As COVID-19 death toll hits 815, Hinshaw warns opioid crisis also ongoing – Fort McMurray Today

As COVID-19 death toll hits 815, Hinshaw warns opioid crisis also ongoing – Fort McMurray Today

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Alberta Health reported 25 more deaths from COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the death toll to 815. The number comes one day after the province set a record with 30 deaths.

But during her daily press conference, Dr. Deena Hinshaw reminded Albertans that COVID-19 is not the only health crisis facing the province.

It has already been the deadliest year for fatal overdoses and poisonings in Alberta, which has reported 904 deaths between January and October. Hinshaw said 449 of those deaths were accidental opioid overdoses.

Hinshaw said it is difficult to know what has caused the increase, but acknowledged health restrictions that began in March likely worsened the crisis as recovery supports either limited access or shut down.

“It is a sad reminder that while COVID-19 is a serious and deadly pandemic, it is not the only public health crisis impacting our families and communities,” said Hinshaw.

Published at Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:55:10 +0000