Strategic COVID-19 Pandemic Committee

The restrictions in Alberta have reduced mortality from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Questions & Myths

The measures taken in spring of 2020 reduced the number of cases by the middle of June, with low rates until October. Alberta had a second wave topping over 1,800 cases per day at the beginning of December. The set of restrictions which began December 12, 2020 bent the curve down in all five zones. The restrictions were lifted and the number of cases began rising as a third wave in March.

The most important measure of the success Alberta has had is the total number of deaths due to COVID per 100,000 population. By that measure, as of April 12, 2021, the New York Times “Canada Coronavirus Map and Case Count” map shows Quebec with 132 deaths/100,000, Manitoba with 74, Ontario with 56, Alberta 49, and BC 32. The maritime provinces have maintained consistent restrictions and have 7 deaths/100,000 in Nova Scotia, 0 in PEI, and 4 in New Brunswick.

Alberta's total number of deaths/100,000 is 20%-25% that of hard-hit countries such as Italy, US, UK, Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Sweden (Our World in Data). It is significantly worse than Australia, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. 

References:
i. How is Alberta doing and what should we be doing next?, Centre for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
ii. Canada Coronavirus Map and Case Count, the New York Times
iii. Cumulative Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths per Million People, University of Oxford