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By Canadian Press

Stronger measures needed to avoid Alberta health-care system collapse: Doc group

Sep 9, 2021 | 7:39 AM

EDMONTON – A group of Alberta doctors say the province’s health-care system is on the verge of collapse and will crumble if the government doesn’t strengthen public health measures.

Intensive care units are operating at 87 per cent capacity , even as the province’s health-care provider added more beds.

Physicians with the advocacy group Protect Our Province say staffing challenges and limited restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 have created a dire situation.

The Government of Alberta reinstated a mask mandate last week, and stopped liquor sales after 10 p.m.

They also announced a $100 incentive for unvaccinated Albertans to get their shots.

But doctors say those measures don’t go far enough.

Edmonton-based doctor Darren Markland, an intensive care physician, says the government should consider vaccine passports and a short lockdown to calm a growing fourth wave.

Another doctor, Ilan Schwartz, adds that the situation has come to a boiling point.

by Canadian Press