'I care about you': Heart-wrenching image of Alberta ICU doctor sparks calls for more discipline in COVID-19 response
As of Friday, 462 people had died of COVID-19 in Alberta. In this picture, ICU physician Dr. Simon Demers-Marcil calls a family to tell them a loved one died of COVID-19. Help prevent the spread of #COVID19ab by following all public health measures: https://t.co/C0V22rhMrD pic.twitter.com/EuVvcfV1Jh
— Alberta Health Services (@AHS_media) November 21, 2020
In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta Health Services posted a heart-wrenching photo on Twitter after the province confirmed more than 460 people have died from the virus.
“In this picture, ICU physician Dr. Simon Demers-Marcil calls a family to tell them a loved one died of COVID-19,” the tweet reads, going on to urge Albertans to follow all the public health guidelines in place to stop the spread of the virus.
People quickly responded to the post on social media, sending their thanks for healthcare workers for being “heroes” throughout this pandemic.
To Dr. Simon Demers-Marcil, and all ICU nurses and doctors in #Alberta...you are absolute heros! #COVID19AB is a warzone, and you are on the frontlines. You are risking your lives to help save others. Thank you is an absolute understatement. https://t.co/SPAewqlDDL
— DGidrewicz (@dgidziu) November 21, 2020
I #StayHome for Dr Simon Demers-Marcil & all his coworkers (janitors & food service staff included).
The 2 or 3x per month I absolutely *must* leave the house, I mask up from the moment I open my door.
I stay home & mask up to show you I care about you.https://t.co/wvZfj6noPb— Practice Courage (@SilvoPastured) November 21, 2020
Dr. Simon Demers-Marcil kneeling and distraught.
Please, please, please wear a mask, wash your hands, limit contacts and stay safe.
Protect your Doctors and health care workers - they are all we have between us and Covid. https://t.co/s0mVOOFQZw— Marlie B (@MissMarlieB) November 21, 2020
Alberta has now reported 471 deaths due to COVID-19 in the province, after a record-breaking 1,584 new cases were reported on Sunday.
As case numbers continue to rise in Alberta, some people, including legendary hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser, began using the hashtag #WhereIsKenney to call for more “leadership” in managing the COVID-19 situation in Alberta.
I am extremely worried. This virus is deadly serious in so many ways. We need leadership stat. #covid19AB #WhereIsKenney #dobetter https://t.co/7A4IFtr0E5
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) November 23, 2020
This is what Albertans get to see when COVID cases skyrocket. Not a premier owning the problem. Not a government frantically working to protect Albertans. Not even a minister to speak for the government.
Just an empty podium.
Jason Kenney has ghosted us. #WhereIsKenney pic.twitter.com/GhVMMoaqEk— CGouef (@CGouef) November 22, 2020
Really terrible. Yet another record-breaking day: 1,584 new #COVID19AB cases. @jkenney: please start showing some leadership.
We need action now. Stop hiding. #ableg #WhereIsKenney— Joe Ceci (@joececiyyc) November 22, 2020
So my wife works in a lab that is doing a large portion of covid testing.
She didn't want to kiss me goodbye today, just in case....So that's where we are, folks.
The mental stresses our health care workers are enduring is hard to fathom.#WhereIsKenney— Steve (@YYC_Steve) November 23, 2020
As of Sunday’s update, there are 319 people currently in Alberta hospital, including 16 in intensive care, and 12,195 active cases across the province.