Update on COVID-19 and the Importance of Completing your Will, Personal Directive, and Enduring Power of Attorney
The Government of Alberta released modelling for COVID-19 earlier this week. Make sure you are prepared for the unknown by completing your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive.
According to the new modelling unveiled by the Alberta Government on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, by the end of Summer 2020, 800,000 Albertans are projected to become infected with COVID-19 and more than 800 Albertans infected with COVID-19 could be hospitalized at the likely peak of Alberta’s coronavirus outbreak in early May 2020. The modelling further suggests that under the expected probable scenario, 232 of the 818 admitted to hospital will need treatment in Intensive Care Unit (“ICU”).
In the less likely, but still possible elevated scenario, there are projections that 392 ICU admissions and ,1570 Albertans will need to be hospitalized during this peak.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, warns that these numbers are by no means guarantees and are in fact far from guarantees.
“Modelling is an estimate based on the best-known data at the time that the model is put together…The most important factor in how big or small the impact of COVID-19 is in this province is the behaviour of each and every one of us.”
At Caron & Partners LLP, we have received a high number of inquiries and requests from clients to assist them with their Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives at this time. We continue to assist our clients with completing these very important documents in a safe and convenient manner.
A Personal Directive, which is also known as a Living Will, is important to have so that the agent you choose can make personal decisions, including medical decisions, on your behalf in the event you are unable to.
An Enduring Power of Attorney allows a person you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf when you are no longer capable of making these decisions for yourself.