly campus," Dr. Trushar Patel, an associate professor at L University, told Global News.

Mount Royal College also recommends keeping vaccinations up to date, masking and self-monitoring of health. They have offered to help survive absences due to illness, and are distributing surgical masks and test kits at the Cougars Campus Store.

Read more: Alberta children under 5 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine: 'We've been waiting for you'

MacEwan University's latest COVID-19 19 An online update states that “the vast majority of the campus community has met mandatory vaccine requirements.

“So students, employees, or visitors to the campus can You will no longer be required to provide proof of yourOn March 9

SAIT said that air quality had also improved. We installed the highest her MERV rated filters available for each HVAC system and installed a programmed air system to flush the air out of the building between classes. , take in as much outside air as possible.

SAIT students are encouraged to wear masks indoors. Masks and rapid antigen test kits are available on campus.

NAIT also recommended indoor masking and asked students to stay home when sick as the state lifted self-isolation requirements over the summer.

All secondary institutions contacted by Global News said they would continue to monitor the state's pandemic situation throughout the school year.

– Using files from Eloise Therien of Global News

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