Dr. Mark Joffe, who was named Alberta’s chief medical officer on Nov. 14, encouraged Albertans to get the flu shot and take other steps to reduce the spread.
Read more: Joffe to replace Hinshaw as Alberta’s chief medical officer: provincial government
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Joffe will replace Hinshaw as chief medical officer of Alberta: provincial government
He said Canada’s flu season usually mimics Australia’s, which has seen a season of severe respiratory viruses. “In Australia, the highest rates of influenza illness were in children and adolescents, and children under 16 accounted for the majority of influenza hospitalizations. The flu can also have serious effects on the elderly. Story continues below ad “While most children, youth and adults recover from the flu without complications, some may become very ill and require hospital treatment,” Joffe said in an emailed statement. 1:43 AHS says Albertans must wear masks as respiratory illness spreads “We can expect to see similar results in Alberta. In recent weeks, Alberta has seen an increase in reports of symptoms such as cough and fever in schools and daycares. We are closely monitoring the situation in schools,” Joffe’s statement continued. “The province continues to return to long-standing practices for managing respiratory infections in general. This includes local public health officials notifying schools of outbreaks and providing them with advice and support as needed. “Transmission levels will vary over time and between communities. We encourage Albertans to assess their risk at all times and take appropriate precautions.” Story continues below ad
Read more: Rise in respiratory illnesses sparks long wait times at Alberta Children’s Hospital, Stollery
Since being named the new interim CMOH, Albertans have not heard from Joffe. Several hospital officials held press conferences Tuesday on the rise of respiratory illnesses in children, high numbers of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the early start of flu season, the Stollery Children’s Hospital and long waits in Alberta emergency rooms. . 2:31 Alberta Children’s Hospital takes action to expand ER capacity The Edmonton Public School Board is also managing high school absences with many children away sick. The board is considering asking the CMOH for specific advice and recommendations.
Read more: Edmonton public schools ask province to reinstate mask mandates during disease outbreaks
Story continues below ad “I encourage Albertans to take simple, everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses,” Joffe said, including:
We stay home when you feel sick. Make the choice to stay current on your vaccinations and talk to a doctor or other care provider if you have questions about the options. Using a high-quality, tight-fitting mask can help reduce your risk of getting sick and protect others from exposure. “Albertans should be supported regardless of whether they choose to cover or not,” he wrote. If possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick. Clean hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Maintain good respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes. Avoid or limit the time you spend in crowded indoor spaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects in the home, especially when someone in your home is sick.
Read more: Respiratory disease hits Stollery Children’s Hospital, doctors worry about peak
In a statement Wednesday, the City of Edmonton said: “City management did not recommend consideration of a mask bylaw to city council recently. We are monitoring the situation in Edmonton as cases of respiratory illness, COVID-19 and the flu increase. Current trend
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“People are welcome to wear masks on public transport and in city buildings, and since the most recent relaxation of health restrictions, we encourage our employees to respect each person’s choice about wearing a mask.” Story continues below ad
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A spokesperson for the City of Calgary said it is “closely monitoring public health advice to help keep employees and members of the public safe and will not be making a recommendation to reintroduce the cover-up mandate at this time. “The province amended the Municipal Government Act to expressly limit a municipality’s power to enact a law requiring coverage. Such a statute is only valid if approved by the Minister of Municipalities. “The legislation, however, allows the city to pass a bylaw requiring coverage on or within city property. “The city will continue to closely monitor the situation and work closely with our partners at Alberta Health Services to align with their recommendations. “We encourage City of Calgary employees to help fight viruses at home and at work by washing their hands regularly, sanitizing as they go and supporting the use of face masks as a personal choice. We encourage everyone in Calgary to take personal health measures to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses.” 1:41 Mask on or off? Mandatory runaway coverage in Edmonton lets people make choices Joffe’s statement also included information about booking a vaccination appointment. Story continues below ad Alverna residents can reserve flu shots or COVID-19 boosters through the Alberta Vaccine Reservation System or by calling Health Link at 811. Some pharmacies also offer intermediate vaccinations. Joffe’s biography page on the Alberta Health Services website states that his “diverse clinical experience includes his expertise in infectious diseases.” The Calgary native has worked at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton as well as the Edmonton STD Center and the Edmonton Women’s Institute. Since becoming prime minister last month, Smith has said she would replace Hinshaw and find new people to advise her government on decisions related to public health. 0:38 Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she will find new health officials for the province In a press release issued by the provincial government late Monday afternoon, Health Minister Jason Copping said Joffe “brings this wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of chief medical officer. I look forward to working with him. Story continues below ad “I also want to thank Dr. Deena Hinshaw for her service and dedication to Albertans over the past few years.” The government noted that Joffe will continue to work under his current contract with AHS and will not receive any additional compensation for his new role.
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At a press conference earlier Wednesday, referring to the rising number of respiratory illnesses, Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley said Albertans deserved to hear updates and plans from the premier, health minister and CMOH. “We have school boards, for example, here in Edmonton that are desperately calling on the provincial government and particularly the chief medical officer of health to provide more complete information on the state of outbreaks around the world, as well as specific recommendations on how best to keep the our children safe and also about what we can expect in the future. And we don’t get that kind of information,” Notley said. 2:15 Edmonton Public School Board calls for health guidance “We have a serious outbreak of infectious disease affecting our children to the point where we have 12-hour lines in children’s emergency rooms, and we don’t seem to have anyone who thinks it’s their job to step up and deal with it. Story continues below ad “No one is responsible. As a result, no one is responsible. No one provides leadership. No one is protecting the health and safety of our children in this province and this is a complete failure of leadership.” Notley also said firing Hinshaw and appointing Joffe as the new interim CMOH sends a message. “We have a chief medical officer in the health sector who, although he is a very reliable person, is actually not even paid to do the job. And he is still doing his other completed work. That’s what it sounds like…
