Strategic COVID-19 Pandemic Committee

The Third Wave is Here. How do I prepare?

COVID-19 Questions & Myths

The third wave of COVID-19 has arrived in Edmonton and Alberta. The trends are updated weekly here. As of April 22, 2021, Alberta had 1778 new daily cases, which is fast approaching the peak of the second wave at 1887 cases. ICU admissions are also climbing quickly with 116 patients currently. This will soon out-pace the 153 ICU peak of the second peak.

It is caused by the UK variant virus, which is more easily spread in the community and increases our risk of more serious illness and death. The wave is also being fueled by government decreasing COVID-19 public health protective measures since February.

If you and others have been immunized, for complete protection you should wait at least 14 days after your second dose before relaxing your guard. Be aware that even then you maybe you may still be able to carry or spread the virus to other people after immunization, even though you yourself are much less likely to be ill.

Below are recommended actions to keep you and your loved ones safe as the new UK and Brazilian variants circulate in our community:

Do:
-Do get your vaccine when it is your turn. Every immunized person makes our community a bit safer.
-Do continue to wash your hands after you have touched surfaces in public, when you arrive home, and before eating.
-Do set your watch or phone alarm to spend a maximum of 10 minutes indoors in places other than your home.
-Do consider improving your mask usage by using a triple layer mask with a filter layer if possible (e.g. N-95, KN-95), and ensuring that it fits snugly against your face. As masks vary and everyone’s face shape is different, use the type of mask which helps you breathe through, not around the mask material comfortably. Some people have found knotting, tucking ear loops, or using a mask brace can improve the fit of the mask to the face.
-Do ensure that when you are indoors in public spaces you stay two or more meters away from other people.
-Do consider using local pick-up and delivery services for groceries, supplies, and take-out food.
-Do go outside to walk and exercise in non-crowded parks and nature areas.

Don't – during this time of increasing risk:
-Don’t go inside to bars, restaurants, or pubs.
-Don’t go inside to banquet halls, community halls, conference centres, hotels, casinos, racing centres, and bingo halls.
-Don’t go to indoor social gatherings or indoor seated events.
-Don’t go to religious indoor events in which people are not observing the maximum capacity, not wearing masks, or not maintaining adequate social distancing.
-Don’t socialize with people who attend these places.
-Don’t invite people into your home if you have not routinely been living with them.